Elementary Youth Programs Coordinator

Utah State University; United States; On-site; USD 46,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah State University’s Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter seeks an energetic Elementary Youth Programs Coordinator to lead hands-on, inquiry-based programs for 5-13 year olds, develop science curricula, and coordinate field trips, classroom outreach, camps, and after-school activities.

The role partners with the Director of Youth Programs to ensure engaging environments, data collection, and program evaluation, while mentoring staff and managing resources for diverse learners in a dynamic setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., outdoor education, elementary education, museum studies, environmental science, communications, or visitor services); OR an equivalent combination of education plus related experience.
• Experience working with youth in a formal or informal educational setting.
• Valid driver’s license to drive university vehicles and transport materials.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Responsibilities

• Acts as lead educator to deliver hands-on programs to youth aged 5 to 13; develops science-based curricula; assists with daily operations, registrations, data collection, and program evaluation.
• Delivers SEEd Standard-aligned lessons during field trips and classroom outreach; maintains, updates, and creates curriculum for school partners; documents program impacts.
• Oversees and mentors education staff and volunteers; maintains program supplies, educational materials, and facility resources.
• Supports Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter initiatives and events; performs additional job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Youth education experience

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Environmental education

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Overview

The Elementary Youth Programs Coordinator is an energetic, organized, and engaging educator who plays a key role in the development, delivery, and success of youth programs at Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, with a primary focus on early childhood and elementary-aged learners. Swaner’s youth programs use hands‑on, inquiry‑based learning to inspire curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and connect young people with the natural world. Working closely with the Director of Youth Programs, the coordinator supports and facilitates a variety of educational experiences, including field trips, classroom outreach, camps, and after‑school programs.This position is instrumental in creating safe, and engaging learning environments that support the needs of diverse learners. The successful candidate is passionate about environmental education, enjoys working directly with children, and thrives in a collaborative, dynamic setting dedicated to meaningful learning experiences in nature.

The Extension Program Coordinator I reports to the Director of Youth Programs. This classification assists in the oversight, mentorship, and coordination of support staff, education staff, and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Enrolled Programs (40%):
  
  
  
  • Acts as lead educator to deliver hands‑on programs to youth aged 5 to 13; develops science‑based curricula; collaborates with the Director of Youth Programs to plan schedules and themes; assists with daily operations, registrations, data collection, and program evaluation.
  
  
  
  


• School Programs (40%):
  
  
  
  • Delivers SEEd Standard‑aligned lessons during field trips and classroom outreach; maintains, updates, and creates curriculum for school partners; builds professional rapport with teachers and school staff; assists in documenting program impacts.
  
  
  
  


• Coordination & Operations (10%):
  
  
  
  • Oversees and mentors education staff and volunteers; maintains program supplies, educational materials, and facility resources.
  
  
  
  


• Other Duties (10%):
  
  
  
  • Supports Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter initiatives and events; performs additional job‑related duties as assigned.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., outdoor education, elementary education, museum studies, environmental science, communications, or visitor services); OR an equivalent combination of education plus related experience.


• Experience working with youth in a formal or informal educational setting.


• Valid driver’s license to drive university vehicles and transport materials.


• Successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years of related experience in informal/formal education, museum engagement, or outdoor education.


• Communicate effectively in Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of environmental science, conservation principles, and educational pedagogy.


• Ability to work with all backgrounds, and accessibility practices in educational programming.


• Ability to design, organize, and deliver hands‑on, inquiry‑based youth education activities.


• Highly skilled in critical thinking, organization, prioritization, and creative problem‑solving.


• Skilled in using personal computers and related software applications.


• Ability to build collaborative working relationships with coworkers, youth, teachers, volunteers, and external partners.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to receive feedback and adapt programs.


• Ability to gather and synthesize program data for evaluation and impact reporting.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”


• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application


• Contact information for 3 Professional References to be typed at the beginning of the application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

$45,670 - $53,580

ADA

This position requires moderate physical activity. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds), walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting. This position requires nearly continuous standing, repetitive hand motions, and reaching overhead. Employees may be exposed to unusual elements including extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).

Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Additionally, indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods of time. The incumbent may also be exposed to loud noises or vibrations from equipment, and conditions that may affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land‑grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high‑quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac‑12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular‑season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student‑athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service.We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful.Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797‑0122 or [e-mail].

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex‑segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non‑discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[e-mail]

(435) 797‑1266

For further information regarding non‑discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303‑844‑5695 | [e-mail]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | [e-mail]

*updated 08/2026