Makerspace Programs Coordinator

Department:
Education

Reports to:

Onsite Education Programs Manager
Compensation: $19-21 / hr
Grade: 2
Educational/Degree Requirement:
None
Exempt or Nonexempt:
Nonexempt
Hourly or Salaried:
Hourly
Hours Per Week: 40
Hybrid or On Site:
On Site
Language proficiency:
English. Proficiency/familiarity with another language is a plus but not required.

Schedule:

Tuesday – Saturday. Occasional Sundays and evenings.

The Bakken Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum with a focus on innovation and the intersection of STEM and the humanities. The museum encourages curiosity through our exhibitions, events, and on and off-site education programs. Our purpose is to awaken the innovator inside each of us.

Curiosity:
Wonder by asking bold questions, challenging assumptions, and seeking new perspectives. Center diverse voices to ensure exploration is equitable and relevant.
Creativity:
Try and discover by generating, testing, and refining ideas. Take risks, learn from failure, and think outside of the box to create solutions that reveal unique possibilities.

Collaboration:

Share by combining strengths, engaging partners, and building toward shared outcomes. Work across teams, communities, and volunteers to co-create adaptable solutions that are stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful together

The Bakken provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

The Makerspace Programs Coordinator serves as a central member of the Education team, developing and delivering both Field Trip tours and workshops onsite and leading outreach education programs. They are responsible for coordination of youth makerspace programs, including makerspace support, materials wrangling, mentor coordination, and support of seasonal summer staff.

The Makerspace Programs Coordinator is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and inspiring learning environment where students explore creativity, STEM, and problem-solving through hands‑on experiences. Educators co-lead daily activities, guiding youth through engineering design challenges, skill‑building projects, and student designed projects.

Safety is a primary responsibility. The Makerspace Coordinator supervises students at all times during programs—ensuring the proper use of makerspace tools, including soldering irons, hand tools, drills, and select power tools. They foster inclusive spaces where all students feel seen, supported, and empowered to take creative risks. They use strong classroom management, thoughtful questioning, and encouragement to help students work through challenges.

This role helps students develop confidence and build skills, fostering curiosity, teamwork, resilience, and learning through failure. As an educator, they will coach problem‑solving skills and strategies. They support students in brainstorming, testing, and refining designs with real tools and materials during project time.

Collaboration with fellow educators and seasonal staff is essential to maintaining high-quality programming and a positive culture. During the summer camp season, mentors the camp counselors. They model and enforce clear expectations for safety, respect, and…