Museum Educator

Salary: $23.89 – $30.97 Hourly

Location: Portsmouth, VA

Job Type: Part-Time Regular

Job Number: FY

Department: Museums and Tourism

Opening Date: 06/23/2026

Closing Date: 7/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Under general supervision, this position, aids with the development and presentation of various educational programs, and assists with scheduling, planning, and implementation of programs to maintain and expand the mission of the Museums. Reports to the Education Coordinator.

Develops, implements, and evaluates on-site and outreach educational programs and materials; assists with program research, helps with program logistics and provides orientations to groups; attends, represents, and promotes the Museum at various workshops, conferences, and regional education groups. Responsible for working as a team member in the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of special programs designed to increase museum patronage; develops and provides guided tours at the Museum;

assists with training staff to conduct programs at the Museums; develops and presents outreach programs; and maintains a safe environment for participants at all times. Designs, conducts, and analyzes surveys; purchases and maintains supplies and equipment; maintains educational calendars, program files and records; accurately records all program registrations and sends confirmation letters; assists with the day-to-day requirements of the Planetarium;

responds to inquiries concerning programs and special event preparation; provides floor assistance; and works in the special events room as necessary. Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge of Job: Has general knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Department of Museums. Has knowledge on how the exhibits function and is able to interpret the exhibits to the visitors. Is skilled in a wide variety of educational learning techniques. Is able to establish and maintain control of a large group. Is able to communicate effectively both orally and written.

Is able to exercise independent judgment, discretion and initiative. Is able to exercise tact and courtesy with the visitors and other employees. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relations. Is knowledgeable of the other museums, attractions, hotels, and restaurants in Portsmouth as well as events.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all co-workers and the general public.

Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under “Essential Job Functions.”

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards, and prescribed procedures.

Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to supervisor with respect to time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and recommends solutions. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction. Ensures understanding of instruction and…