Museum Educator

Do you love science, history, storytelling, and helping people learn through experience? Ghost Ranch is seeking a curious, creative, and engaging Museum Educator to bring our museums to life for visitors of all ages.

At Ghost Ranch, education happens through direct experience – exploring landscapes, examining fossils, asking questions, and connecting people to the stories of this extraordinary place. The Museum Educator creates and guides these experiences for kids and adults through tours, educational programs, and hands-on activites. They also bring Ghost Ranch on the road to schools in the region and to the annual DinoFest gathering.

The Museum Educator works with school groups, families, tourists, and lifelong learners from a wide range of cultural and economic backgrounds, adapting programs for different audiences and age groups. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic educator, skilled communicator, and collaborative team member who enjoys creating interactive and accessible learning experiences.

About Ghost Ranch

Ghost Ranch is a historic, mission-driven retreat and education center set on 21,000 acres in the high desert of Northern New Mexico. Visitors come from around the world to experience awe, connection, and transformation through art, nature, science, spirituality, and adventure.

Ghost Ranch is internationally recognized for Triassic paleontology and is home to important fossil discoveries that continue to shape scientific understanding today.

Our two museums – the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology and the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology – invite exploration of geology, dinosaurs, archaeology, ancient cultures, and contemporary Indigenous art.

Responsibilities

• Develop and present educational curriculum and interpretive programs connected to museum exhibits

• Lead regular museum tours, outdoor explorations, hands-on activities, and field trip experiences for school groups, families, and visitors

• Build relationships with formal and informal educators, schools, and community partners

• Welcome visitors and respond to inquiries in person, by phone, and at the museum front desk

• Assist with daily museum operations, including opening and closing procedures

• Assist in training and supporting volunteers

• Maintain visitation and program records related to tours and activities

• Support exhibition openings, fundraising events, evening programs, and other special events as needed

• Serve as the point of contact for Ghost Ranch’s Astronomy Program

 

Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, paleontology, geology, museum studies, education or a related field

• Experience: At least two years previous experience in formal or informal education, such as teaching, museum education, schools or camps.

• Skills:

  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for creating, presenting, and leading tours

  • Teaching: Knowledge of educational techniques, learning theories, and curriculum design

  • Group leadership: Ability to manage groups, particularly children, in a fast-paced environment both indoors and outdoors

  • Creativity: Ability to create engaging programming for different age groups and learning styles

  • Flexibility: Quickly adapt to changing schedules or group needs

 

Position Details 

The Museum Educator works on-site at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM, and reports to the Manager of Museums, Tours, and Library. This is a non-exempt (hourly) position with a hiring range of $18-21/hour, depending on experience. Weekend work is required. The typical schedule is Wednesday through Sunday, 9am-5pm. 

 

We prefer a full-time commitment, though part-time employment (minimum 24 hours/week) may be considered for excellent candidates. 

 

Full-time employees receive a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement savings plan; and student loan assistance (for those who qualify). Both full-time and part-time staff receive paid time off and holidays; discounts on workshops and retail; and daily lunch in the Dining Hall.

 

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter through our website: www.ghostranch.org/get-involved

 

Ghost Ranch is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

 

Educational and retreat center in Abiquiu, New Mexico.