Job Information
Montana State University Outreach/Museum Educator in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25215
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Trisha King
trisha.king@montana.edu
Classification Title Program Coord I
Working Title Outreach/Museum Educator
Brief Position Overview
Utilizing a wide variety of interpretative methods for these programs, the Museum Educator is a dynamic position that facilitates learning experiences around the science and process of paleontology, engaging people of all ages with creative, accurate paleontology-themed content, complying with Montana state and IEFA standards, and meeting best practices in science communication. This person will also be dedicated to leading outreach as well as supporting Museum of the Rockies education and public programs. They will be dedicated 75% to fulfilling IMLS grant requirements for MOR’s new Cretaceous Crossroads exhibit and 25% assisting the education departments.
Position Number 4M1498
Department Museum of the Rockies
Division Museum of the Rockies
Appointment Type Classified
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Salary range of $18.36 to $22.95 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type Classified Salary
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Museum of the Rockies ( MOR ) is Montana’s most visited museum. In 2023, the museum received over 223,000 general visitors and served thousands of additional visitors through school, youth, and public programs. MOR is a college-level division of Montana State University, an independent nonprofit organization, a Smithsonian Affiliate, an accredited AAM museum, and a repository for state and federal fossils. The interdisciplinary museum has one of the finest collections of paleontology in the world and a significant cultural collection from the Northern Rocky Mountain region. Located on a 34-acre museum site, it includes a 120,000-square-foot-facility, the state-of-the-art Taylor Planetarium, the 220 seat Hager Auditorium, Martin Children’s Discovery Center, and Living History Farm, along with an off-site 553-acre paleontology preserve.
Duties and Responsibilities
Assist in developing high quality, innovative virtual and in-house programming that reflects the mission of Museum of the Rockies for the new, permanent exhibit: Cretaceous Crossroads.
Direct responsibility for implementation of outreach programs.
Prepare instructional materials, ensure proper set-up, presentation, and clean-up for all programs assigned.
Assist with museum programs and events, including teaching workshops and managing groups.
Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude with the public, MOR staff, and community partners.
Remain current with all trainings, policies, and the newest information in paleontology.
Cultivate partnerships with community organizations to maintain MOR as a leader in childhood interactive learning.
Maintain a safe environment by following MOR standards and policies.
This person will be driving to locations across the state providing educational outreach.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
B.S. in geology, paleontology, biology, or relevant coursework, or an equivalent amount of education and/or experience.
Demonstrated experience providing strong teaching and science communication skills in the implementation of museum community programs.
Experience working with young children and families, preferably in an educational setting.
Excellent written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team or independently.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Knowledge and passion for paleontology and natural sciences as well as Montana’s Indigenous history.
Professional development/coursework in Early Childhood Education or museum education experience preferred.
The Successful Candidate Will
Verbal communication skills.
Must be self-directed, detail oriented, highly organized, with excellent follow through.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
Continued employment is contingent upon continual funding.
Occasional travel to programs in sometimes distant towns statewide may be required.
Must be able to transport up to 30 lbs, bend, and use the stairs as well, or remain in a stationary position for longer periods of time.
Work is also performed outdoors from time to time.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on January 7, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.