The Role
Liberty Science Center (LSC) seeks a part-time STEM Educator to deliver highly interactive educational experiences and lessons to students of all ages. The STEM Educator will: (1) present programs offsite in schools and community-based organizations in the form of traveling science assemblies, workshops, and other event offerings; (2) deliver onsite interactive educational programs in LSC’s laboratories, theaters, and exhibition galleries for school groups, science camp, and the general public; (3) deliver programs virtually; and (4) collaborate with STEM Education Team in the development of new programs.  

The part-time STEM Educator will report directly to the Manager of School Programs and indirectly to the Sr. Director of School & Public Programs and is expected to be an engaged participant in the broader LSC community. 

What You’ll Bring
You love learning and working with students of all ages and excel at speaking in front of large audiences and managing student groups. Optimistic and flexible, you understand how to deliver science content in an age appropriate way that makes the content relevant to a young person’s world. Curious by nature, you are continually seeking knowledge about the ever-converging worlds of science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and culture, and can incorporate up-to-date knowledge into your program delivery.

What You’ll Do
Below is an overview of your essential job functions; please note this is not an exhaustive list as new responsibilities can be added as business needs demand.

Program Delivery

1. Deliver off-site, on-site, and virtual STEM programs as scheduled; note that these experiences could be delivered in the form of a classroom lesson, lab experiment, gallery demonstrations, large-scale assemblies, and stage/theater presentations. A typical schedule may include delivering up to five sessions per day to groups of 16 to 300 students per session
2. Prepare and teach lab-based workshops (grades K-12) that are student-driven, inquiry-based, and aligned to NGSS standards
3. Establish an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to diverse audience members' physical, social, and emotional development
4. Prep, set up and break down programs and complete administrative tasks (such as making confirmation calls, inputting data into Tessitura, packing supply bins, etc.)

Program Development

1. Collaborate with the broader STEM team in creating science content that is aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (known in New Jersey as NJSLS-S), bridging informal educational experiences with formal education and that can be delivered in Science Camp, school classrooms, or in our onsite galleries
2. Collaborating with the Manager of School programs, develop and implement STEM content to create interdisciplinary connections bridging informal and formal school curricula
3. Keep abreast of best practices in STEM Education and the most significant developments in science and technology

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

1. Knowledge of a scientific or technical field and the ability and willingness to learn outside your area of expertise
2. Knowledge of NGSS/NJSLS-S and ability to translate standards into inquiry-based learning experiences
3. Ability to teach students with diverse needs
4. Skilled in the application of classroom management techniques conducive to creating a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for children’s learning
5. Skilled in presenting technical content that is engaging and easy to understand by the target audience
6. Strong project and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to be punctual for all program delivery
7. Skilled in working collaboratively with a wide range of capabilities and personalities
8. A personal commitment to fostering a multicultural, diverse organization
9. Ability to work independently and solve problems creatively

Preferred Qualifications

1. BA/BS in STEM-related major, preferably in the physical sciences; an advanced degree is a plus
2. Valid NJ driver’s license is required; must be able to drive a car 2+ hours following directions from a map or GPS
3. 1+ year experience teaching science to children, ages 5 to 16, in either formal or informal setting
4. Experience in delivering an educational presentation in a fun, dynamic way
5. Acting experience is a plus
6. Experience and comfort with using educational software/technology in an educational setting

Classification & Schedule
This is a part-time, non-exempt position that is expected to be scheduled 24-28 hours per week. Hours may vary based on business demand. This position requires strict adherence to program punctuality. Travel to off-site programming requires arrival to the location at least 60 minutes (one hour) before the scheduled start of the first program.

 All LSC employees must be able to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, holidays, and/or weekends as business needs require.

Benefits & Compensation
Liberty Science Center 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 Membership
5. Free parking

The wage for this non-exempt role is $22.00 per hour.

Physical/Environmental Demands
NOTE: Candidates for this position must be able to perform the essential functions of this role with or without reasonable accommodations. 

The STEM Educator role will require working with students in a variety of settings and will require the ability to stand for extended periods while delivering programs or public speaking, often in a loud environment. This role must be able to operate standard office equipment and work in a standard classroom setting in schools that may or may not have working elevators. This role may involve walking on concrete floors, maneuvering through crowds, climbing stairs, bending or stooping to work with children, and carrying/lifting/pushing equipment or teaching aids that may weigh up to 45 pounds. This position also requires driving a vehicle to off-site locations in a variety of weather conditions.

LSC’s Work Culture at a Glimpse
LSC prides itself on fostering a workplace culture that enables all employees to experience a sense of pleasure, passion, and purpose. We believe in embracing and driving change, inspiring fun and learning, and creating a positive and family-friendly team spirit. Our differences as individuals 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 our guests and 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 point 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 an on-site café and a terrace with stunning NYC views.

Travel
Please note that off-site program delivery requires travel throughout the NJ Tri-State region (up to 140 miles from LSC) approximately three times per week.  

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 .