Position Description

Part-Time STEM Educator, Early Childhood Experiences
Location LSC - Jersey City
Job Code 931
# of openings 1
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The Role
The part-time STEM Educator that focuses on early childhood experiences at Liberty Science Center (LSC) provides highly interactive educational experiences and lessons to learners from Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd grade, as well as their families. All educators deliver programs onsite, offsite, and virtually.  The part-time STEM Educator will often deliver early childhood programs at LSC in our content-packed exhibition galleries, theaters, science camp, and laboratories and/or offsite in the form of traveling science assemblies, school workshops, events offerings, and after school programs. This educator is also responsible for the enrichment of  our guests' experiences by helping to develop new STEM programs and science content for our STEM Science Camps as well as other forms of engaging educational delivery.

The part-time Early Childhood STEM Educator will report to and be supervised by the Director of Early Childhood Experiences.

What You’ll Bring
With a passion for STEM learning and interest in science and technology trends, you are a charismatic and improvisational science storyteller. You operate daily with a kind, calm and thoughtful demeanor and consider yourself to have a creative spirit.  You feel comfortable speaking in front of large audiences and working with young children in a variety of settings. Optimistic and positive, you have a strong desire to explain science and technology in  ways that are easily understood by children and adults who may have no background in STEM and are a strong believer in bridging informal and formal teaching practices.

What You’ll Do

  1. Teach on-site, off-site, and/or virtual STEM programs throughout the tri-state area. This includes 2-3 days of travel per week, where there can be 1-5 sessions per day and 16-300 people per session
  2. Lead and assist in the development of forty-five minute programs or full year partnerships for school, scout, and family audiences through the incorporation of the Next General Science Standards (NGSS)
  3. Deliver educational experiences through large-scale assembly and stage presentations, onsite, offsite and virtually
  4. Assist in the development and implementation of STEM content to create interdisciplinary connection, bridging informal and formal school curriculum
  5. Collaborate in the teaching and development of programs across the STEM Division, such as STEM Innovation and Planetarium
  6. Assist the Director, Specialized Programs and the Director, Early Childhood Experiences in the development of demonstrations, activities, media and other program content as needed
  7. Perform the tasks involved with the setup and breakdown of programs and assist in the associated administrative tasks (such as confirmation calls, attendance updates on assigned project management tools)
  8. Participate in the program development process as a member of project teams, conceptualizing new programmatic initiatives and/or additional science content for existing programs
  9. Ensure that all programs are performed in a manner that is consistent with LSC’s approach to science teaching and learning
  10. Other responsibilities as assigned to meet the needs of the business

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

  1. Knowledge of a scientific or technical field, and the ability and willingness to learn outside area of expertise
  2. A personal commitment to fostering a multicultural, diverse organization
  3. Strong project management and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  4. Ability to create a safe environment for audience and fellow staff
  5. Skilled in presenting technical content that is engaging and easy to understand by the target audience
  6. Ability to drive a car for over 2 hours, following directions from map or GPS
  7. Ability to work independently and think on one’s feet
  8. Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with supervisors and peers in a team effort

Preferred Qualifications

  1. BA degree/ teaching certification in elementary education, early childhood education, or a related field; advanced degree is a plus
  2. Expert knowledge in early childhood development or education preferred
  3. Driver’s license is a requirement
  4. Experience teaching children, ages 3 to 8, in either formal or informal setting
  5. Experience with using educational software/technology
  6. Experience in delivering an educational presentation in a fun, dynamic way
  7. Acting experience a plus

Classification & Schedule
This is a part-time, non-exempt position. The ideal candidate must be available to work occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays as business needs or special events may require. Given that LSC is a seven-day-a-week operation, all employees must be able to work a flexible schedule (mornings, evenings, holidays, and weekends) as business needs require.

Compensation
The Early Childhood STEM Educator is compensated at a rate of $21.50/hr. Liberty Science Center also provides generous perks for all eligible part-time employees, including:

  1. Earned paid sick time
  2. 25% discount for staff in the LSC store
  3. 15% discount in the Cosmic Cafe
  4. LSC Family Membership
  5. Free parking

Physical/Environmental Demands
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The STEM Educator will operate standard office equipment, such as a computer, phone, fax, and a scanner.  While the majority of work takes place in on-site or off-site classrooms, the position requires frequent visits to the museum gallery exhibitions and theaters (walking on concrete floors, climbing stairs, pushing or carrying equipment, etc.); traveling to off-site locations in all varieties of weather; tolerating high levels of noise; and extensive public speaking, sometimes in noisy environments. Most of the time, this individual will stand for long periods and maneuver through crowds. The ability to lift 45 lbs is required.

LSC’s Work Culture at a Glimpse
Liberty Science Center prides itself on fostering a culture that enables all employees to experience a sense of pleasure, passion, and purpose while in the workplace. We believe in embracing and driving change, inspiring fun and learning, and creating a positive and family-friendly team spirit. Our differences as individuals (race, gender, age, cultural heritage, physical ability, education, and lifestyle) are an asset and contribute to our ability to drive innovation. Lastly, at the heart of our work culture is the commitment to delivering a “wow factor” through our exceptional customer service to not only our guests but also one another.

Our Environment
Liberty Science Center is located in a beautiful waterfront state park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Not only is Jersey City easy to get to from any points in Northern NJ and Manhattan, but it also holds the title of the most diverse city in the United States. Employees have access to free parking, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and the NJ Path train. In addition, all employees have access to a terrace with stunning NYC views.

Travel
This position will require travel in the tri-state and greater NYC region, up to 140 miles from LSC. A valid driver’s license is required.

To apply:
Please submit a cover letter highlighting why this role is a good fit for you, and complete the required questions (on the LSC Careers Page).

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Liberty Science Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We, therefore, provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know .

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