Museum Youth Program Coordinator

The Montana Natural History Center builds on a collection of shared values in our center and community. Nature-based education inspires connection to the outdoors, a love for the natural world, and in turn, inspired stewardship. Our full mission statement is to promote and cultivate the appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of nature through education.  To achieve this mission, MNHC offers a wide range of programming to both children and adults in Missoula and western Montana

Scope of Position:

This role includes duties related to Summer Science Outdoor Day Camps, School’s Out Camps, Afterschool Programs, Museum and Center Visit programs, Supervision of Seasonal Field Staff and Summer Camp Staff as associated with Camp and youth programs.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Coordination of all MNHC camps and camp collaboration programs:
• Running and maintaining camper registration software.
• Hire supervise, train, and provide ongoing feedback for seasonal staff working camp programs.
• On-site leadership and supervision during camp programs for staff, campers, and parents.
• Lead curriculum development for all camp programs.
• Maintain community partnerships in collaboration with MNHC.
• Provide schedules or program scheduling support for camp programs.
• Teach summer camp programs, Center Visits, youth programs, and School’s Out day camps when seasonal or permanent staff are unavailable.
• Work with staff to connect camp programs to other MNHC and spectrUM programs, services, and partner organizations.
• Financial management of summer and School’s Out day camp programs: manage budget, approve and track expenditures.
• Assist with the publicity of summer and School’s Out day camp programs.
• Evaluate summer camp, School’s Out camp programs, camp seasonal staff, and youth programming.
• Maintain appropriate MNHC resources such as camp equipment.
• Develop new camp programs based on MNHC criteria.
• Maintain ACA accreditation for MNHC’s camp programs.
• Participate as part of the MNHC team, providing assistance and input where needed.
• Other duties as assigned include teaching MNHC programs or participating in MNHC’s mission.
• Coordinate all aspects of the Museum Field Trip Program for schools, youth groups, and adult groups, including logistics, scheduling visits, communicating with teachers/group leaders, scheduling interns, staff, or self to lead programs, maintaining materials/supplies, program outreach, budget planning/maintenance, etc.
• Develop curriculum independently and in collaboration with other departments for Museum Field Trip Program
• Oversee the Saturday Kids’ Activity program

Qualifications & Requirements

• Supervision Experience: Minimum two years of experience supervising programs and staff.
• Knowledge of theories and practices in effective leadership skills.
• Practical knowledge of methodologies in natural history education: i.e., place-based, inquiry-based, student-centered, project-based and interdisciplinary learning, hands-on approach to learning, etc.
• General natural history knowledge including a broad knowledge of native flora and fauna, cultural history of the region and understanding of ecological processes and systems common in the region.
• Teaching Experience: Minimum three years of teaching experience as a teacher/educator in the field and/or in the classroom with children and adults.
• Proven ability to deliver educational and interpretive natural history programs and group presentations on a wide range of topics.
• Proven ability to plan and implement educational activities through curriculum writing.
• Experience with video editing and social media integration a plus.
• 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.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and willingness to use personal transportation (will be reimbursed for mileage).
• Minimum B.A. or B.S. in a related field (i.e., Education, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, etc.), M.S. is preferred.
• Able to work to meet the goals of the organization above and beyond assigned duties.
• Able to work weekends or evenings on occasion.