Title: Museum Educator Location: Tacoma United States Job Description: Museum Educator (Preservation and Museum Specialist 2) Salary $2,685.75 - $3,578.25 Monthly Location Pierce County - Tacoma, WA Job Type Part Time - Permanent Job Number 2026-WSHS-005 Department Washington State Historical Society Salary Information The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step - Description - Benefits - Questions Description Museum Educator (Preservation and Museum Specialist 2) Part-Time | .75 FTE Schedule: This is a part-time salaried position working at 30 hours per week, with a work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 2:30PM. Due to occasional evening and weekend activities, hours may be adjusted. This position is telework-eligible for up to two (2) days per week upon managers approval. What you will be doing: The Preservation & Museum Specialist 2 (PMS2) works under the direction of the Senior Manager of K-12 Services and serves as a museum educator and program coordinator for the Washington State Historical Society encompassing school programs, educator programs, and supporting development of programs for the general public. Some of the responsibilities include coordinating logistics related to group and school visits, facilitating history lab field trips as well as other field trips, and interpretive programming opportunities as required, and creating engaging opportunities for students and teachers via designed interpretive experiences. This position requires long periods of standing, and on occasion lifting, moving, transferring objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The PMS2 will be interacting with students, teachers, volunteers, stakeholders, and the public as well as scholars and others in the history and arts fields. A little about us: Founded in 1891 and now into its second century of service, the Washington State Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and vividly presenting Washingtons diverse and storied history. Our work illuminates the past, enlightens the present, and informs the future. Our mission is to partner with our communities to explore how history connects us all. Our vision is to be the recognized destination for Washington State history. We achieve this by serving as our states primary history educator, making history relevant to our modern lives, and supporting civic dialogue where all are welcome. The Society serves individuals and organizations statewide through publications, outreach programs, curriculum, free virtual public programs, and other online services. However, the majority of the Societys interactions with the public occur at the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma, Washington. The Museum traditionally serves more than 80,000 annually, including more than 15,000 K-12 school children visiting the museum on a field trip. We also welcome more than 10,000 visitors free of charge each year through a variety of access programs. We are much more than a regional museum. We continually ask ourselves how we can better serve Washingtonians across our state. Our Heritage Capital Projects grant program distributes up to $10M per biennium to fund public heritage, history interpretation, and historic preservation projects across the state. Our popular public history magazine COLUMBIA is enjoyed by readers of all ages. And the Historical Society's collections at our Research Center, along with a digital collections database, are a resource for scholars and researchers from across the nation. The Washington State Historical Society is a dynamic place to work with dedicated staff. We expand our impact by connecting with communities across the Evergreen State through exhibitions, heritage projects, workshops, public programs, publications, and conversations. Our goal is to bring history into focus in such a way that the participant cannot help but discover valuable insights from and feel deep connections with the people and events of the past. We have an active commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and are looking for team members who have a passion for professionalism and serving the public, and a desire to contribute to a positive work culture. Duties Some of what you will be doing: - Coordinate all logistics related to school visit program from scheduling of groups and lunch assignments to providing information to educators interested in planning a field trip - Provide written report concerning field trip logistics to museum staff weekly - Process invoices and payments for field trips - Deliver lessons, hands-on experiences, and/or tours in the History Lab and other exhibition areas; consult with AED staff on the development of in-gallery interactive - Research, develop, and implement changes to the History Lab update project, in alignment with strategic goals Qualifications Required Qualifications: Six years' experience in the following: - Working directly with children, teachers, families in an informal education (museum, zoo, nature center) environment - Assisting and/or participating in the development and delivery of educational programs in a museum or similar setting Up to four years of education in the field of education, museum studies, history, anthropology, art history, or other related field may substitute for experience, on a year for year basis. Required Competencies: - Knowledge of US and World History as well as an understanding of diverse cultures. - Passion for sharing stories with audiences of all ages, cultures, and learning preferences through a variety of media (printed, electronic, visual, etc.). - Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with diverse stakeholders, asking thoughtful questions, and being open to feedback. Cultural sensitivity and awareness of diverse perspectives, identities, and backgrounds to develop inclusive and culturally relevant educational content and experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. - Collaboration & Communication: Presenting and engaging information, guiding, facilitating discussions, and developing educational materials. - Problem-Solving: Creativity in designing interactive and participatory educational experiences, incorporating multimedia, hands-on activities, storytelling, and other engaging techniques to enhance learning and engagement. - Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently. - Adaptability: Understanding foundational pedagogical theory and teaching methodologies that meet the needs and interests of diverse audiences. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development through participation in workshops, conferences, and training opportunities related to museum education, pedagogy, and relevant subject areas. - Attention to detail: ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in work - The ability to take action to learn and grow - The ability to take action to meet the needs of others Preferred/Desired Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in the field of museum education, history, anthropology, art history, or other related field - Experience developing programs and/or curriculum - Experience supervising staff or volunteers - Specialized knowledge of history as it relates to the Pacific Northwest - Experience working in a history/culture museum setting Special Requirements: - Must pass a background check Supplemental Information Conditions of Employment: Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position: - A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting - A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and - A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview) Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.). NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the application. Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified. - Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Enterprise Services, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position. - Union Inclusion: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Opportunity for All: The Washington State Historical Society celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization. Contact Information: Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan by emailing jobs@des.wa.gov. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 Are you currently employed with WSHS? - Yes - No 02 Are you willing to undergo a background check as a condition of employment? - Yes - No 03 In the space below briefly explain how you meet the qualifications for this position. 04 Select the Preferred/Desired Qualifications that you currently possess. - Bachelor's degree in the field of museum education, history, anthropology, art history, or other related field - Experience developing programs and/or curriculum - Experience supervising staff or volunteers - Specialized knowledge of history as it relates to the Pacific Northwest - Experience working in a history/culture museum setting 05 Are you able to lift, move, transfer objects weighing up to 25 pounds? - Yes - No 06 Did you remember to upload your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references? - Yes - No 07 How did you hear about this job posting? - Careers.wa.gov - LinkedIn - Indeed - School Job Board - State Job Announcement - Internal communication - Friend - Other 08 We would like to know where you heard about this position. If you selected "Job Board" or "Other", please specify the name of the job board or source where you found this position. If you selected a named job board or webpage from the list above, please enter "N/A" in this space.