| Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Meijer Gardens is ranked among the 100 most visited art institutions in the world. The organization embraces the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment, and a rich cultural experience for generations to come. Department: Learning Engagement Supervisor: Manager of Youth & Family Learning Engagement Pay Type: Seasonal, Hourly, Non-exempt (Not Eligible for Full-Time Benefits) Schedule: Weekend availability preferred Position Summary: The Part-Time Youth Educator is responsible for creating dynamic, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences that connect diverse audiences to the museum’s collections, stories, and engagement programming. This role brings learning to life through guided programs, interactive drop-in activities, and focused experiences that evolve with exhibitions and community needs. The Educator is also responsible for fostering a welcoming and curiosity-driven environment rooted in research-based best practices and current innovations in museum or related education. This position leads groups of all ages and demonstrates commitment to representing the voices and experiences of our community. The Educator facilitates programs in both indoor and outdoor settings, to support a range of program formats The Educator is collaborates and contributes to the continuous improvement of visitor engagement and experience, ensuring to model a positive, accessible, and guest‑centered approach in all interactions.
Essential Functions - Facilitate learning level-appropriate and engaging learning experiences for guests utilizing established plans.
- Present and translate information clearly and accurately in a way that connects audiences to collections, exhibitions, and stories
- Ensure teaching programming, and exhibit-adjacent or related learning areas remain clean, organized, fully stocked and prepped for set-up related to assigned programming
- Lead engaging drop-in activities and focused learning experiences for the organization.
- Greet, orient, and assist guests in a friendly, guest-focused manner.
- Empowers program volunteers to use their talents in creating meaningful learning experiences that uplift students and enrich the educational community
- Collect attendance data, feedback, and observations to assess program effectiveness as assigned
- Support and foster a curiosity-driven environment where all participants and their support networks are engaged, connected, and involved in the learning process.
- Assist with cultural celebrations, stakeholder tours, and thematic events that enhance the center’s visibility and community impact
- Monitor group behavior and maintain a safe environment for all participants
- Remain aware of safety protocols, assist during incident responses (as appropriate), and maintain situational awareness to protect guests and staff.
- Utilize educational technology and related business tools as needed (i.e., SMART Boards and iPads)
- Collaborate with management and stakeholders related to programming as assigned
- Modify instructional approaches or activities as needed to support accessibility, and different age groups
- Engage and complete professional development to remain current in best practices in museum education, education, or related fields.
- Make recommendations for learning plans, supplies and materials.
- Properly address and resolve behavior issues with learning guests as appropriate.
- Attend required observations, meetings and training courses
- Other duties as assigned
Education and / or Qualifications preferred: - Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Museum Education, Public History, or a related field strongly preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant work experience and education will also be considered.
- Experience:
- Youth programming assignments require a minimum of 1 year of experience teaching youth through structured lessons, hands-on activities, or inquiry‑based learning in classroom, museum, or program environments required.
- Bilingual Spanish/English skills are preferred to enhance accessibility and provide inclusive experiences for all visitors
- Skills/Knowledge/Licenses:
- Standard or Professional Teaching certification preferred
- First Aid/CPR certification preferred
- Ability to pass a background check required for working with youth and vulnerable populations
- Ability to support a variety of learning levels and styles, abilities, and group program formats in both indoor and outdoor settings through facilitation.
- Ability to translate complex ideas or concepts into accessible learning experiences for children, teens, adults, and multigenerational groups
- Ability to facilitate and translate complex cultural, historical, or scientific concepts into accessible, meaningful experiences that deepen guest understanding and appreciation.
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences
- Ability to demonstrate and uphold child-safety, guest safety, accessibility, and ethical engagement standards
- Ability to communicate within various levels of the organization
- Ability to model strong communication and public speaking skills
- Knowledge of lesson planning
- Ability to embrace the organization’s non-profit status and commitment to serving and treating the public with dignity and working with a broad and diverse group of employees, volunteers, members, and guests in a respectful and professional manner.
- Ability to stay updated on trends and demonstrate proficiency in technology related to the department, programming and tools.
- Ability to drive/travel to off-site programs or community partners may be required.
Organizational Expectations - Welcoming: Fostering joy and an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
- Excellence: Approaching all we do with world-class intentionalism.
- Innovation: Embracing the future to create unique and engaging experiences in art, culture and nature with a commitment to creativity.
- Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency and accountability throughout the organization.
- Stewardship: Preserving and enhancing our community, physical, cultural, and financial resources for current and future generations.
Working Conditions: Basic mobility is required throughout museum galleries, classrooms, outdoor garden and program areas, and public spaces. Ability to observe artwork, objects, and visitor interactions at close range and communicate information clearly to diverse audiences. Occasional handling and movement of program materials, carts, or supplies with or without assistance. Ability to navigate indoor and outdoor environments, including stairs, varied terrain, and crowded spaces. Comfort working outdoors in heat, cold, wind, or light precipitation as programs require. Shifts vary based on program schedules. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while facilitating tours or programs. Occasional lifting or carrying of materials up to approximately 10-25lbs, and the ability to push or pull rolling carts of supplies. Frequent bending, reaching, or kneeling to engage participants of different ages and support hands on activities. Visual and auditory ability to interpret artwork, monitor safety, and respond to visitor questions in active environments. Capacity to operate basic technology and art making tools as part of program delivery. As part of our onboarding process, all new hires are required to complete our background check. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
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