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Natural Science Museum Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Development Coordinator

Ann Arbor, MI

$45K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Museum and the Leslie Science & Nature Center have been creating moments of discovery that inspire curiosity, exploration and respect for STEAM and the natural world. Our Museum and Nature Center ...

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Natural Science Museum information

What is the difference between Natural Science Museum vs Science Educator?

AspectNatural Science MuseumScience Educator
Required CredentialsDegree in natural sciences or related fieldDegree in education, science, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseum exhibits, research areas, public displaysClassrooms, museums, outdoor programs
Employer & IndustryMuseums, research institutionsEducational institutions, museums, science centers

Natural Science Museum staff focus on managing exhibits, conducting research, and maintaining collections, while Science Educators primarily develop and deliver educational programs to visitors and students. Both roles require a background in science or education and often work within museum settings, but their core responsibilities differ in research versus teaching.

What is a natural science museum?

Natural science museums are institutions dedicated to educating the public about the natural world, including subjects like biology, geology, paleontology, and environmental science. They typically display collections of fossils, minerals, plants, animal specimens, and interactive exhibits to help visitors learn about the history and diversity of life on Earth. These museums often offer educational programs, workshops, and special events for students and families. Their goal is to promote scientific understanding and inspire curiosity about the natural world.

What are common challenges faced by staff working at a natural science museum, and how can they be addressed?

Staff at natural science museums often encounter challenges such as balancing educational programming with exhibit maintenance, managing large groups of visitors (including school tours), and keeping scientific information up-to-date and engaging. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as staff frequently collaborate with educators, curators, and researchers to develop exhibits and public programs. Staying proactive with ongoing professional development and fostering a collaborative environment can help address these challenges and contribute to a rewarding work experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a natural science museum curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Natural Science Museum Curator, you need a strong background in natural sciences, museum studies, and typically a relevant advanced degree. Familiarity with collection management systems, conservation techniques, and exhibit design software is highly valuable. Excellent organizational, communication, and public engagement skills help curators educate visitors and collaborate with researchers and staff. These skills are crucial for preserving collections, designing compelling exhibits, and fostering community interest in science.

What job categories do people searching Natural Science Museum jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Natural Science Museum jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Natural Science Museum job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation)

US Department of the Interior

Munising, MI • On-site

$61K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position serves as a full-performance Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation) at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The purpose of interpretation is to enrich people's lives through meaningful experiences and enjoyable recreation; preserve and protect natural and Cultural resources through broad collaboration and shared stewardship; and inspire social and environmental consciousness to build community and sustain the health of the planet.

Qualifications:

Requirements Continued -
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a one (1) year supervisory probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/11/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. All candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements.
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal General Schedule Qualification Standards.
To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Experience may have been in technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park-related work. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include, but are not limited to, the following: park guide or tour leader, law enforcement or investigative work, archeological or historical preservation research work, forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area, management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least two (2) full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education OR master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the occupation. Examples of related education include but are not limited to; park and recreation management, natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example, 6 months of specialized experience (50% of the specialized experience) and 18 graduate level semester hours (50% of the education), would qualify an applicant for this position. You must include transcripts.

To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

Employment Type: OTHER

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