Overview:    

Help Spark the Next Generation of Inventors, Builders, Creators & Problem-Solvers in Louisiana's Capital City! 

Do you love helping young children become confident, creative thinkers and problem solvers? Are you the kind of innovative and creative educator who likes to experiment, test, invent, and create - and inspires children to do the same? 

The award-winning Knock Knock Children's Museum in Baton Rouge is looking for an experienced, energetic, imaginative, hands-on, and innovative creator, maker, and educator to lead our Maker Shop makerspace learning environment. The Early Childhood STEAM Coordinator and Maker Shop Lead will help young children and families to explore the joy of STEAM through playful learning, tinkering, creativity, and innovation. This is not your traditional teaching job or formal learning environment. This is a chance to dream up innovative and impactful learning experiences! 

You'll create and lead hands-on experiences for children ages 2–8 that blend creativity, problem-solving, experimentation, engineering design, and play, using engineering design principles, coding, electronics, and more.

Qualifications:    

Experience working with young children (ages 2–8) in an informal learning settings and/or Makerspaces (2 years or more) 

Background in education, early childhood development, STEAM, or a related fields (BA or BS degree required)

Experience or interest in making, tinkering, art, or hands-on creative work

Intermediate skills in robotics, electronics, coding, metalworking (soldering), and woodworking

Experience training, mentoring, or informally leading staff or volunteers preferred

Strong communication and group facilitation skills

Creative, flexible, and collaborative mindset

Passion for play-based learning and child-centered education

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and work in an active environment

Job Responsibilities:    

Program Development and Facilitation

• Design and prepare age-appropriate STEAM and making and tinkering-focused activities related to monthly themes

• Engage children in play-based, inquiry-driven learning and guided exploration using open-ended materials and tools.

• Adapt activities to meet the developmental needs, abilities, and learning styles of children ages 2-8

• Lead interactive pop-up activities, camps, and classes for young children and families

• Creatively highlight and showcase children’s work in the Maker Shop

• Plan and facilitate STEAM-related workshops for parents and early childhood educators

• Stay current with and apply best practices in early childhood and STEAM learning

Maker Shop Management and Oversight

• Oversee the daily operations, organization, and readiness of the Maker Shop learning environment

• Ensure the space is safe, welcoming, well-maintained, and conducive to creative exploration

• Prepare, organize, and manage supplies, tools, and equipment for Maker Shop and theme-related programs.

• Train, coach, and support staff, interns, and volunteers assigned to the Maker Shop to ensure that they are using best practices to successfully facilitate Maker Shop programs and activities. Provide ongoing feedback and support to staff to ensure consistent, high-quality visitor experiences

• Manage daily setup and reset of materials, as well as the cleanliness of the workspace and tools

• Track inventory, maintain materials, and assist with restocking consumables

• Monitor usage of equipment and materials to ensure safe and appropriate use by visitors and staff

• Model effective facilitation techniques, including guiding inquiry, encouraging creativity, and supporting child-led exploration

• Assist with scheduling coordination or daily direction of staff within the Maker Shop as needed

Team Collaboration, Visitor Engagement, & Communication

• Work collaboratively with Learning Innovation staff as well as other Museum staff and volunteers to support everyday programming and the Museum’s Signature events

• Work across multiple museum learning spaces (e.g., Maker Shop, Art Garden, outdoor areas) as needed

• Set up and break down program materials and ensure spaces are ready for daily use Foster a positive, team-oriented working environment

• Assist in guiding volunteers and playworkers during programs

• Create a welcoming and inclusive experience for all children and families

• Communicate clearly and enthusiastically with groups of varying sizes

• Encourage caregiver participation and model playful learning strategies

Additional Duties

• Assist with planning and execution of special events, field trips, and community outreach programs as needed

• Contribute feedback to improve programs and visitor experience

• Perform other duties as assigned to support museum operations