Outreach Educator

Outreach Educator

Outreach Educators bring the best of Pacific Science Center (Pac Sci) to schools and community events across Washington state through our Science on Wheels (SOW) program. These engaging educators contribute to Pac Sci's mission to spark curiosity and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking through the facilitation of hands-on learning experiences. This role is also essential to Pac Sci's commitment to provide access to inclusive STEM education for all.

Outreach Educators deliver exciting and inspiring science programs both within K-8th grade schools, and during out-of-school community programs in libraries, festivals, and community centers. Programming styles include large group stage presentations, small classroom-style hands-on activity lessons, and facilitation of pop-up interactive exhibits. Content we currently teach includes astronomy, engineering, math, chemistry, physics, and human and animal biology. Deep knowledge content in all fields is not required, but a love of learning and interest in science education is.

When not delivering programs, this position arranges logistics and travel for upcoming programs, supports improvements to programs and materials, and may also support other Pac Sci education programming.

Pac Sci is committed to strengthening inclusion, diversity, equity, and access both within our workplace and in our community. This role embodies the spirit of curiosity and real-world STEM experiences, supporting and celebrating the role of STEM in the lives of all learners, regardless of background and identity. We believe that curiosity and critical thinking are essential to equity and justice for all.

We embrace science as a process of inquiry, discovery, and problem solving that helps us better understand our universe and each other.

This position requires an irregular work schedule that varies week to week, including some weekends and regular overnight stays across the state while delivering programming (drive time, room and board paid by Pac Sci).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Use inclusive and culturally relevant teaching strategies and classroom management methods to lead classroom workshops, perform exciting science shows, and facilitate hands-on exhibit sets.
• Maintain a welcoming and accessible learning environment by prioritizing the needs of all learners with excellent and compassionate customer service.
• Engage with diverse audiences, primarily in K-8th grade, ranging from small classroom groups to whole school assemblies of over 400 students.
• Support department efforts to make improvements to programs by providing feedback, assisting with curriculum revisions, testing new materials, etc.
• Occasionally support other science education departments at the Pacific Science Center by facilitating activities for Science Center guests, leading programs with groups of campers, and other duties as assigned.

Customer Service

• Ensure excellent customer service by working closely and professionally with school staff, community leaders and parent volunteers in coordination of the Science on Wheels visit. Interact appropriately with students and represent Pacific Science Center's Guiding Principle to delight our guests.
• Program Operations and Material Management
• Discuss logistics of visits with program delivery site contacts, make travel arrangements, and maintain timely written and verbal communication. Support maintenance of program materials and vehicles in the office and on the road.

Safety

• Contribute to the safety of Pacific Science Center staff and program participants by exercising good judgment, attending trainings, following safety procedures, maintaining a good driving record, and alerting others of problems when necessary.
• Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the organization's discretion.

Position Requirements

• Knowledge of K-8th grade level Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) educational principles and basic content knowledge
• Personal bias awareness and desire to be an anti-racist educator
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Excellent customer service skills including composure under pressure, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to represent Pacific Science Center's mission and focus on guest experience on and off site
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, guest facing environment and be flexible, with good judgment and solutions-oriented focus in the face of challenges
• Ability to maintain energy and enthusiasm with a friendly, positive demeanor and outlook when faced with unexpected challenges during travel or program delivery
• Excellent public speaking skills – ability to present dynamic educational programs for both small and large groups (up to 500 people)
• Ability to quickly learn and apply new STEM content and informal learning concepts
• Strong interpersonal, listening, and writing skills
• Ability to assess age-appropriate risk and activities and apply good judgment and critical thinking skills
• Excellent time…