At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging tours and teach lessons to school-age visitors at the museum.
- Company: Join Messiah University, a diverse institution committed to education and community service.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, gain experience in education, and work with live animals.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young minds while enjoying a vibrant museum environment.
- Qualifications: Must have experience working with children and a passion for teaching.
- Other info: Position is temporary and requires availability Monday to Saturday.
Museum Teaching Docent (Part time, temporary)
Below you will find the details for the position including any special instructions, supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link.
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Position Title Museum Teaching Docent (Part time, temporary)
Position Type
Position Type Staff
Employee Group
Employee Group Temporary
Time Status
Time Status Part-Time
Time Category
Time Category Limited Hour (< 1000 hours)
Annual Hours
Annual Hours Varies
# of Months
# of Months 12
Hours Per Week Varies
Work Dates
On call, as needed Monday – Saturday (typically between the hours of 9-2:30 weekdays and 9:45-4:00 1-2 Saturdays/month)
Campus
Campus Main Campus (Grantham)
Position Description
Position Summary
This position is responsible for assisting the Director of the Oakes Museum with museum programming (tours, field trips, classes, camps)
Education Required
Education Preferred
Additional teacher certification and/or background in biology or environmental science
Experience Required
Minimum of three years experience working with children
Experience Preferred
Skills, Characteristics Required for Position
• Ability to assimilate a great deal of information
• Ability to enthusiastically communicate information to children and/or adults
• Strong critical thinking and questioning skills
Special Working Conditions
Ability/willingness to work outside and with live animals (after training)
Driving Requirements
N/A
Essential Employee N/A
Primary Duties
1. Lead tours and teach lessons to museum visitors, mostly school-age children
2. Engage in positive ways with museum visitors, enhancing their experience
3. Maintain consistent and reliable attendance
Secondary Duties
1. Other duties as assigned.
Supervises: # of Administrative
Supervises: # of Administrative 0
Supervises: # of Staff
Supervises: # of Staff 0
Supervises: # of Student
Supervises: # of Student 0
Posting Date
Posting Date 08/07/2025
Open Until Filled No
Application Deadline
Diversity
Messiah University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” The university has pursued this vision through a strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program that seeks to equip and enable educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
Optional Documents
Human Resources: One University Avenue Suite 3015 Mechanicsburg PA 17055; 717-796-5300
Student Employment: One University Avenue Suite 3015 Mechanicsburg PA 17055; 717-796-1800 x.2900
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Museum Teaching Docent (Part time, temporary) employer: Messiah College
Contact Detail:
Messiah College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Museum Teaching Docent (Part time, temporary)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Oakes Museum's current programming and exhibits. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the museum's mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your experience working with children. Think of specific examples where you've successfully engaged young audiences, as this will be crucial for the teaching aspect of the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant certifications or training you have, especially those related to biology or environmental science. This can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to the subject matter.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to diversity and inclusion within the museum setting. Reflect on your personal experiences and how they align with the museum's mission to foster an inclusive environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Museum Teaching Docent (Part time, temporary)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Museum Teaching Docent position. Pay special attention to the skills needed, such as experience with children and the ability to communicate effectively.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses your passion for education and diversity, as well as your relevant experience. Highlight how your background aligns with the museum's mission and how you can contribute to their programming.
Update Your Resume: Ensure your resume is current and tailored to the position. Include relevant experience working with children, any teaching certifications, and skills that demonstrate your ability to engage and educate diverse audiences.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: Take time to thoughtfully answer any application questions, especially those related to diversity and inclusion. Reflect on your personal experiences and articulate how they shape your approach to teaching and engagement in a museum setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Messiah College
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for teaching and working with children. Share specific examples of how you've engaged young learners in the past, as this role heavily focuses on leading tours and lessons.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the position requires you to communicate effectively with both children and adults, prepare to showcase your ability to convey information clearly and engagingly. Consider practising a brief lesson or tour segment to demonstrate your style.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
With a minimum of three years' experience working with children required, be ready to discuss your previous roles. Focus on specific experiences that relate to museum programming, such as leading educational activities or managing groups.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Given the university's commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence, be prepared to articulate why these values matter to you personally and professionally. Think about how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment in your teaching.