91´ÎÔª

Open Positions

• Explainer Program Head

  Explainer Program Head

  Hours Per Week: Full time contract professional

  Wage: $50,000 salary

  Duration: Position is subject to a 5 year grant-funded project

  Job Description:

  The Explainer Program Head will serve as the lead educator and coordinator for the Changing Brain project’s high school Explainer program, a new grant-funded initiative based at the 91´ÎÔª’s spectrUM Discovery Area and UM Living Lab in the Missoula Public Library. This full-time position will oversee the recruitment, training, mentorship, and supervision of high school students serving as near-peer educators in neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical science, as well as engaging with adult advisors and teacher partners.

  Operating under supervision from the Director of spectrUM Discovery Area, the Explainer Program Head will be responsible for implementing the high school Explainer program, including facilitating and co-facilitating trainings; supervising participating high school students; co-facilitating project programming with the Explainers at the UM Living Lab, spectrUM, and public engagement sites; participating in project evaluation; collaborating with the PIs to build strong connections between the project’s educator professional development and Explainer program; facilitating professional development cohorts consisting of high school teachers;  and other activities that engage high school and other P-12 and public audiences with project deliverables.

  Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

  Working with a high degree of autonomy and in close collaboration with project PIs, faculty, and community partners, the Explainer Program Head will:

  • Plan and facilitate weekly cohort trainings for high school Explainers in Missoula and on the Flathead Reservation.
  • Supervise Explainers during public engagement activities at spectrUM, the UM Living Lab, and mobile programming sites.
  • Develop and adapt hands-on neuroscience and health science activities aligned with national and state standards.
  • Model best practices in informal science education and provide developmental feedback to Explainers.
  • Ensure a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment for all participants.
  • Collaborate with faculty and graduate students to integrate current UM research into programming.
  • Support educator professional development and serve as a liaison between Explainers and participating teachers.
  • Participate in project evaluation and contribute to sustainability and dissemination efforts.

  Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in education, science, communication, psychology, neuroscience, or related field 
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in education, youth development, or informal science education.
  • Demonstrated experience working with high school students in educational or mentorship settings.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse teams.
  • Experience developing and delivering curriculum or training materials.
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive education.
  • Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as needed.

  Preferred
  

  • Experience working in tribal or rural communities.
  • Background in informal science education, museum education, or youth programming.
  • Familiarity with Montana State Science Standards and Indian Education for All.
  • Experience with curriculum development and educator professional development

  Additional Information

  Position is a full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

  Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

  • Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
  • Detailed resumelisting education and describing work experience
  • Three (3) professional references- Names and contact information 

   

• Camp Coordinator

  Camp Coordinator

  Hours Per Week: 20-40 hours per week

  Wage: $19.50/hour

  Duration: 6 month term

  Job Description:

  The Camp Coordinator will be collaborating closely with spectrUM staff to deliver high quality, engaging science education throughout the year at the 91´ÎÔª spectrUM Discovery Area, located in the new Missoula Public Library. Coordination and supervision of camp programs at the spectrUM Discovery Area include but are not limited to summer camps, spring break camp and after school clubs.

  This position is based in spectrUM’s location within the Missoula Public Library, with regular field trips to parks, community organizations, and the 91´ÎÔª campus. Applicant must be flexible to ever-changing environments and adjustments to work schedules. This is a one-year, temporary position, with part-time hours in the academic year and a full-time schedule in the summer, averaging 19 hours per week throughout the term of employment.

  The 91´ÎÔª spectrUM Discovery Area is a hands-on science museum dedicated to igniting passion for discovery through science. Each summer, spectrUM hosts over 300 youth ages 6-14 for hands-on science camps at the museum’s location within the Missoula Public Library.

   

  The Camp Coordinator will:

  • Run and maintain camper registration
  • Manage camp scholarships
  • Plan camp activity schedules
  • Hire, supervise, train, and provide ongoing feedback for camp educators
  • Work closely with the Museum Program Coordinator to schedule staff
  • Manage communication with caregivers
  • Coordinate spectrUM’s high school volunteers who participate in an Intern Educator program
  • Support the planning of the Intern Educator program
  • On-site leadership and supervision during camp programs for staff, campers, and caregivers
  • Support community partnerships
  • Work to uphold spectrUM’s American Camp Association accreditation and best practices
  • Teach camp programs when staff are not available
  • Inventory and manage camp supplies
  • Coordinate field trips and special guests
  • Support marketing of camps
  • Evaluate camp programs and staff
  • Maintain the integrity of spectrUM’s resources, such as camp equipment and classroom space
  • Participate as part of the spectrUM team, providing assistance and input where needed
  • Other duties as assigned related to spectrUM programs and mission

    

  The Camp Coordinator will supervise spectrUM student educators alongside spectrUM’s Museum Program Coordinator. The Camp Coordinator will support the development, and management, of spectrUM’s high school volunteers who are Intern Educators. The Camp Coordinator will oversee and collaboratively make decisions regarding student employees and staff with the support of spectrUM’s Associate Director.

   

  Minimum Position Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

  • Ability to present science process and accurate content in an engaging way with a diverse population of learners
  • Ability to respect the learner and their choice to visit spectrUM
  • Ability to inspire fun and passion in others
  • Experience supervising programs and staff
  • Effective leadership skills: sound decision making, ability to maintain poise under pressure, empowering staff
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Works independently with little direct supervision
  • Accepts responsibility and is self-motivated
  • Able to work as part of a team
  • Creative and able to problem solve
  • Able to work to meet goals of organization above and beyond assigned duties
  • Pass pre-employment and/or pre-duty checks, such as criminal background checks, and reference checks
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and assist in walking groups of campers to various field trip locations

   

  Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

   

  • Minimum 3 years of informal or formal teaching experience preferred
  • B.A. or B.S in related field (i.e. Education, the sciences, etc.) preferred

   

  To apply email resume and cover letter to caitlin.ervin@umontana.edu

   

   

• Outreach Educator

  Outreach Educator

  Hours Per Week: 20-40 hours per week, Temporary

  Wage: $16/hour

  Duration: 6 month term

  Job Description:

  spectrUM Discovery Area is Missoula's hands-on science center dedicated to inspiring a culture of learning and discovery for all.

  Science on Wheels is the traveling branch of spectrUM Discovery Area. The Science on Wheels Educator is charged with realizing the potential of spectrUM’s mobile science center to provide high quality interpretive education experiences, primarily in the fields of science, making and tinkering and problem solving in rural and tribal communities. Science on Wheels will travel in Fall 2025 around the state of Montana. Each tour stop lasts 2-3 days with ½ day on either end for unloading and loading the truck. For two days we host between 5 and 7 K-12 fieldtrips/day with between 20-40 children per field trip, each lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour. One evening we host a Family Science Night. The position also includes physical exertion related to transporting exhibits in and out of U-Hauls and school gymnasiums, light troubleshooting of exhibits, and extensive engagement with students, teachers and principals.

  This position occurs in many different schools and communities, which vary in structure and culture. Applicant must be sensitive and flexible to ever-changing environments. Some workdays will be 10+ hours long. This is a short-term, temporary position, funded by short term external funding.

   

   

  Areas of Responsibility:

  • Travel with Science on Wheels to host sites/schools in MT to present our Problem Solvers 2.0, Making Across MT and ResilienceMT exhibitions to K-12 students

  • Roles include, but are not limited to: exhibit interpretation, demonstrations, and casual interpretation for the public

  • Assist spectrUM staff and in loading and unloading exhibits and activities at each host site and in and out of spectrUM storage

  • Assist whenever possible with technical and mechanical issues in the case of exhibit breakdown or failure

  • Employ and promote good behavior, best practices, and safety for children interacting with exhibits, activities, and special demonstrations

  • Work with Science on Wheels staff to develop and maintain effective working relationships with host site teachers, administrators, parents, and volunteers

  • Represent spectrUM and the 91´ÎÔª in an appropriate, professional and positive manner

  • Maintain a safe and secure environment for guests and staff

  • Maintain integrity and appearance of spectrUM exhibits and activities

  • Keep current in science and education pedagogy

   

  Minimum Qualifications:

  • Strong communication skills with children and adults

  • Ability to present science process and accurate content in an engaging way with a diverse population of learners including other educators

  • Ability to take initiative

  • Ability to respect the learner and their choice to visit a spectrUM Science on Wheels event

  • Ability to inspire fun and passion in others

  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and assist in moving exhibits weighing up to 300 pounds in out and out of Uhauls and school gymnasiums

  • Ability to drive or capacity to learn how to drive a 20-foot Uhaul

  • A valid MT Driver’s License is required for this position

   

  Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in science or education with an emphasis in science, or equivalent combination of experience

  • Previous experience in retail or other customer service field

   

  Rights and Dignity of Staff:

  spectrUM Discovery Area is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming community for all people. spectrUM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, age, or genetic information. This nondiscrimination policy applies to employees, volunteers, participants, and all aspects of our operations. spectrUM Educators will refrain from discriminatory language and behavior. A safe and supportive workplace contributes to health, happiness, and productivity for all human beings. 

  Application Instructions:

  Please apply through the 91´ÎÔª job portal:

• Educator

  Educator

  Hours Per Week: 20-40 hours per week, Seasonal

  Wage: $15.25/hour or DOE

  Duration: Flexible

  Job Description:

  spectrUM Discovery Area is Missoula's hands-on science center dedicated to inspiring a culture of learning and discovery for all. 

  spectrUM educators support hands-on science, technology, engineering, math, and art education in summer camps, our museum, and during outreach events across Western Montana. The spectrUM Discovery Area hosts an array of different summer science camps including: Robotics, Magic of Chemistry, NASA Camp, and many more! spectrUM summer camps run Monday - Friday of every week from June 10 - August 23rd. This position includes a minimum of 2 weeks of paid trainings prior to the start of the summer camp season. 

  Areas of Responsibility:

  1. Lead summer science camps for elementary aged children. 

  2. Prepare for camp weeks by gathering materials and reading through activity handbooks.

  3. Keep a clean, and tidy camp room space.

  4. Handle behavior management and classroom management within camps.

  5. Lead outreach educational activities across Montana.

  6. Interact with guests in the spectrUM Discovery Area Museum at the Missoula Public Library.

  Qualifications:

  1. Must be an enrolled 91´ÎÔª student.

  2. Work-study with the 91´ÎÔª preferred.

  3. Must be available for the entire duration of the position, limited time off negotiable.

  4. General knowledge of and interest in science.

  5. Positive and outgoing demeanor.

  6. Ability to work with children and adults.

  7. Organized, attentive to detail, communicative about scheduling.

  8. Willingness to learn.

  9. Experience working in an education setting preferred.

  10. Flexibility and a positive attitude to deal with things like weather, schedule changes, and other unexpected circumstances that may arise.

  11. Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.

  12. Ability to pass a criminal background check.

  Rights and Dignity of Staff:

  spectrUM Discovery Area is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming community for all people. spectrUM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, age, or genetic information. This nondiscrimination policy applies to employees, volunteers, participants, and all aspects of our operations. spectrUM Educators will refrain from discriminatory language and behavior. A safe and supportive workplace contributes to health, happiness, and productivity for all human beings. 

  Application Instructions:

  To apply please email the following to caitlin.ervin@mso.umt.edu

  • PDF version of your resume and cover letter

  • List of 3 references

• Intern Educator

  Intern Educator

  Hours Per Week: 5-15

  Wage: $15/hr

  Duration: Flexible

  Job Description:

  spectrUM Discovery Area is Missoula's hands-on science center dedicated to inspiring a culture of learning and discovery for all. spectrUM interns support hands-on science, technology, engineering, math, and art education in our museum and office. This position is flexible and can be tailored to the unique interests and skills that the intern is interested in building. The intern will work with spectrUM Associate Director and Camp Coordinator to create a work plan for the duration of the internship.

  Areas of Responsibility:

  1. Represent spectrUM

  2. Lead science activities

  3. Engage with the public at exhibits 

  4. Develop knowledge in spectrUM's STEAM curriculum

  5. Develop informal education skills

  6. Identify areas to strengthen towards graduation and career readiness

  Qualifications:

  1. Positive and outgoing demeanor.

  2. Ability to work with children and adults.

  3. Organized, attentive to detail, communicative about scheduling.

  4. Willingness to learn.

  5. Flexibility and a positive attitude to deal with things like weather, schedule changes, and other unexpected circumstances that may arise.

  6. Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.

  7. Ability to pass a criminal background check.

  Rights and Dignity of Staff:

  spectrUM Discovery Area is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming community for all people. spectrUM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, age, or genetic information. This nondiscrimination policy applies to employees, volunteers, participants, and all aspects of our operations. spectrUM Educators will refrain from discriminatory language and behavior. A safe and supportive workplace contributes to health, happiness, and productivity for all human beings. 

  Application Instructions:

  To apply please email the following to caitlin.ervin@mso.umt.edu

  • PDF version of your resume and cover letter