Jefferson National Parks Association invites an experienced educator or museum educator to serve in a non-federal role as Youth Learning Specialist, delivering innovative, multidisciplinary education programs in partnership with the National Park Service. This role involves planning and leading K–12 programs; supporting teacher professional development, summer camps, and scouting programs; and using interpretive tools such as digital media and immersive technologies.
This is more than a job — it is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on one of America’s most iconic landmarks of the National Park System. As a member of the education team, you will advance the vision for Youth Education in the Parks (YEP), an ambitious initiative that will expand access to transformational learning experiences, deepen the park’s relationship with schools and teachers, and inspire the next generation of national park stewards.
We seek an innovative and creative problem-solver who collaborates well with others to support the delivery of curriculum through hands-on, inquiry driven and participatory methods that promote active learning and discovery. Our new Youth Learning Specialist will thrive in every setting—whether leading in the classroom, presenting to an audience, or engaging in the field. The ideal candidate is an experienced educator who can serve as a reliable and engaging presence for school groups, scouting groups, clubs and extracurricular activities for youth.
Interested applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree in education, history, museum studies, science communication, or related field. Three full calendar years or more of experience teaching or facilitating programs in formal or informal education settings is also required.
Beyond these immediate opportunities, this position offers the chance to model excellence in urban national park education that can be replicated for other parks. Gateway Arch National Park is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of history, civic identity, and natural resources, and the Youth Learning Specialist will have the rare ability to bring these dimensions together in programming for students. By shaping signature experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world exploration, the Youth Learning Specialist can support the park as a national leader in youth engagement, sparking curiosity and stewardship among thousands of young people who may be visiting a national park for the first time.
Gateway Arch National Park offers a dynamic mix of educational programs that connect students with the history, culture, and natural environment of the St. Louis region. Program details may be viewed at nps.gov/jeff/learn/education and gatewayarch.com/education.
Aligned with state and national standards, programs serve pre-K through 12th grade audiences through onsite museum education, live virtual sessions, scout badge workshops, and summer camp collaborations. Students engage in role-playing, problem-solving, and hands-on activities that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and civic engagement. In the 2024 program year, over 15,000 students were served onsite at the national park and nearly 8,800 through classroom visits.
Professional development workshops support teachers in bringing park themes into their classrooms, and thousands of students participate each year through in-park, in-school, and distance learning experiences. Traveling trunks—a long-standing pillar of the program—await a fresh reimaging under the thoughtful collaborations of our new Youth Services Team.
The Youth Learning Specialist will serve on a collaborative team charged with promoting a concerted effort to expand and reimagine youth programming – building on a strong foundation of existing programs while effectively incorporating the national park’s recently completed exhibits in learning.
Accountable to JNPA’s Director of Youth Education, while collaborating closely with NPS Museum Services & Interpretation staff, the Youth Learning Specialists will work with other key staff, creating engaging, innovative learning experiences for students and visitors.
Jefferson National Parks Association has partnered with Gateway Arch National Park for over six decades, providing stable funding and program support to help the park fulfill its mission. This position is situated within our headquarters office in St. Louis, Missouri—a city known for its thriving arts and culture scene, outstanding parks and museums, and accessible cost of living.
Learn more and apply today at JNPA.com!