Science Education Specialist

Description

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Education and Outreach (E&O) Department leverages SURF’s fascinating science and engineering to deepen understanding and to inspire educators, researchers, students, university students, and members of the general public. The Science Education Specialist develops, coordinates, and facilitates STEM programs and resources. The Science Education Specialist works collaboratively with teams across the organization to realize SURF’s mission of inspiring learning across generations.

The following reflects SDSTA’s definition of essential functions for this position and does not restrict other tasks that may be assigned. SDSTA retains the right to re-evaluate the duties of the position when considering a reasonable accommodation or at other appropriate times. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Create and facilitate interactive and engaging classroom presentations (including virtual) within K-12 and university classrooms.
• Host interactive field trip experiences at SURF.
• Leverage the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), 3‑Dimensional instruction, and SURF-Connected phenomena to design STEM curriculum and interactive, hands‑on resources.
• Create, refine, and facilitate quality and engaging teacher professional development and/or training for public facing outreach staff.
• Develop, facilitate, and assess high quality and engaging programming, exhibits, and events for external audiences, including the public, families, researchers, and other stakeholders.

• Collaborate with educators, researchers, and SURF-connected communities to develop, implement, and refine programs and events.
• Promote educational programming to regional, national and international constituencies.
• Initiate, develop and maintain cooperative and collaborative relationships with key constituencies.

• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Master's degree, preferred.

• Teaching certificate, preferred.

• Minimum of 4 years K‑12 or post secondary teaching experience, required.
• Extensive knowledge of NGSS, 3‑Dimensional instruction.
• Experience in teaching and learning STEM.
• Work on collaborative teams.
• Science content knowledge.
• Demonstrated presentation and public speaking expertise.
• Experience in museum education or informal science a plus.

• Communication—Excellent writing and speaking skills are required.
• Entrepreneurial—Identifies opportunities and encourages resourceful and innovative solutions to problems.
• Exercises Due Diligence—Manages resources and day‑to‑day activities in a manner that instill public trust.
• Organization—Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and proven ability to meet deadlines including coordination of priorities for department staff.
• Relationship Building—Develops and maintains effective, cooperative working relationships with stakeholders and a wide variety of audiences.

The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

• Perform work in a typical office environment which includes individual workstations, shared work spaces, meeting rooms and common areas such as a break room and kitchen.
• The noise level is generally low to moderate, typical of an office setting, with occasional background noise from office equipment and conversations.
• The office is well‑lit with a combination of natural and artificial lighting to ensure a comfortable working environment.
• The office maintains a controlled temperature environment, with heating and air conditioning systems to ensure comfort throughout the year.
• Ergonomic office furniture and…