If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.
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Museum Educational Program Specialist I
Opening Date: July 27, 2026
Closing Date: August 11, 2026
Grade/ Admin Unit: 18/ Professional/Technical
Job Class Code: 3170
Salary:$19.02 - $26.48/Hourly
Position Number:014500452
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
OVERVIEW:
The Museum Education Program Specialist I position is responsible for presenting innovative, engaging, and meaningful gallery experiences for diverse audiences.
The Maine State Museum, located in the state capital, Augusta, serves as a vital cultural resource for students, scholars, lifelong learners, and anyone curious about the state’s past, present, and future. The Maine State Museum has roots that stretch back to the 1830s and is currently preparing to enter a new, exciting phase. The museum has been closed for extensive renovations and is now gearing up to reopen in October 2026, with new exhibits and an education center designed to engage families and students from PreK through grade 8.
The museum will be open six days a week (Tuesday–Sunday). This full-time position requires working every other weekend and occasional evenings.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This position will be responsible for presenting and assisting with the development of formal and informal educational and interpretive gallery programs of Maine State Museum exhibits for a wide range of individuals from PreK students to tourist to lively senior groups.
Working closely with the education and visitor services team and museum volunteers, this position will assist with the daily operations of public spaces and the admissions desk, and help plan and present team and museum volunteers, this position will assist with the daily operations of public spaces and the admissions desk, and help with the planning and presentation of special events and workshops. The ideal candidate is familiar with current inquiry-based teaching strategies and is skilled in interdisciplinary, object-based teaching.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsibilities include conducting educational gallery programs
- Assisting with the development of educational materials
- Assisting with scheduling tours
- Planning and implementing special events
- Interpreting and explaining tour policies
- Performing associated administrative support functions.
- Work is performed under limited supervision.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of Museum artifacts, Maine social history, natural history, and prehistory.
- Knowledge of object-based teaching and touring methods and techniques, and the required subject matter.
- Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of museum educational and gallery interpretive program design.
- Knowledge of Maine Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Common Core Standards.
- Knowledge of instructional methods and techniques in an informal education setting
- Knowledge of computerized systems and web-based educational tools, and resources.
- Knowledge of customer service standards.
- Ability to work within a team and advanced interpersonal skills.
- Ability to develop, plan, organize, and implement interpretive programs.
- Ability to prepare, maintain, and disseminate informational material and coordinate special event activities.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with a variety of people – community members, teachers, scholars, and colleagues.
- Ability to prepare and deliver presentations.
- Ability to independently perform research studies.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to write clearly and effectively.
- Ability to facilitate groups with different needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A three (3) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing education and/or interpretative programs to groups and individuals.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Pleasesubmita cover letter along with a current resumeand three (3) professional references.
In order forus to properlydetermineif you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
The selected candidate willbe requiredto pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may berequired) as a condition of employment.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
Work-Life Balance– Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave,and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receiveforty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave.Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
Note: Benefits may varysomewhat accordingto specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There'sa job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicantsdemonstratejob requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
Ifyou’relooking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do,we’dlove to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. Ifyou’recurrently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.
If you require a paper application, please download and print oneHERE
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.