Natural History Interpretation Manager

Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums, is among the top natural history museums in the country. It maintains, preserves, and interprets an extraordinary collection of artifacts, objects, and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new scientific knowledge, advances science literacy, and inspires visitors of all ages to become passionate about science, nature, and world cultures. Carnegie Museums is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.
 

This Full-Time position is eligible for the Carnegie Museums' many Benefits. 

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate.

he Natural History Interpretation Manager is responsible for maintaining a team approach to the smooth development, operation and delivery of programs designed for school & group audiences while supporting positive daily gallery experiences for all visitors. Duties include supervising staff, coordinating programs, assisting in day-to-day field trip and gallery operations, and coordinating facility resources across Education and with other departments and divisions. Duties may include work on evenings and weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience and 1-year professional experience required. 
• Experience involving supervising duties is preferred.
• Experience maintaining program quality and vision in a complex and changing environment is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• This position requires a highly organized individual who is able to coordinate, develop, and support innovative learning experiences. 
• Ability to manage personnel and complex tasks in a dynamic environment is essential.
• Candidates must have strong communication skills. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift 25 lbs and work while presenting for long periods of time. Duties may include working on weekends and evenings.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Manage the daily operations of Natural History Interpreter team. 
• Responsibilities include organizing, maintaining and modifying program materials, and developing new materials as needed.
• Work with Program Manager to coordinate the development and delivery of school & group programs and support the positive daily gallery experiences for all visitors.
• Respond to information requests.  
• Monitor both scheduled programs and daily gallery experiences. 
• Collect visitor feedback to ensure that program goals and objectives are achieved.   
• Schedule, supervise and motivate Natural History Interpreters in order to assure program quality and excellent customer service.
• Hire, train, and work with staff to set goals for performance and personal growth. 
• As necessary, conduct disciplinary actions in conjunction with the Program Manager. 
• Evaluate staff performance and manage recruitment and training processes.     
• Coordinate delivery of programs with Natural History Interpreters and other CMNH personnel to ensure clear communications and scheduling. 
• In this effort, maintain a professional relationship with other CMNH departments across Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh when appropriate.  
• Implement plans for budgeted funds in a fiscally responsible manner that aligns with budget projections, ensures a welcoming experience for visitors and monitors the safety and maintenance of exhibitions.
• Maintain professional growth in natural history content and education. 
• Give and receive constructive criticism with the goal of developing individual skills and the quality of museum educational experiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Expected starting pay range, based on experience, $39,000 to $43,500.  

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Females / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.