Science Collections Intern

About the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History:

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History began as an idea put forth by the local council of Administrative Women in Education in 1939. Over the years, the museum has grown from a small donated collection housed in two classrooms at De Zavala Elementary to over 200,000 specimens and artifacts. The collections were amassed through a mixture of donations and active collecting and currently include many types of scientific specimens (biological material including taxidermy mounts, fluid- and study skin collections and geological specimens including rocks, minerals, and fossils), as well as historical, ethnographic, and anthropological artifacts, an archive, and a research library. Our Collections Department is tasked with caring for all of these artifacts and specimens to preserve them for future generations to come.

Job Summary:

• Support Collections staff in preserving, researching, and cataloging the FWMSH Natural Science Collection
• Assist in processing collections, including registering, accessioning, cataloging, packing, unpacking, maintaining inventory, and documentation
• Utilize Re:discovery Proficio Museum Software for cataloging and inventorying collections
• Assist in the maintaining of the museum collection database through data entry and editing
• Become familiar with proper specimen handling and storage procedures
• Monitor and care for Collections on exhibit
• Assist with exhibit installation and strike (subject to exhibit calendar)
• Conduct research to identify and interpret museum collections
• Assist in setting up and assembling storage areas for collections according to curatorial standards; clean collection and storage area as needed
• May perform duties focused on a specified area of study subject to the needs of the collections, but cannot be guaranteed

Education/Experience:

Currently enrolled as a student working towards a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Museum Studies, natural science, or a relevant field. A demonstrated interest in natural science or museum collections and previous work experience preferred.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled student at a university and in good standing
• Interest in natural history and museum collections
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to function in a fast pace environment with time constraints, and within established deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills
• Communicates effectively both orally and in writing
• Strong problem-solving and listening skills
• Some data entry experience
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite or similar software to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Physical Demands:

The following physical demands are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Work may be performed in an office environment, museum environment, or field environment
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, climbing stairs, carrying and lifting objects (up to 20lbs)
• Reaching, kneeling, and crouching
• Visual and hearing acuity
• Basic manual dexterity with both hands

The Science Collections Intern works onsite and at our Collections Facility while performing the essential functions of the job. Travel may be required at times.

Reports to: Director of Science Collections/Science Collections Manager

Status: Paid; $15 per hour

Work Schedule: Maximum 20 hours per week; 3-month appointment

To apply for this position, please fill out the online form here.

Internship ($15/hour)

The museum is seeking an HR Intern with strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to assist with the recruitment and hiring of new museum staff as it prepares for the opening and upkeep of our new OMNI IMAX Theatre.

The HR intern will assist and work alongside the HR Department in recruiting and onboarding new talent, as well as assisting the transitioning and training of OMNI IMAX Theatre workers.

Hours per week are flexible and will not total more than 20 hours per week.

Basic Function and Responsibilities: 

• Assists with recruitment and interview process. Tracks the status of candidates and responds with follow-up letters at the end of the recruiting process.
• Submits and assists new-employee background checks and drug screens.
• Prepare and upkeep new employee and current employee files.
• Assist with onboarding part-time staff, including new hire paperwork.

Qualifications:

The internship is open to current undergraduate juniors and seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students studying human resources or related fields. The successful intern will also possess:

• Strong oral, written, and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Work Schedule:

This position will be required to work onsite Monday-Friday, with scheduled shifts being between the times of 8:30 am-4:30 pm

*** This internship is set to start in early August, with the opportunity to start as early as July 15th, 2024. The internship is set to run until December 2024.***

To apply for this position, please fill out the online form here.

Summer Enrichment Program Facilitators:

The Education Department is seeking qualified, enthusiastic Summer Enrichment Program Facilitators for the Summer of 2024. FWMSH education programs focus on Inquiry-based discovery that fosters curiosity and exploration through hands-on activities and interactive learning. Facilitators will help learning come alive in a fun and engaging atmosphere, sparking a lifelong love of discovery. This summer program is specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of 5–10-year-olds. Each facilitator will lead week-long sessions (Monday-Thursday) at different FWISD campuses throughout June. This position will report to the Outreach Manager.

Qualifications:

• Creative and enthusiastic educator who thrives in a student-centered environment.
• Possess a deep respect for all children, celebrating their unique learning styles and abilities.
• Conscious Discipline approach to classroom management, fostering cooperation and positive behavior.
• Skilled facilitator who can ignite curiosity and guide students toward independent exploration.
• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field (preferred)
• Bilingual a plus
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Displays professionalism, people skills, and stellar organizational skills
• Reliable and flexible

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Participate in planning and preparing developmentally appropriate activities
• Facilitate engaging lessons and activities at FWISD campuses
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment using Conscious Discipline techniques
• Communicate effectively with parents, school staff, and museum staff

Pay rate: $30/hour; 16-20 hours/week

To apply for this position, please fill out the online form here.

The Education Department is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic Summer Enrichment Program Coordinator for the Summer of 2024.  This program will work with children ages five through ten years old during June.  The Education Department’s inquiry-based discovery approach offers children a unique opportunity for learning in a creative, informal environment, using age-appropriate interpretation and hands-on interaction and opportunities.  This summer’s program focuses on three different lessons and each educator will spend a week at a variety of FWISD campuses throughout June.  This position is within the Museum’s Education Department and reports to the Outreach Manager.

Qualifications:

• Education Experience
• Bilingual is a plus
• Excellent people skills, maintaining a professional attitude toward all staff, parents, and children
• Respect for all children and their learning abilities and difference
• Good organizational skills
• Reliable and flexible

 Responsibilities and Duties:

• Participating in planning and preparing projects
• Ensure that summer program staff have the necessary teaching materials and turn in materials lists to the Outreach and Public Programs Manager as needed
• Serve as a point of contact for FWISD Summer School staff
• Serve as a substitute in the FWISD program as needed
• Implementing effective classroom management
• Facilitation of lessons and activities
• Participation in the planning of developmentally appropriate activities
• Classroom discipline
• Communication with parents, school staff, and museum staff

Pay rate: $35/hour; 16-25 hours/week

To apply for this position, please fill out the online form here.

Guest Services

Job Summary:

Guest Services creates a first impression of welcome and warmth to all of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s visitors. Guest services create an engaging environment for Museum visitors by answering any questions or concerns and providing information about any exhibits or programs being facilitated at the Museum. This position is cross-trained to work in multiple frontline guest service areas, including admission desk and museum exhibits.

Basic Function and Responsibilities including but not limited to:

• Provide exceptional customer service to all museum guests and staff in a friendly and welcoming manner.
• Accurately process admissions, parking, and memberships
• Greet and guide field trip groups
• Provide visitors with assistance and information about any events or programs, as well as answer any questions visitors may have.
• Rotate into the galleries and exhibits during shifts, ensuring that the assigned gallery is being properly maintained as needed.
• Occasionally assists in Museum Gift Shop

Qualifications:

• Must be 16 years of age and older
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Multi-tasking and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual, Spanish, a plus.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Be able to climb stairs
• Be able to lift a minimum of 20 pounds
• Be able to stand and/or walk for prolonged periods of time
• Be able to work in an indoor/outdoor setting for a prolonged period of time
• Be able to work in an environment with moderate to loud noise

Salary Range: $14-16 an hour

To apply for this position, please fill out the online form here.

Outreach Educator (Part-Time) 

Job Summary:

The Outreach Educator’s role is to support the implementation of Education programs both onsite at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and at various sites throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Current Outreach Education programs include, but are not limited to, the Discovery Lab on Wheels Outreach Program and special events. Duties will include learning program content, organizing program materials, delivering instruction both in-person and virtually, and being an ambassador of the Museum. This person must have excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, superior communication skills, able to work well with children and adults, deliver programs in informal education settings, and be an effective problem solver. This person must work well in a team atmosphere.

Basic Function and Responsibilities including but not limited to: 

• Deliver programs to varied audiences in a variety of settings
• Facilitate participant learning during programs
• Set up, clean up and organize materials and resources needed for programming
• Inventory materials and report replenishment needs
• Check in with sites and contact person upon arrival at program location
• Drive to various programming locations in the Dallas Fort Worth area
• Load and unload materials at Museum and offsite locations
• Complete post program reports

To apply for this position, please fill out the online form here.

Museum School Teacher 

Museum School Mission Statement The purpose of Museum School is to offer children a unique opportunity for learning in a creative, informal environment, using age-appropriate interpretation and hands-on interaction and opportunities. 

Museum School Philosophy Museum School’s discovery approach enhances a child’s awareness of the world. The curriculum combines natural and physical sciences, history, and anthropology with art, music, and literature. 

Museum School Goals Children will: have first-hand experiences; develop an appreciation for the natural world; begin to construct their own knowledge; gain skills in listening and language acquisition; and creatively express themselves through music, art, and drama. 

The Education Department is seeking qualified, enthusiastic Museum School Teachers for its Preschool program. Museum School Teachers are responsible for the implementation of  age-appropriate activities that support specific class subjects in a way that reflects the mission statement, philosophy and goals of the Fort Worth Museum Preschool. The ideal candidate has a passion for providing extraordinary learning experiences for children.  

Museum School Preschool teaching schedules vary. The Museum Preschool operates Tuesday through Friday from 8:15am until 4:30pm, August through May. The position of Museum School Teacher falls under the direction and supervision of the Museum Preschool Director. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor or Master Degree in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Child Development, or Elementary Education
• Certified EC-4 Generalist or EC-6 Generalist preferred 
• Minimum of 2 years (EC-3) teaching experience required
• ESL certification preferred 

Characteristics, Abilities and Responsibilities of a Museum School Teacher 

Characteristics 

• Friendly, out-going personality with a high energy level. 
• Respect for all children and their learning abilities or differences. 
• Exhibit competency, good judgment, and emotional control in the presence of children. 
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, honest and responsible behavior. 
• Enjoy working with young children and relate to children with courtesy, respect, acceptance and patience. 
• Exhibit a growth mindset and the desire for life-long learning. 

Abilities 

• Exhibit effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Exhibit knowledge and skills relevant to the specific ages and stages of the children in assigned classroom. 
• Plan, prepare, organize and execute age-appropriate curriculum, activities and projects competently with a team of teachers. 
• Collaborate, teach and work effectively with a co-lead teacher in the classroom. 
• Treat each child and their family with respect and dignity, while recognizing and respecting the uniqueness of all children, their families, and their cultures. 
• Ability and willingness to initiate, collaborate, and assist with tasks, including preparing the classroom for the next topic each week, assisting with supply ordering, parent communication and other classroom management tasks, as required. 
• Support children in their learning and development with attention to the special needs of each individual child. 

Responsibilities 

• Articulate the Museum School’s mission to the community. 
• Foster developmentally-appropriate independence in children through planned, flexible activities while maintaining a cooperative atmosphere. 
• Develop knowledge and understanding of the Museum School curriculum topics in order to effectively teach lessons and activities to young learners. 
• Maintain a safe, attractive, organized environment. 
• Implement classroom guidance and discipline strategies that reflect the Fort Worth Museum Preschool values. 
• Participate in professional development opportunities to improve skills. 
• Attend and participate in staff meetings. 
• Teach in the Museum School Summer program. 
• Comply with the requirements of the Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Minimum Standards. 
• Implement procedures and protocols related to the health and safety of all students and employees to ensure their safety including, but not limited to, COVID-19 related health policies and procedures.
• Maintain CPR, First Aid, and Tarrant County Child Care certification. 

Museum School employees are carefully selected for their experience, training, maturity, work ethic, and personality. Timely organization, preparation, and effective classroom management skills are required. 

To apply for this position, please fill out the online form here.

Education Facilitator

The Education Department is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic facilitator for the 2023-2024 fall/spring school-year.  This program will work with the possible ages of three through seven year old children throughout the school year.  The Education Department’s inquiry-based discovery approach offers children a unique opportunity for learning in a creative, informal environment, using age-appropriate interpretation and hands-on interaction and opportunities.  The interdisciplinary curriculum combines science and history with creative activities.  The ideal facilitator is passionate about instilling a respect and appreciation for nature in children.  This position is within the Museum’s Education Department and reports to the Executive Director of Education.

Qualifications:

• Early Childhood Experience
• Bilingual is a plus
• Excellent people skills, maintaining a professional attitude toward all staff, parents and children
• Respect for all children and their learning abilities and difference
• Good organizational skills
• Reliable and flexible

Basic Functions and Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Participating in planning and preparing projects
• Implementing effective classroom management
• Facilitation of lessons and activities
• Participation in the planning of developmentally appropriate activities
• Classroom discipline
• Communication with parents, school staff and museum staff

To apply for this position, please fill out the online form here.

Education Facilitator

The Education Department is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic facilitator for the 2023-2024 fall/spring school year.  This program will work with the possible ages of Kindergarten through 5th-grade children on Fridays from September 2023 through March 2024.  The Education Department’s inquiry-based discovery approach offers children a unique opportunity for learning in a creative, informal environment, using age-appropriate interpretation and hands-on interaction and opportunities.  The interdisciplinary curriculum combines science and history with creative activities.  The ideal facilitator is passionate about instilling a respect and appreciation for nature in children.  This position is within the Museum’s Education Department and reports to the Executive Director of Education.

Qualifications:

• Early Childhood Experience
• Bilingual is a plus
• Excellent people skills, maintaining a professional attitude toward all staff, parents and children
• Respect for all children and their learning abilities and difference
• Good organizational skills
• Reliable and flexible

Basic Functions and Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Participating in planning and preparing projects
• Implementing effective classroom management
• Facilitation of lessons and activities
• Participation in the planning of developmentally appropriate activities
• Classroom discipline
• Communication with parents, school staff and museum staff

To apply for this position, please fill out the online form here.