10/21/2002 26270

MUSEUM EDUCATOR SUPERVISOR

DEFINITION: This is professional and supervisory work directing an educational and interpretive program.

An employee in this class is responsible for the overall operation of a large, high volume, or complex educational and interpretive program. Work includes directing, controlling, and coordinating educational and interpretive programs based on museum and historic site collections, in-depth research, and historic or museum-related topics or activities. Work involves directing instructional, interpretive, and supportive activities including planetarium shows, traveling exhibits, lectures, classes, special events, demonstrations, and single or group tours. Work also involves establishing and maintaining contacts with curatorial staff, exhibition design staff, and school and community groups to develop and coordinate educational programs for implementation by subordinate staff. Supervision is exercised over museum educators and technical or clerical employees assigned to educational and interpretive activities. Work is performed under the direction of an administrative superior or a site administrator and is reviewed through evaluation of education program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Supervises museum educators and technical or clerical employees assigned to educational or interpretive activities at the State Museum or at one or more historic sites/museums.

Plans the operational aspects of the educational programs, such as assigning projects or studies and scheduling and directing the flow of work.

Directs the planning and scheduling of classes, lectures, site or museum tours, interpretive programs, planetarium shows, and other educational and interpretive activities related to museum and site collections and programs.

Oversees the recruitment, training, recognition, and work of museum/historic site volunteers.

Ensures that the educational programs are consistent with the Department of Education Curriculum Standards.

Prepares scripts, story lines, and lesson plans.

Makes the selection of components for audio-visual displays.

Presents materials to the public or interested groups through classes, lectures, shows, and tours.

Participates, along with curators, historians, exhibition designers, and senior management, in the development of exhibitions.

Conducts visitor surveys, focus groups, and questionnaires to track effectiveness of programming, as well as visitor interest and needs.

Monitors, reviews, and evaluates all educational and interpretive program operations in the State Museum or large historical sites/museums.

Develops, through individual and group conferences, the efficiency and skill of subordinate employees.

Supervises the inventory and ordering of arts and crafts and other instructional supplies.

Compiles lists of equipment and supplies needed in conjunction with budget requests.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the philosophy, principles, practices, methods, and techniques of education as they relate to museum and historic site educational and interpretive activities directed to the general public and school children.

Knowledge of effective teaching techniques.

Knowledge of the resources, operating characteristics and policies, and objectives of the state's museums and historic sites.

Knowledge of the full range of objects and research methods applicable to developing information concerning museum and site resources and activities for use in educational and interpretive programs.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of museum administration to include personnel, budgeting, and other management skills.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of employee supervision.

Ability to perform in-depth research related to museum and site resources and characteristics.

Ability to prepare and implement lesson plans.

Ability to plan and develop museum exhibits and similar educational displays using a variety of methods and instruments.

Ability to compose letters, articles, scripts, and story lines for presentations and pamphlets to arouse public interest in educational and interpretive programs.

Ability to plan and supervise the work of museum educators and technical or clerical employees engaged in educational, interpretive and supportive activities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with curatorial staff and with public and private groups and individuals concerned with museum-related educational programs.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Museum Educator 2;

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Three years of experience in museum related educational and interpretive work, and a bachelor’s degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.