The University of Montana, a research-oriented, doctorate-granting institution, enrolls more than 14,000 students (including 2000 graduate students) from across the country and around the globe. Surrounded by a stunning landscape, UM is a magnet for top-notch faculty and researchers. THe University recently concluded a capital campaign that raised more than $100 million in private funds for facilities, scholarships and endowed chairs--more than any Montana educational institution has ever acquired in a campaign.
Position Number 163800
Department: spectrUM Discovery Area
Closing Date: November 20, 2012
Work Schedule: Part-time, 12 months/year, 0.28 FTE
Minimum Entry Rate: $11.331/hr-$12.158/hr
Union Affiliation: None
Probationary Period: Six months minimum
Benefits Include: Insurance package; mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver; professional development/wellness program
The mission of the spectrUM Discovery Area is to inspire a culture of learning and discovery through experiences, programs, educators, and technologies that help all Montanans advance their curiosity about science, heath, and the world around them. This mission is achieved through both in-museum and outreach programs.
This position works under the direction of spectrUM’s Public Education Specialist; leads educational programs for school groups and family audiences, such as field trips, camps, and after-school clubs; serves as the lead educator while working with support educators; on Tuesday afternoons, leads exhibit-based field trips for school groups ranging from pre-K through high school; opens and sets up the museum for the field trip, takes money and tracks store sales, and closes the museum after the field trip; works with and supervises one support educator during these field trips; every Wednesday afternoon, position works at the after school program, Science Opportunities for Kids (SOKS), which is held at three schools, and is designed to engage low-income students in hands-on science activities once a month for eight months; assists the Public Education Specialist in designing and implementing curriculum for the SOKS program; leads certain camps that are held on days that the Missoula County Public Schools are out; these camps usually occur once or twice a month with themes of the clubs ranging from “Techno Toys” to “Shocking Electricity” and “Budding Scientists”; position helps develop curriculum and lead the camps with a support educator; helps enhance spectrUM’s culture by working respectfully with fellow staff throughout the organization and supporting educators, junior educators, and teen explainers.
This position is scheduled to work eleven (11) hours a week, with hours on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, with occasional Monday or Friday hours.
The position requires incumbent to develop: working knowledge of spectrUM Discovery Area mission statement; working knowledge of spectrUM policies and procedures; ability to effectively work independently and as a team member; team-oriented, collaborative individual able to represent spectrUM well to external audiences and partners; ability to respect the learner and their choice to visit spectrum; ability to inspire fun and passion in others; strong communication and team building skills, appropriate and proactive communication; positive demeanor and ability to generate creative solutions to problems.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience with developing curriculum for a school audience.
- Previous experience in retail required.
- Effective interpersonal, public relations, and oral and written communication skills, including ability to work with a diverse population
- Demonstrated experience and understanding of event planning practices and procedures
- Skill in use of personal computers and related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software
- Education and experience in planning, directing and coordinating the activities of others.
- Proven success in establishing broad networks as well as effective working relationships with a wide variety of individuals
- Strong organizational and presentation skills.
- Advanced computer skills and usage of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Internet Explorer
Physical Requirements
(Qualified candidates must be able to meet minimum requirements and perform the primary functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.)
- Must be able to assist with lifting and moving exhibits that weigh up to 300 pounds.
Experience Required:
- Minimum of high school graduation and at least one (1) year teaching experience in an informal learning environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Teaching certificate required
HOW TO APPLY
Upload the following materials: *Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.
- Letter of Interest – please also address the stated required skills for the position
- Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
- Names and contact information for three (3) professional references
- Copy of current teaching certificate
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment
In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References. *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing. Individual hiring departments at UM-M may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility. All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).