This permanent, full-time position works closely with the Youth Programs Director to fulfill the important goals of Walking Mountains Science Center’s Youth Programs department. This position plays an important leadership and quality control role in the Youth Programs department through program coordination and delivery and management of personnel. The School Programs Coordinator reports to the Youth Programs Director (YPD).

Walking Mountains Science Center is located in Avon, CO. The mission of Walking Mountains Science Center is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. For more information about Walking Mountains Science Center, please visit our website at www.walkingmountains.org.

Position Responsibilities

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
• Revise Field Program Curriculum as needed and work with educator team to delegate specific revisions
• Assist with teacher workshops planning  and implementation

Field and Classroom Instruction:

• Prepare for and teach an after school 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
• Coordinate booth activities and schedule  for Taste of Colorado or similar event
• 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 (40 plus hours/week) with some evening and weekend responsibilities
• Ability to speak Spanish preferred 

• Previous supervising experience preferred

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary $32,000 – 36,000 based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 15 days paid vacation
• 12 federal holidays
• Matching Simple IRA program 
• Discounted ski pass 
• Professional development opportunities