The Role   
Liberty Science Center (LSC) is seeking a STEM Educator-Early Childhood Specialist to join our STEM Programs team. The STEM Educator-Early Childhood Specialist’s primary areas of focus will be (1) developing and delivering engaging lab-based STEM workshops for PreK-2nd grade students on weekdays and with families and scouting groups on the weekend, (2) collaborating in the development of new programs of various lengths, and (3) integrating informal science educational offerings within formal school curricula. 

The STEM Educator-Early Childhood Specialist will report directly to the Director of Early Childhood Experiences. 

What You’ll Bring
You are a warm, welcoming, and collaborative person who enjoys working with young children in a variety of settings. You are an optimistic and positive individual who exudes a love for learning. You exhibit a natural sense of comfort, guiding children ages two to eight through the learning process using the tone and techniques appropriate for that age. You have an understanding of the learning theories, pedagogy, and best practices for early childhood students and are able to speak towards the importance of these things with parents, teachers, and administrators as needed. You enjoy being a part of a community of learners endeavoring to build fun, engaging programs that explain science and technology in easily understandable ways to both children and adults.

What You’ll Do
Below is an overview of your essential functions; please note, this is not an exhaustive list as new responsibilities can be added as business needs demand. The Early Childhood Specialist  will:

Program Delivery

1. Teach off-site and on-site STEM programs throughout the tri-state area, this includes 3 – 4 days of travel per week, where there can be 1 – 5 sessions per day and 16 – 300 people per session
2. Perform the tasks involved with the setup and breakdown of programs and assist in the associated administrative tasks
3. Establishes an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the cognitive, physical, and social emotional development of audience members

Program Development

1. Lead and assist in the development of forty-five minute programs or full year partnerships for early childhood school, scout, camp, and family audiences through the incorporation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) or common PreK curriculum (e.g. Creative Curriculum, Tools of the Mind, etc.)
2. Work cooperatively as a team member by contributing to and reflecting on the educational experiences of LSC’s varied audiences and effectively communicate ideas for new programmatic initiatives and additional science content for existing programs
3. Become familiar and proficient in the use of LSC’s maker lab tools and technology in support of innovative methods and materials used to teach STEM content to young children
4. Assist in the development of demonstrations, activities, media, and other program content as assigned by the Director of Early Childhood Experiences
5. Keep abreast of best practices in STEM and Early Childhood Education including the biggest developments in the world of science and technology

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. A personal commitment to fostering a multicultural, diverse organization
2. Strong project management and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
3. Knowledge of educational pedagogy and developmentally appropriate practices for an early childhood setting
4. Skilled in classroom management techniques conducive to creating a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for children’s learning
5. Able to drive a car for over 2 hours following directions from a map or GPS
6. Ability to work collaboratively with supervisors and peers in a team effort

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

1. Valid NJ driver’s license is required
2. BA in Early Childhood Education or related field required
3. 2+ years of teaching experience in an Early Childhood setting
4. 2+ years of Early Childhood curriculum development
5. CDA (Child Development Associate), Pre-3, or K-5 certification preferred
6. Experience and comfort working with live animals preferred
7. Experience and comfort with technology (such as 3D printers, iPads, and coding) a plus

Classification and Schedule
This is a full-time, exempt position. All team members must be able to work a flexible schedule including early mornings as well as some evenings, holidays, and/or weekends as needed. 

​​​​Physical Demands
The STEM Educator-Early Childhood Specialist 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 45lbs is required.

LSC’s Work Culture at a Glimpse
Liberty Science Center’s culture can best be described as a fun, creative, collaborative, and casual working environment. We are building a culture that is inclusive, positive, and professional and can’t wait for you to be part of our team! 

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.

Supervisory Responsibilities
While this position will be responsible for managing and supervising over classroom groups, there are no direct supervisory responsibilities in this position.

Travel
This position will require travel in the greater Metro region. The candidate should possess a valid driver’s license.

Compensation & Benefits
Compensation for this position is expected to be $52,000. In addition to compensation for salary, Liberty Science Center offers generous benefits, including, but not limited to:

1. Medical, dental, life, vision, and pet insurance
2. 403(b) defined contribution retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
3. Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays
4. Long-term disability coverage
5. Flexible spending accounts (pre-tax income for eligible health and/or dependent care expenses)
6. Commuter benefits (pre-tax income for parking or mass transit expenses)
7. Free parking
8. 25% discount in the on-site store
9. 15% discount in on-site cafeteria
10. LSC family membership
    
    
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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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