Walking Mountains Science Center is a nonprofit, place-based, educational organization reaching over 127,000 youth and adults annually. Our mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. The School Program Coordinator position is a permanent, full-time position focused on program delivery and coordination and management of personnel. This position reports to the Youth Programs Director.

Program Coordination and Administration

• Develop relationships with K-12 school teachers and inform them about our programs
• Contact teachers and schedule field science programs
• Create confirmation packets and contracts for all K-12 school programs
• Coordinate school program logistics with teachers and pass information onto lead educator
• Create school program schedule and update campus calendars to reflect schedule
• Create school program teaching schedule
• Book facilities for residential school programs
• File program debriefs, evaluations, medical release forms

Professional Development

• Take lead on planning and implementing school program trainings for fall and winter seasons, and any curriculum specific trainings as needed throughout academic year
• Assist and support summer training
• Mentor and support educators during school year
• Work collaboratively with Summer Programs Coordinator to establish professional development goals and strategies for youth programs department, including but not limited to quarterly training sessions for program staff

Personnel Management

• Supervise day to day operations of educator team during school year
• Lead weekly team meetings during the school year and attend bi-weekly meetings during the summer
• Observe Educators at least twice per school year and provide feedback
• Assist YPD with educator hiring process
• Continue to develop and enhance the Natural Science Educator position

Statistics and Analysis

• Maintain school program student numbers in data spreadsheets
• Generate end of year report for school programs (including numbers served, scholarships awarded, transportation credits given, etc.)

Program and Curriculum Development

• Work with YPD to identify new field program curriculum needs and continue to develop and write new field programs to support partnership with ECS (at least one per year)
• Work with YPD create off-site program offerings that correlate with on-campus programs
• Review all program debriefs and identify specific revisions needed
• Lead the Curriculum Committee which works to revise field program curriculum as needed, working with educator team to delegate specific revisions
• Assist with teacher workshops planning and implementation

Field and Classroom Instruction

• Prepare for and teach an afterschool program once a week throughout the school year
• Plan, prepare, and teach scientific, interpretive, and environmental education lessons and programs
• Lead field and classroom experiences throughout the school year for all age groups in all weather conditions (average of 4-5 days/month)
• Attend or conduct occasional evening and weekend programs and events

Operations and Risk Management

• Evaluate, update, and train Natural Science Educators on risk management policies and procedures
• Take lead on upkeep, maintenance and inventories of first aid supplies, school programs teaching supplies and equipment, field gear, and library books
• Assist with upkeep and maintenance of facility and vehicles
• Maintain required medical certification (WFR, CPR)

Communications/Marketing/Finance

• Coordinate booth activities and schedule for Wild West Days and other events as assigned
• Assist YPD with annual budget planning process
• Work with Marketing Manager to update School Programs Brochure as needed

Science Center Responsibilities

• Participate in organizational staff meetings (LTM, Staff), retreats, and cross departmental committees
• Assist in staffing front desk of Mountain Discovery Center as needed
• Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures
• Assist with and participate in all special events (including set up and break down)
• All other duties as assigned (may include assisting in maintenance needs such as shoveling snow from walkways, etc)

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in science, education, or an environmental science-related field; MA/MS preferred
• Excellent public speaking skills and willingness to teach a variety of audiences
• 3-5 years of outdoor or classroom teaching experience; knowledge of standards-based curriculum preferred
• General knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Rocky Mountains
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to provide exceptional customer service
• Strong organizational skills
• Creative in curriculum design and development
• Positive, flexible and friendly
• Independently-driven team player
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive 15-passanger vans
• Ability to up to hike 4 miles on steep, uneven terrain carrying a pack up to 30 pounds
• Knowledge and experience in using computers and software including Microsoft Office
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications
• Ability to work a full-time schedule with some evening or weekend responsibilities
• Ability to speak Spanish preferred
• Previous supervisory experience preferred

Compensation: Competitive salary is DOE and includes health insurance, 15 days paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, 401k plan offered with 3% company match, and professional development opportunities.

Contact Person: Chris Cohen, Youth Programs Director, chrisc@walkingmountains.org