Posted October 6, 2014.

The California Academy of Sciences is looking for a full-time Education
Specialist to support our expanding Science Action Club (SAC) program.

Science Action Club engages middle school youth in authentic, hands-on
science through partnerships with local afterschool providers. Youth in SAC
conduct outdoor nature investigations and participate in authentic citizen
science projects. Through the SAC program, the Academy provides afterschool
staff with curriculum materials, supplies for activities, custom-configured
digital technology, professional development training, and ongoing support.

Primary responsibilities of the SAC Education Specialist include designing
highly engaging science curricula for use in afterschool, developing and
maintaining productive relationships with SAC partners, coordinating complex
program logistics, and serving as an active contributor to the broader Youth
Programs portfolio.

Learn more about Science Action Club here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0sreBdJyrA
Learn about our Youth Programs here:
http://www.calacademy.org/youthprograms/
Apply Now: http://calacademy.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=qKls8

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Science Action Club (SAC) program engages middle school youth in
hands-on science exploration through partnerships with local afterschool
providers. Youth in SAC conduct outdoor nature investigations and
participate in authentic citizen science projects. The growing SAC network
extends throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and has the capacity to serve
more than 650 youth each year.

Through the SAC program the Academy provides resources such as science
curriculum materials that link to national citizen science projects,
supplies for hands-on investigations, custom-configured digital technology,
and professional development training and support. In addition, the SAC
Alliance serves to bridge the school day through increased collaboration
between afterschool and formal school-day staff. Each Alliance team supports
its local Science Action Club by participating in professional development
workshops and sharing resources to deepen the SAC youth experience.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Science Action Club Manager, the SAC Education Specialist
helps develop and expand the SAC program by designing innovative science
curricula, maintaining effective communication with partners, and providing
logistical support for the successful implementation of SAC events and
initiatives. This position provides the opportunity to bring meaningful and
relevant science into the afterschool arena, help provide professional
development opportunities for afterschool staff, and engage youth with
science.

Qualified applicants for this position are creative thinkers and
collaborative team players with a strong background in the natural sciences,
experience facilitating science activities, and knowledge of best practices
for hands-on teaching and learning in an informal environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
€ Collaborate with the SAC Manager to develop innovative curricula that
spark curiosity, foster scientific literacy, and build community among
middle school youth in local afterschool programs
€ Configure and maintain SAC iPads with digital tools that support learning,
as well as to facilitate communication and sharing of resources among SAC
sites and the Academy
€ Cultivate positive, effective relationships and maintain ongoing
communication with SAC partners
€ Assist in the planning and facilitation of SAC events, including
professional development workshops, Alliance team meetings, and site visits;
coordinate logistics related to the scheduling of SAC events
€ Order, maintain, and distribute program equipment and supplies
€ Serve as an active thought partner and contribute to the development of
long-term strategic plans and curriculum revision
€ Respond to requests for program evaluation and grant reporting as needed
€ Serve as a collaborative member of the Youth Programs team, as well as the
TYE Department, contributing broadly to the Academy youth experience and the
advancement of our mission
€ Represent SAC, the Youth Programs portfolio, and the Teacher & Youth
Education Department both internally and externally
€ Follow all Academy safety regulations
€ Work occasional weekends or evenings
€ Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are
representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following education
and/or equivalent experience:
€ Bachelor¹s degree in science or education required; graduate degree
preferred
€ At least two years experience developing and implementing hands-on,
learner-centered science curricula, preferably for middle school youth
€ At least two years experience working in formal or informal education
settings

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
€ Content knowledge in life sciences, earth sciences, and physical sciences
€ Understanding of best practices for teaching hands-on, learner-centered
science in informal settings
€ Ability to design, prototype, evaluate, and revise educational programs
and curriculum materials
€ Experience with or desire to explore educational technology tools and
strategies
€ Proactive, diplomatic communicator; ability to forge and maintain
partnerships with key stakeholders
€ Excellent oral and written communication, public speaking, and group
facilitation skills
€ Ability to work effectively with multigenerational and multicultural
constituencies
€ Ability to collaboratively reflect, brainstorm, and execute tasks, as well
as use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to work with minimal
supervision
€ Strong organizational skills; ability to carry out multiple administrative
tasks with attention to detail
€ Computer literacy required (MS Office Suite/Apple OS); Adobe Creative
Suite desirable
€ Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings required
€ Valid California driver’s license and clean driving record required

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Ability to read and interpret documents such as curriculum
manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure
manuals.  Ability to read and write curriculum materials, reports, and
correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups and individuals.
Bilingual skills a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The physical demands and work
environment described here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties
of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, reach
with hands and arms, talk and hear. Must be able to lift 40 lbs.  Must be
able to perform repetitive motions 50% of the time.

MANDATED REPORTER:  This is a mandated reporter designated position.
Academy employees whose duties include direct contact and supervision of
children are deemed mandated reporters under California Law.  Mandated
reporters have certain specific reporting obligations in the event that they
know of, observe or reasonably suspect that a child has been the victim of
child abuse or neglect.  The Academy provides mandated reporters with
training of their rights and obligations under the Child Abuse and Neglect
Reporting Act.

The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and
welcomes applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.

The California Academy of Sciences is a non-smoking facility. There is also
no smoking in Golden Gate Park.