Job Title: Education Coordinator

Location: Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum (EHSSM), Essex, MA

About Us:
The Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum (EHSSM) preserves and shares the unique cultural and maritime heritage of Essex, Massachusetts. Through hands-on programs, community partnerships, and environmental stewardship, EHSSM engages learners of all ages in the craft, history, and ecology that define this coastal place.

Position Overview:
EHSSM is seeking a hands-on Education Coordinator to lead and grow its place-based education programs. This role is not behind-the-scenes;it is active, physical, and community-facing. The Education Coordinator will teach in the workshop, lead field experiences on the river and in the marsh, and serve as the face of our programs for students and visitors. This is a unique opportunity for a confident educator who thrives in experiential learning environments and is eager to build something lasting. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable wielding a chisel, leading a class, or crafting a grant proposal. This position offers the autonomy to shape EHSSM’s educational vision while remaining rooted in daily teaching and direct engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead hands-on programs for K-12 students, adult learners, and multigenerational groups on site, in the shop, and on the water.
• Facilitate field trips, workshops, and seasonal experiences focused on shipbuilding, maritime heritage, and environmental stewardship.
• Teach by doing. Model safe tool use, physical engagement, and curiosity-driven learning.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and seasonal educators.
• Coordinate program logistics, bookings, materials, and evaluations.
• Adapt and develop curriculum aligned with the museum’s mission and community needs.
• Cultivate school and community partnerships.
• Research and write grants to support programming and sustain the position.
• Represent EHSSM at public events, community forums, and collaborative initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience teaching or leading experiential education programs, preferably in workshop, outdoor, or maritime settings.
• Comfortable with tools, boats, and physical work. Must enjoy being on your feet and outdoors.
• Excellent group facilitation and public speaking skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Grant writing or fundraising experience is a plus.
Degree in education, environmental science, museum studies, maritime trades, or a related field is helpful but not required.

Compensation: This is a full-time position with a salary range of $50,000–$60,000, depending on experience. EHSSM is committed to growing this role and providing long-term sustainability through successful programming and fundraising.

How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter and resume to office@essexshipbuilding.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Title: Visitor Services Associate

Location: Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum (EHSSM), Essex, MA

About Us:
The Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum (EHSSM) is a working waterfront shipyard museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the tradition of Essex shipbuilding and the community that supports it. With curated exhibits and the largest collection of primary sources about shipbuilding and local history in the region, EHSSM offers visitors a unique and enriching experience.

Position Overview:
The Visitor Services Associate will serve as a welcoming ambassador for EHSSM, providing exceptional customer service to guests, managing admissions and museum shop sales, and supporting group tours and special events. This is a part-time, seasonal position running from June to October, with work primarily on weekends. Additional hours may be available for events and occasional shift coverage.

Key Responsibilities:

• Greet all visitors warmly and provide an engaging introductory experience at the admissions desk.
• Conduct opening and closing procedures for the Admissions and Museum Shop areas.
• Sell admissions tickets and process museum shop purchases accurately.
• Provide visitor orientation and respond to inquiries.
• Support special events and occasional additional programming during the season.

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in customer service, retail, or a similar public-facing role.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a friendly demeanor.
• Interest in history, shipbuilding, or local heritage is a plus.

Compensation: Seasonal position running from June to October with competitive hourly wage.

How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter and resume to office@essexshipbuilding.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.