Seasonal Education Assistant

Description

Who We Are:

Located within Jefferson County Parks and Open Space, Dinosaur Ridge is one of the most iconic paleontology sites on Earth. This globally renowned site has been ranked by paleontologists as the #1 dinosaur tracksite in the nation, and one of the most important in the world for its historic background. Dinosaur Ridge typically draws about 200,000-250,000 annual visitors to view approximately 300 dinosaur tracks preserved on the sandstone slope. Dinosaur Ridge was also the site of the world’s first Stegosaurus bone fossil excavation and was designated part of the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark (a subunit of the National Park Service) in 1973. Friends of Dinosaur Ridge is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1989 with the missions of preserving fossils and advocating for scientific research on Dinosaur Ridge, as well as educating the public about those fossils and the natural history of the area. Our work also includes preserving and educating about the fossil sites at Triceratops Trail in nearby Golden, Colorado. 

Who You Are:

In the role of Seasonal Education Assistant at Dinosaur Ridge, you will have four primary roles that add up to a part-time position: a) assisting with educational programs and tours of Dinosaur Ridge; b) filling half-day docent shifts at our new “Deep Time Detour” exhibit hall; c) assisting facilitation of Dinosaur Ridge’s preschool program, “TriceraTOTs;” and d) occasionally assisting summer camp staff in running camp. The tour work and exhibit hall shifts will generally be according to a regular schedule.

This role requires a passion for paleontology and science communication, a background in paleontological work and/or science education, strong teaching skills, and the ability to engage with both internal staff and volunteers, as well as visitors and paid program attendees. 

This position reports to the Director of Education Programs but also works collaboratively with the Director of Volunteers, the Director of Camps and Collections, and the Scheduling Coordinator. This position also requires occasional direct work with volunteers and Gift Shop Clerks and Shift Supervisors. 

It is estimated that this position will vary between 12-30 hours per week with an overall average and norm of approximately 20-24 hours per week. Most docenting, TriceraTOTs, and tour guiding shifts will be scheduled ahead of time and at predictable times, while summer camp substitution work will be needed on an irregular schedule.

Responsibilities:

Education Program Tour Assistance 

• Under the supervision of the Director of Education Programs and through training and shadowing with education staff and volunteers, learn the primary program/tour talking points and engagement techniques with the goal of assisting and leading these outdoor education programs and tours for schools and other groups at Dinosaur Ridge's major educational nodes;
• Once fully trained, maintain availability to serve as a tour guide approximately two times per week, during largely predictable times and for 2-3 hours at a time, including preparation and related administrative work. 

Exhibit Hall Docenting Assistance

• Works collaboratively with the Director of Volunteers and the Director of Education Programs to be ready to greet visitors to Dinosaur Ridge’s new exhibit hall, Deep Time Detour, beginning on May 23, 2026. Primary duties will include greeting visitors and giving them logistical direction, and answering basic questions about the exhibit, as well as giving short tours of the exhibits to those wanting more personal guidance. 

Summer Camp Assistance

• Works collaboratively with the Director of Camps and Collections to be ready to occasionally fill in for full days during the 10-week summer camp program when other camp staff are not able to fulfill their shifts due to planned absences or illnesses;
• Similar to full-time camp leaders, become trained in all aspects of camp, including camp programmatic plans, camper engagement techniques, safety protocols, administrative protocols, and regulatory requirements such that with adequate lead time and preparation, this position can step into the summer camp structure for a day;
• The schedule for this portion of the position will be irregular and based upon others but will presumably involve a daylong shift approximately every 1-2 weeks.

TriceraTOTs Program Assistance

• Approximately 5-8 times, assist the TriceraTOTs Program Manager in program set-up and tear-down ,as well as helping facilitate this preschool program on the second Friday and Saturday mornings of each month (excluding July). Program facilitation may include assisting with hands-on activities, story time, sensory exploration, and movement-based learning experiences. Support may also include assisting with participant engagement and classroom management, welcoming families, modeling positive interactions, and fostering an inclusive, encouraging learning environment.

Requirements

• Age 21+ 
• High school diploma
• Must have 3 months (460 hours) of full-time, or equivalent 6 months to 1 year part-time experience working with school-aged children  
• Able to work and walk around outside in a variety of weather conditions, on uneven surfaces, and on inclines and stairs
• Available to work typically 2-3 days per week, possibly including occasional availability on weekends, mostly scheduled in advance 
• Organized, analytical, systematic, deadline-driven, and attentive to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Basic computer and technical skills; experience and/or aptitude working with technical applications, including typical spreadsheet, database, and word processing software 
• Team-oriented and consistently demonstrates positive values in work habits 
• Experience with communicating science to all audience levels 
• Three months or more of outdoor tour guiding
• Three months or more experience in museum docenting/guiding
• One or more years of experience in science education overall
• Moderate understanding of paleontology, dinosaurs, and geological concepts underpinning paleontology 
• Enjoy working with children of all ages
• Pass both general employment background checks as well as a background check for the State of Colorado’s Office of Childcare Licensing
• Passion for the mission of Dinosaur Ridge  

Admired, but not Required, Qualities:  

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in science, science education, and/or related field
• Six months or more of tour guiding
• Six months or more experience in museum docenting/guiding
• One or more seasons of outdoor day camp management
• Two or more years of experience in science education overall
• Significant demonstrated understanding of the paleontology, dinosaurs, and geology of the Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas National Natural Landmark

Start Date: Between March 18-April 1, 2026

End Date: September 30, 2026. Depending on success of incumbent and position, incumbent’s interest, organizational interest, and organizational financial standing, lengthened terms of service may be discussed to extend the end date.

Pay Range: $17.00-$18.50 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience

To Apply: send resume and cover letter to Erin LaCount, Education Programs Director, at erin.lacount@dinoridge.org by Tuesday, March 10. No calls please.