person playing with a magnet and iron filings inside a glass cylindar

spectrUM

Employment Opportunities

The spectrUM Discovery Area invites applications on a rolling basis to help deliver high quality, engaging science education throughout the year. The 猎奇重口 spectrUM Discovery Area is a hands-on science museum dedicated to igniting passion for discovery through science. 

The 猎奇重口 is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Questions about employment opportunities may be sent to spectrUM@umontana.edu, or by calling 406-728-7826.

Open Positions

  • Outreach Educator

    Hours Per Week: 20-40 hours per week, Temporary

    Wage: $16/hour

    Duration: 6 month term

    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 猎奇重口. 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 猎奇重口 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 猎奇重口 job portal:

  • Educator

    Hours Per Week: Flexible part time and full time hours available, start and end dates flexible

    Wage: $15.75/hour or DOE

    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. spectrUM educators support hands-on science, technology, engineering, math, and art education in summer camps, our museum, and during outreach events across Western 猎奇重口. Educators will learn about the field of science museums and develop informal education skills and leadership skills. This position will foster spectrUM’s mission to inspire a culture of learning and discovery for all.

    Areas of Responsibility:

    1. Lead Discovery Bench Activities

    2. Engage with the public at all spectrUM exhibits in the library

    3. Lead specialized programs such as field trips, clubs and camps

    4. Attend trainings

    5. Represent spectrUM

    Qualifications:

    1. Work-study with the 猎奇重口 preferred.

    2. Must be available for the entire duration of the position, limited time off negotiable.

    3. General knowledge of and interest in science.

    4. Positive and outgoing demeanor.

    5. Ability to work with children and adults.

    6. Organized, attentive to detail, communicative about scheduling.

    7. Willingness to learn.

    8. Experience working in an education setting preferred.

    9. Flexibility and a positive attitude to deal with things like weather, schedule changes, and other unexpected circumstances that may arise.

    10. Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.

    11. 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

    • PDF version of your resume and cover letter

    • List of 3 references

  • Intern Educator

    Hours Per Week: 5-15

    Wage: $15/hr

    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. spectrUM interns support hands-on science, technology, engineering, math, and art education in our museum and office. This position is flexible and can be tailored to the unique interests and skills that the intern is interested in building. The intern will work with spectrUM Associate Director and Camp Coordinator to create a work plan for the duration of the internship.

    Areas of Responsibility:

    1. Lead science activities in spectrUM's camps and in the museum

    2. Engage with the public at exhibits 

    3. Develop knowledge in spectrUM's STEAM curriculum

    4. Develop informal education skills

    5. Identify areas to strengthen towards graduation and career readiness

    Qualifications:

    1. Positive and outgoing demeanor.

    2. Ability to work with children and adults.

    3. Organized, attentive to detail, communicative about scheduling.

    4. Willingness to learn.

    5. Flexibility and a positive attitude to deal with things like weather, schedule changes, and other unexpected circumstances that may arise.

    6. Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.

    7. 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

    • PDF version of your resume and cover letter

High School Explainer Program

  • High School Explainer

    Hours Per Week: 8-10 hours per week 

    Wage: $14/hour

    Duration: Seasonal 

    Job Description:

    As a High School Explainer, you won’t just study science, you will lead it! This program is designed for students who are interested in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical science and beyond. Your goal will be to inspire the next generation of scientists, as you learn to develop hands on activities to engage young learners in these topics. This immersive program bridges the gap between science education and community impact.

    As a Near-Peer Educator, you’ll take on a professional role within the spectrUM community. Your mission is to:

    1. Design: Create hands-on, high-energy experiments and demonstrations.
    2. Facilitate: Lead interactive programming for K-8 students, making these topics accessible and fun.
    3. Inspire: Serve as a role model, igniting a passion for discovery in younger learners.

    Beyond the science, this program focuses on real-world skill building. You will sharpen your public speaking, activity planning, and communication skills all while fulfilling spectrUM’s mission to ignite passion for discovery through science.

    Areas of Responsibility:

    • Engage in guided lectures and interactive activities to guide your understanding of program topics

    • Develop hands-on, high-energy experiments and demonstrations

    • Lead interactive programming for K-8 students, making program topics accessible and fun 

    • Serve as a role model, igniting a passion for discovery in younger learners 

    • Develop informal education skills 


    Qualifications:

    1. Must be at least 16 years old by the first day of the program

    2. Must be able to obtain a valid work permit

    3. Must be able to attend all training sessions which equal 6 hours a week (you are allowed to miss up to 2 sessions before being asked to withdraw from the program)

    4. Must be able to work at least 2 additional hours per week in addition to instructional hours, in the Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation

    5. A background in science is NOT required but a commitment to a growth mindset is!

    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 your applications materials (included below) to halle.townes@mso.umt.edu 

    Click here to download the application! 

    Click here for a program description! 

  • High School Explainer

    Hours Per Week: 8-10 hours per week 

    Wage: $14/hour

    Duration: Seasonal 

    Job Description:

    As a High School Explainer, you won’t just study science, you will lead it! This program is designed for students who are interested in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical science and beyond. Your goal will be to inspire the next generation of scientists, as you learn to develop hands on activities to engage young learners in these topics. This immersive program bridges the gap between science education and community impact.

    As a Near-Peer Educator, you’ll take on a professional role within the spectrUM community. Your mission is to:

    1. Design: Create hands-on, high-energy experiments and demonstrations.
    2. Facilitate: Lead interactive programming for K-8 students, making these topics accessible and fun.
    3. Inspire: Serve as a role model, igniting a passion for discovery in younger learners.

    Beyond the science, this program focuses on real-world skill building. You will sharpen your public speaking, activity planning, and communication skills all while fulfilling spectrUM’s mission to ignite passion for discovery through science.

    Areas of Responsibility:

    • Engage in guided lectures and interactive activities to guide your understanding of program topics

    • Develop hands-on, high-energy experiments and demonstrations

    • Lead interactive programming for K-8 students, making program topics accessible and fun 

    • Serve as a role model, igniting a passion for discovery in younger learners 

    • Develop informal education skills 


    Qualifications:

    1. Must be at least 16 years old by the first day of the program

    2. Must be able to obtain a valid work permit

    3. Must be able to attend all training sessions which equal 6 hours a week (you are allowed to miss up to 2 sessions before being asked to withdraw from the program)

    4. Must be able to work at least 2 additional hours per week in addition to instructional hours, in the spectrUM Discovery Area

    5. A background in science is NOT required but a commitment to a growth mindset is!

    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 your applications materials (included below) to halle.townes@mso.umt.edu 

    Click here to download the application! 

    Click here for a program description!