STEM Educator, Out-of-School Time Programs at Liberty Science Center – Jersey City, New Jersey

Part-Time STEM Educator, Out-of-School Time Programs

The Role
Liberty Science Center (LSC) seeks a Part-Time STEM Educator to deliver highly interactive informal Out-of-School-Time experiences. This STEM Educator will focus on developing and delivering programs in the following areas:(1) LSC Science Camp, (2) scout programs, (3) after school programs, and (4) STEM birthday experiences. The STEM Educator will deliver programs in a variety of settings, some onsite in LSC’s labs and theaters and some offsite, in local schools and community-based organizations.

The STEM Educator, Out-of-School Time Programs (OST) reports to LSC’s Director of Out-of-School Time Programs and is expected to be an engaged participant in the broader LSC community.

What You’ll Bring

You are an enthusiastic, innovative, and creative team player. You excel at speaking in front of an audience and managing student groups. As an optimistic and flexible individual, you exude a love for learning and enjoy working with students. You bring learning beyond the classroom and foster meaningful connections with youth. You can create a welcoming environment and gear content for diverse audiences. As a creative thinker, you are committed to providing STEM learning that is engaging and fun. You have an insatiable curiosity and knowledge about the ever-converging worlds of science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and culture, as well as know-how to translate your knowledge into compelling programming. Furthermore, you feel comfortable with the “unknowns” and a certain amount of controlled chaos. You view obstacles as an opportunity to overcome. In other words, you have an uber-flexible spirit and easily roll with the flow of an ever-changing and sometimes unpredictable environment.

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:

Program Delivery

• Deliver off-site, on-site, and virtual STEM programs as scheduled; these experiences could be delivered in a classroom, lab, floor demonstrations, large-scale assemblies, and stage 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) for scouts, after school, camp, and birthdays that are participant-driven and inquiry-based

• Establish an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of diverse audience members

• Foster meaningful connections with participants during long-term programs like camp and afterschool partnerships

• Work with participants of all ages to provide fun, engaging, and exciting experiences

• Ensure that all programs are performed in a manner that is consistent with LSC’s approach to science teaching and learning

• Set up and break down programs and complete administrative tasks (such as making confirmation calls, inputting data, etc.)

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of a scientific or technical field and the ability and readiness to learn outside your area of expertise

• A desire to enthusiastically lead or participate in activities with students

• Ability to teach students with diverse needs

• Skilled in the application of 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

• Ability to work independently and solve problems creatively

• Ability to create fun and engaging activities for diverse audiences

• Skilled in working collaboratively with a wide range of capabilities and personalities

• A personal commitment to advancing the mission of Liberty Science Center and fostering a multicultural, diverse organization

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS in a STEM-related major; an advanced degree is a plus

• A valid NJ driver’s license is required; must be able to drive a car for 2+ hours following directions from a map or GPS

• 1+ year of experience teaching science to children, ages 5 to 16, in either a formal or informal setting

• Experience in delivering an educational presentation in a fun, dynamic way

• Experience and comfort with using educational software/technology in teaching

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact with fellow staff members and guests in a friendly and professional manner

• Enthusiasm and the ability to work with diverse populations are required

Classification & Schedule
The STEM Educator of Out-of-School Time Programs is a part-time, non-exempt position, meaning you are eligible for overtime.

The hours will fluctuate based on the needs of the business, but on average, the part-time STEM Educator will be scheduled 24-28 hours per week. This position requires strict adherence to program punctuality. No exceptions! Travel to off-site programming requires arrival at the location at least 60 minutes (one hour) before the scheduled start of the first program. Due to the nature of OST programs, the usual schedule includes afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Scheduling for weekday after-school programs may run until 7:00 pm. Work shifts may range from 4-8 hours in duration.

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

Travel

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

Environmental & Physical Demands

This role will require working with students, often standing, for extended periods while delivering programs in spaces that may be active and energetic. This position will require the ability to work with youth, which means having the ability to remain calm while moving quickly and immediately to respond to various circumstances as they arise. This role must be able to operate standard office equipment and work in a standard classroom setting. This role involves walking on concrete floors, maneuvering through crowds, climbing stairs, bending or stooping to work with children, carrying/lifting/pushing equipment or teaching aids up to 45 pounds. The ideal candidate feels comfortable with public speaking. This role requires the ability to work indoors or outdoors.

Compensation & Benefits

The Part-Time STEM Educator OST position is compensated at a rate of $22.00/hr. Liberty Science Center also provides perks for all eligible part-time employees, including:

• Paid time off

• 25% discount for staff in the LSC store

• 15% discount in the on-site cafeteria

• LSC Membership

• Free Parking