spectrUM

Open Positions

• Outreach Educator

  Hours Per Week: 20-40 hours per week

  Wage: $17/hour

  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.

  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 University of Montana 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 University of Montana job portal.

• Live Science Performer

  Hours Per Week: Flexible part time hours available

  Wage: $16.50/hour

  Duration: Start and end dates flexible

  Job Description:

  spectrUM Discovery Area is the University of Montana's hands-on science center dedicated to inspiring a culture of learning and discovery for all. The Live Science Performer brings science to life through engaging live demonstrations for children and families. The person in this position is a critical component of spectrUM’s Education Team. They may perform theatrical demonstrations during school field trips, science birthday parties, or in spectrUM’s free science museum at the Missoula Public Library. This position includes enthusiastically engaging with the public and facilitating hands-on science to create unforgettable experiences that spark curiosity. The person in this role will be trained on demonstrations to lead in front of an audience, and should be comfortable with public speaking and improvisational techniques.

  Areas of Responsibility:

  1. Presenting energetic, interactive STEM demonstrations for audiences of all sizes
  2. Encouraging audience participation and adapting presentations for different ages and group dynamics
  3. Creating a welcoming, inclusive, and memorable experience
  4. Setting up, operating, and cleaning up demonstration equipment and materials
  5. Providing science experiences at spectrUM’s museum, birthday parties, school field trips, camps, clubs, and community events
  6. Assisting with educational activities, organizing supplies, and helping solve logistical challenges during programs

  Qualifications:

  1. Outgoing, positive, dependable, and comfortable performing in front of an audience
  2. Ability to memorize demonstration procedures, follow safety guidelines, and perform in both scripted and unscripted environments
  3. Willingness to take direction and provide consistency in public performances
  4. Strong communication and customer-service skills
  5. Organized, attentive to detail, communicative about scheduling
  6. Willingness to learn
  7. Experience with public speaking, acting, or improvisation
  8. Flexibility and a positive attitude to deal with factors like weather, schedule changes, and other unexpected circumstances that may arise
  9. Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain
  10. 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

  • Resume

  • Cover letter

  • List of 2 references

• Education Program Assistant

  Hours Per Week: Flexible part time hours available

  Wage: $17/hour

  Duration: Start and end dates flexible

  Job Description:

  spectrUM Discovery Area is the University of Montana's hands-on science center dedicated to inspiring a culture of learning and discovery for all. The Education Program Assistant is a key member of spectrUM’s Education Team. The individual in this role helps ensure these experiences run smoothly by supporting program coordination, logistics, and daily operations. The Education Program Assistant will work closely with the Operations Manager, Outreach Coordinator, and Program Coordinator to support administrative needs, and will regularly lead programs. This position is highly social, and is approximately 80% working with the public, and 20% of administrative support.

  Areas of Responsibility:

  1. Leading educational programs, such as museum public hours, field trips, clubs, and camps
  2. Supporting staff training
  3. Organizing supplies for programs
  4. Assisting with problem solving
  5. Communicating with spectrUM’s partners and volunteers
  6. Facilitating program evaluation
  7. Creating a welcoming environment for all visitors and program participants
  8. Organizing educational materials, equipment, and storage areas to ensure programs are ready to go

  Qualifications:

  1. Enthusiasm for working with people
  2. Positive and outgoing demeanor
  3. Ability to work with children and adults
  4. General interest in science
  5. Organized, attentive to detail, communicative about scheduling
  6. Willingness to learn
  7. Flexibility and a positive attitude to deal with things like weather, schedule changes, and other unexpected circumstances that may arise
  8. Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain
  9. Ability to pass a criminal background checks

  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

  • Resume

  • Cover letter

  • List of 2 references

• Community Science Educator

  Hours Per Week: Flexible part time hours available

  Wage: $16.50/hour

  Duration: Start and end dates flexible

  Job Description:

  spectrUM Discovery Area is the University of Montana's hands-on science center dedicated to inspiring a culture of learning and discovery for all. The Community Science Educator is a key member of spectrUM’s Education Team. As such, they will create welcoming, interactive science experiences for children and families at EmPower Place, spectrUM's satellite museum located in the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center. This is an active, people-centered role, which includes talking with others, encouraging curiosity, and helping kids learn through hands-on exploration. Many visitors of EmPower Place have experienced adversity, so this role requires patience and flexibility. The person in this position will create a warm, supportive environment where every family feels welcome. 

  Areas of Responsibility:

  1. Engaging children and families with interactive science exhibits and activities 
  2. Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for visitors of all ages 
  3. Setting up and cleaning up science activities and exhibit spaces 
  4. Supporting spectrUM programs at the Missoula Public Library, including field trips, camps, clubs, public hours, and special events 
  5. Assisting with educational program preparation, organizing supplies, and creative problem solving 

  Qualifications:

  1. Enthusiasm for working with people
  2. Positive and outgoing demeanor
  3. Ability to work with children and adults
  4. General interest in science
  5. Organized, attentive to detail, communicative about scheduling
  6. Willingness to learn
  7. Flexibility and a positive attitude to deal with things like weather, schedule changes, and other unexpected circumstances that may arise
  8. Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain
  9. 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

  • Resume

  • Cover letter

  • List of 2 references