Job Description

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park and La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history—more than 35 million objects—used for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, and community engagement. From NHM’s opening in 1913 as the very first museum in Los Angeles, the organization has entered an exciting new era of transformation with building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach and impactful audience engagement.

NHMLAC’s values—adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional—guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting science with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles.

The NHMLAC is seeking a Performing Arts Educator 2 for the T.rex position in our Education & Programs department. The Performing Arts Educator 2 is responsible for developing, facilitating, and leading Performing Arts Educational programs for Museum guests and Community Partners.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Acquires knowledge of the Museum and its programs, cultural, and scientific concepts by becoming familiar with the Museum’s resources, exhibits, collections, and programs, as well as the Museum’s initiatives and policies in support of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
• Collaborates in researching, writing, and developing a variety of Performing Arts educational programs such as theater workshops, classes, and presentations for both onsite and off-site engagement with guests and community partners. These programs may sometimes contain online elements, and may consist of live or recorded program facilitation.
• May participate in musical programming by singing or playing instrument(s).
• Collaborates with other museum departments and outside organizations to develop and coordinate support for specially requested events, initiatives, and programs. These programs may include Community Partner events, Public Programs, after-hour and offsite events, online programming, and social media engagement.
• Performs in Performing Arts programs as an actor/host, and by using/operating some or all of the following as needed: a full-suit puppet, stilts, mask, marionettes, shadow puppets, and other physical theater/puppetry mediums.
• Maintains physical health to ensure sufficient strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance as necessary for work in full-suit puppets and performance of other Museum-inspired characters.

This position has the following requirements:

• Requirements for the T.rex: Medium athletic build. Must be able to lift and carry heavy weight, around 80 pounds, on back in upright standing, bending, and crouching positions for limited periods of time. All weight is born on shoulders and waist. Extremely hot, claustrophobic full suit puppet with limited sight range. (Suggested range: Height from 5’8” to 6’3”, Women's shoe size 10-12 or Men's size 10-11.)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Theater Arts or related field and/or at least 2 years professional experience as a dancer, actor, gymnast, or performing artist with physical and movement-based training. Experience performing in a full-suit puppet preferred. Audition required.
• 2 years’ experience as an educator, preferably in a performing arts setting.
• Vocal (singing) or instrumental performance skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving ability, ability to work independently and work and collaborate with others on teams, across an organization, and with external audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, customer service skills, and interpersonal skills. Must be personable with the ability to interact effectively with Museum staff, volunteers, members, and visitors, including when under pressure. Exhibit strong active listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude toward colleagues and guests.
• Ability to confidently relate to and communicate easily and effectively with children and adults.

NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a workplace and public environment that uplifts Kindness, Fairness, Openness and Dignity. These values extend not only to our employees, but to our guests, local community, and organizational partners. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to apply!

The hourly rate for this position is $25.77 - $27.72 with excellent benefits. This is a full-time regular, non-exempt position.

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhmlac.org/careers-our-museums and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.