STEM Educator

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 present programs offsite in schools and community-based organizations as traveling science assemblies, workshops, and other event offerings; deliver onsite interactive educational programs in LSC’s laboratories, theaters, and exhibition galleries for school groups, science camp, and the general public; deliver programs virtually; and collaborate with the STEM Education Team in the development of new programs.

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 it 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

• Deliver off-site, on-site, and virtual STEM programs as scheduled, which could include classroom lessons, lab experiments, 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.
• Prepare and teach lab-based workshops (grades K-12) that are student-driven, inquiry-based, and aligned to NGSS standards.
• Establish an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to diverse audience members' physical, social, and emotional development.
• 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

• 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 can be delivered in Science Camp, school classrooms, or our onsite galleries.
• Develop and implement STEM content to create interdisciplinary connections bridging informal and formal school curricula with the Manager of School Programs.
• Keep abreast of best practices in STEM Education and the most significant developments in science and technology.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Classification & Schedule

This is a part-time, non-exempt position 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 at least 60 minutes before the start of the first program.

Benefits & Compensation

Liberty Science Center provides generous perks for eligible part-time employees, including:

• Earned paid sick time.
• 25% discount for staff in the LSC store.
• 15% discount in the Cosmic Cafe.
• LSC Membership.
• Free parking.

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

Physical/Environmental Demands

NOTE: Candidates 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 various settings and 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 to off-site locations in various weather conditions.

LSC’s Work Culture

LSC fosters 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 are assets contributing to our ability to drive innovation. At the heart of our work culture is the commitment to delivering a “wow factor” through exceptional customer service.

Our Environment

Liberty Science Center is located in a beautiful waterfront state park in Jersey City, New Jersey, easily accessible from Northern NJ and Manhattan. Employees have access to free parking, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and the NJ Path train. All employees have access to an on-site café and a terrace with stunning NYC views.

Travel

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).