12/01/1978 26250

MUSEUM EDUCATOR 1

DEFINITION: This is entry level professional museum-related educational work.

An employee in this class performs professional public educational and informational work in presenting museum educational programs consisting of classroom study courses, lectures, audio-visual displays, planetarium programs and similar instructional programs based upon museum and field site collections, and activities, and museum-related research activities. Work involves assisting a higher level museum educator in devising class and program schedules, preparing lesson plans, scripts, or other forms of presentation, and presenting the material through lectures, classroom instruction, or other presentation techniques. Work includes conducting the basic research to develop information about museum collections, exhibits, or activities to form the basis of museum educational and interpretive programs. Work assignments are selected to provide orientation and training in the resources, objectives, and operating characteristics of the state museum and field site systems, in basic educational and informational methods and techniques, and in the sources and methodology of research. Work assignments are given with detailed and specific instructions and are reviewed in progress and upon completion by the section supervisor. As experience is gained, routine assignments are performed with increasing independence and reviewed upon completion.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Participates in the development of schedules of classes, lectures, mobile exhibits, planetarium shows, and other activities related to museum and field site collections and programs.

Assists higher level museum educators in writing scripts and story lines, taping shows, preparing visual and audio-visual aids, operating and maintaining audio-visual equipment, planning and designing bulletin boards, and performing research related to instructional and interpretive activities.

Conducts classes, delivers lectures, augments audio-visual presentations with commentaries, and presents material to the general public or groups interested in special topics as part of the Historical and Museum Commission's educational and interpretive program.

Assists in training of volunteers and part-time assistants engaged in museum educational and interpretive activities.

Performs a variety of tasks related to museum educational programs, including composing correspondence relative to scheduling, inventorying and ordering audio-visual equipment and supplies, and drafting news releases.

Participates in the planning and design of exhibits related to educational programs.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of basic principles, practices, and methods of education as they related to the tangible collections of museums and historic sites.

Knowledge of characteristic resources and objectives of museums and historic sites.

Knowledge of basic source materials, tangible objects, and research methods applicable to developing information concerning museum and field site resources and activities for use in educational and interpretive programs.

Ability to prepare lesson or presentation plans, including effective use of visual and audio-visual aids, and to present material to classes or the public through classroom instruction, lectures, or similar methods.

Ability to perform simple research related to museum and field site resources and characteristics and to work effectively with subject matter specialties.

Ability to plan and design non-complex exhibits, bulletin boards, and similar displays.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private groups and individuals concerned with museum and field site educational and interpretive programs.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience in museum-related educational and interpretive work, and a bachelor's degree. Graduate study which included or was supplemented by museum studies courses recognized by the American Association of Museums or a museum internship may be substituted for experience on a year-for- year basis.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training which would afford the applicant the Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.