Science Alliance Positions
Ready to take your involvement with the Science Alliance to the next level? There are plenty of opportunities to help the Science Alliance with current projects, and you can always create your own project if you are passionate about a specific area of science education!
Why should you consider becoming more involved with the Science Alliance?
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Gain experience with important skills such as coordinating volunteers, curriculum development, website design, marketing techniques, and grant writing.
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It's rewarding - kids never forget the day that the Science Alliance came into their classroom, and teachers are always asking for more!
Weekly Volunteers Anyone.
The weekly volunteers include anyone who is attending visits. These volunteers work in an afterschool program at either the middle school or elementary school or participate in classroom visits through Triple E. Volunteers are responsible for coming to the visits at their scheduled times, as well as attending a training session before their first visit. Each volunteer will run a station or lead a small group at the visits (determined in the training). If a volunteer cannot make a scheduled visit, they are expected to contact their team leader at least 3 days in advance to allow for us to find a replacement volunteer. This position has a time commitment of 2 hours per week for about 5-6 week cycles (after-school) OR 2 hours per month for the school year (in-class/Triple E).
Alternative Visit Volunteers Anyone.
The on-site volunteers include anyone who is attending visits. Alternative visit volunteers will be notified when an extra visit is planned, for example Girl Scouts or community visits. Volunteers are responsible for coming to the visits at their scheduled times, as well as attending a short training session before their first visit. Each volunteer will run a station or lead a small group at the visits (determined in the training). If a volunteer cannot make a scheduled visit, they are expected to contact their team leader at least 3 days in advance to allow for a replacement volunteer to fill their spot. This position has a time commitment of about 2 hours per visit, however, visits occur over varying times and days (specific dates TBD).
Elementary Team Leader 1-2 persons.
Elementary team leaders communicate with Daryl Kehler (Daryl.Kehler@nfld.k12.mn.us) and with volunteers that go to the after-school program. During each weekly visit they are responsible for leading the group, taking pictures and videos, and tracking volunteer attendance on the Visit Attendance Google Form. Van certification is ideal for this position, but not a prerequisite.
Middle School Team Leader 1-2 persons.
Middle school leaders communicate with Linda Oto (Connected Kids and Youth Development Coordinator - linda.oto@nfld.k12.mn.us) and with volunteers that go to the after-school program. During each weekly visit they are responsible for leading the group, taking pictures and videos, and tracking volunteer attendance on the Visit Attendance Google Form. Van certification is ideal for this position, but not a prerequisite
Alternative Visit Team Leader 1-2 persons.
Alternative visit leaders are responsible for planning community events, such as Girl Scouts and Way Park. This includes correspondence with the community group and recruiting volunteers. During each weekly visit they are responsible for leading the group, taking pictures and videos, and tracking volunteer attendance on the Visit Attendance Google Form. These visits will likely occur irregularly throughout the school year, but are less frequent than school visits. The Science Alliance Coordinators will help to create initial contacts with community members and are available to answer questions and provide support.
Science Alliance Coordinator​ 2 persons.
The coordinator positions are filled by students who have shown significant commitment to the Science Alliance. Coordinators oversee and advise all other positions and meet with them on a regular basis (as a full group or one-on-one). They are also responsible for recruiting and training a robust volunteer base, collaborating with other campus organizations, the education department, and Triple E, and logging hours through Volunteer Network. Additionally, they will maintain relationships with community organizations, local teachers, and after-school programs, ensuring that the needs of all stakeholders are met. Coordinators meet weekly with Professor Muth weekly to address any current issues and directions of the organization, and have the opportunity to receive academic credit for their position as a Student Coordinator in the form of a .25 credit advanced lab. This position will extend into the summer, if the coordinators are available, with a paid CURI research position with Professor Greg Muth. Summer positions involve responsibilities of the Development Director (Curriculum development, operations, funding, identifying and implementing assessments) and provide opportunities to develop the program further. (Listed as Program Directors for Volunteer Network purposes)
Development Director Any prior leaders or coordinators.
Development directors guide program growth and development. Their responsibilities may include grant writing, curriculum development and design, attending conferences, updating the website, and addressing any other current needs of the program. They will meet with the coordinators and other leaders on a regular basis to ensure that all of needs are met and that the organizations is following the desired development trajectory.