At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage visitors with hands-on STEM activities and create memorable experiences.
- Company: Join the Science Museum Group, inspiring future scientists and engineers.
- Benefits: Up to £13.45 per hour, 27 days leave, flexible hours, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community outreach.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by sparking curiosity in diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Confident communicator with a passion for engaging people of all ages.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Location: Shildon, County Durham
Category: Education
Salary: Up to £13.45 per hour
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 20 hours per week
About us
The Science Museum Group (SMG) exists to inspire future scientists, engineers and inventors. As the world's leading group of science museums, we share our unparalleled collection across science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine with over five million visitors each year. At Locomotion in Shildon, we tell the story of the railways and their impact on society. Through our collections, exhibitions and public programmes, we create engaging experiences that inspire curiosity, support learning and connect communities with their heritage.
About the role
As an Explainer, you will play an important role in creating memorable visitor experiences and helping people engage with our collections and exhibits. Working as part of our Public Programme team, you will facilitate activities, demonstrations and interactive experiences for a wide range of audiences, including families, school groups and community organisations. You’ll deliver hands‑on STEM activities and Explainer‑led sessions, adapting your communication style to suit different audiences and supporting visitors with a range of needs. Whether you’re helping a young child explore a scientific concept, welcoming an educational group, or supporting a community event, you’ll help ensure every visitor feels included and inspired.
Alongside visitor engagement, you’ll support the development and delivery of new activities, work collaboratively with volunteers and operational teams, and contribute to outreach work in schools and communities beyond the museum. The role is based at Locomotion, Shildon, working 20 hours per week across Monday to Thursday. Typical shifts will be 9:00am to 2:00pm, although some flexibility may occasionally be required to support programmed activities and events.
About you
Joining us, you’ll be a confident communicator who enjoys working with people and creating positive experiences. You’ll be comfortable engaging with visitors of all ages and helping them explore new ideas through enquiry, discussion and participation. You’ll bring excellent interpersonal skills, a collaborative approach and a commitment to providing great customer service. You’ll be enthusiastic about learning, open to feedback and confident using your initiative while knowing when to seek support.
We’re particularly interested in candidates who are passionate about creating welcoming and inclusive environments for diverse audiences. Experience of working with children, young people or individuals with special educational needs would be helpful but is not essential. An interest in science, technology, engineering, maths, local history or heritage would also be beneficial.
Meaningful work. We’re a mission‑led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
Healthcare cash plan. Digital health tools, gym discounts and cashback towards your everyday healthcare costs.
All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme and other wellbeing support.
Colleague networks. Our colleague‑led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
Interest‑free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops and cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group’s five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.
Explainer - Part Time in North East employer: National Museums
At the Science Museum Group, we pride ourselves on being a mission-driven organisation that inspires futures through engaging exhibitions and educational experiences. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our robust professional development opportunities, flexible work-life balance, and a supportive culture that values diversity and collaboration. With generous benefits including 27 days of annual leave, healthcare support, and access to unique discounts, working with us in Manchester or Bradford offers a rewarding and meaningful career path in the heart of the science and innovation community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Explainer - Part Time in North East
✨Get Involved in Online Communities
Dive into online forums and communities centred around digital learning and education, like EdTech chats on Twitter or groups on LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions and sharing your insights can help build your visibility and credibility in the sector.
✨Attend EdTech Meetups and Workshops
Look for local meetups or workshops focused on digital education trends. Not only do they enable us to learn about the latest in the field, but they’re also great networking opportunities to meet potential employers like National Museums or other educators who might know about upcoming part-time roles.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
If you’re currently studying, make sure to tap into your university's career services. They often have connections with local businesses in the education space, plus they can help us uncover part-time job openings that aren't widely advertised.
✨Showcase Your Skills through Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or experiences in digital learning. Whether it's designing a learning module or contributing to an e-learning platform, having tangible examples will catch the eye of hiring managers at National Museums.
We think you need these skills to ace Explainer - Part Time in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Digital Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning like the Explainer - Part Time at National Museums, make sure to showcase any prior experience you have in creating or managing online learning materials. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don’t shy away from providing specific examples or projects you’ve worked on.
Showcase Relevant Skills and Tools:Mention any specific platforms or tools you’ve used in the digital learning space. For instance, if you're familiar with LMS (Learning Management Systems) or any authoring tools, include these in your CV. This demonstrates you’re not only passionate but also ready to hit the ground running at National Museums.
Express Your Passion for Education:In your cover letter, we really want to feel your enthusiasm for digital learning. Talk about your motivations for joining National Museums and how you hope to contribute to shaping the future of education. This is a part-time role, so highlighting your commitment and drive will go a long way!
Tailor Your CV to Stand Out:Adapt your CV specifically for the Explainer - Part Time role by aligning your experiences and skills directly with the job description. Use strong action verbs and bullet points, focusing on your contributions in previous roles. We appreciate a clear, concise format that makes it easy for us at National Museums to see why you’re a perfect fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
In the digital learning and education space, being tech-savvy is crucial. Make sure to highlight any experience you have with e-learning platforms, learning management systems, or educational software during your interview. Think about specific examples of how you’ve used these tools to enhance learning experiences – this will show National Museums you’re already familiar with the landscape!
✨Prepare to Discuss Educational Theories
Expect questions related to educational methodologies or theories that underpin digital learning. Brush up on concepts like constructivism or blended learning and be ready to discuss how these can apply to real-world scenarios. The interviewers at National Museums will appreciate your understanding of the educational principles that drive effective learning.
✨Flexibility & Adaptability are Key
As this is a part-time role, demonstrate how you can manage your time effectively and adapt to the dynamic demands of the position. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully balanced multiple tasks while contributing to team projects. This will reassure National Museums that you’re not just a candidate but a reliable team member who can juggle responsibilities.
✨Portfolio and Samples Matter
Even for a part-time gig, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. If you've designed any e-learning modules, created educational content, or implemented any successful teaching strategies, make sure you can present those. Being ready with tangible examples from your past work will help you make a stronger case to National Museums about what you bring to the table.
