An English Major by formal training, McShea has worked for Carnegie Museum of Natural History 1985, managing the Museum’s extensive educational loan program during his entire tenure. He has also coordinated collaborative teacher workshops with other organizations in the Pittsburgh area, served as the museum’s coordinator for collaborative education projects with both the Wildlife Conservation Society (Bronx Zoo), and World Wildlife Fund, and directed the development of a series of videoconference programs.

His recent professional service includes serving as field reviewer for IMLS grant proposals. McShea’s volunteer contributions include ten years of service on the Steering Council of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Math & Science Collaborative and nine years of service on the Board of Directors of the Allegheny Land Trust .