JSA Classroom Assistant Position

Position Summary: Junior Science Academy Classroom Assistants are a hugely important factor in providing student visitors with exceptional customer experience. With training in the subject matter of their in-class lessons, they bring science to life, helping students make lasting connections between what they learn in the classroom, natural history, and scientific inquiry. Through this volunteer engagement, an individual has the unique opportunity to get their foot in the door at NHMU, and engage curious young minds with the thrill of immersive science education.

Specifically, Classroom Assistants work with NHMU staff to facilitate field trips for Junior Science Academy (JSA). JSA is a program that enables 4th and 5th grade students to engage in science from new perspectives through hands-on, inquiry-based activities and authentic learning experiences that help build understanding and strengthen students' science processing skills. Volunteers will actively engage with students during classroom and gallery activities, and assist in classroom set up and clean up. Volunteers will also help with cleaning and maintaining classroom supplies, and restocking consumables. Classroom Assistants may be asked to participate in program evaluation, development, data entry, and preparation/organization of supplies and materials needed. Through this experience, volunteers will inspire learning, support natural history exploration, and foster in-depth engagement with science learning.

Department: Field Trip Programs, Education and Community Engagement

Supervisor:  Dawnell Moon, Junior Science Academy Coordinator

Skills/Abilities:

  • Good oral communication skills
  • Comfortable managing a class-size group
  • Interest in science
  • Adaptable and creative
  • Punctual and dependable
  • Enjoy interacting and engaging with students
  • Able to take initiative
  • Attention to detail
  • Capable of standing or walking for extended periods, preferred

Training Required: All volunteers are required to complete an Online Volunteer Orientation, which should take about 1 hour to complete from home, and a 75-minute On-Site Museum Orientation. Additional training will occur on the job. 

Training Schedule:

Online Volunteer Orientation, to be completed at home

On-Site Museum Orientation, 75 minutes, RSVP required:

  • Offered weekly, to be scheduled after completion of Online Volunteer Orientation 

Shifts Available: 

  • Monday, (Every other week) from 8:30 am – 11:30 am OR 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
  • Wednesday, from 8:30 am – 11:30 am OR 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
  • Thursday, (Except 1st week each month) from 8:30 am – 11:30 am OR 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
  • Fridays, from 8:30 am – 11:30 am OR 11:30 am – 2:30 pm

Time Commitment: Junior Science Academy Classroom Assistants will volunteer one three-hour shift per week, for the duration of the September 2023 – May 2024 school year. Time commitment includes breaks that coincide with school breaks, including Christmas and New Year’s.

Age Requirement: 18 years or older 

Background checks are required for all volunteers.

Benefits: Volunteers at the Natural History Museum of Utah expand their knowledge of the natural world through specialized trainings, enjoy behind-the-scenes access, and interact with the Museum’s research staff. They broaden their social circle by making connections with fellow volunteers, Museum staff, and Museum guests; they contribute to scientific research, and make an impact in increasing scientific literacy and awareness in the local community, and beyond. This is a particularly great role for anyone pursuing a career in science, education, or nonprofit work. This role ensures a front-row seat to the inner workings of a world-class Museum, and a great opportunity for career connections and mentoring!

In addition, the Museum offers the following benefits:

  • Volunteer t-shirt and nametag
  • Free admission into the museum
  • Two free guest passes for every 25 hours of service
  • Museum membership discount
  • Discount at Museum Store
  • Use of the volunteer lounge
  • Continuing Education programs, including lectures and tours
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Invitation to social and recognition events

Thank you for your interest in the Natural History Museum of Utah!

Apply Now