Education Specialist - Youth Programs

About Youth Programs Department
The Academy’s Youth Programs portfolio includes learning opportunities that engage thousands of Bay Area youth each year during out-of-school time. Current programs include Careers in Science and #TeenScienceNight, but the selection of offerings may grow or change over time. Careers in Science seeks to diversify STEM fields by providing San Francisco high school students with a multi-year, year-round, paid internship and workforce development experience. #TeenScienceNight is produced for teens by teens and welcomes nearly 2,000 youth into the Academy’s exhibits for a free evening of science and art exploration.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and lead science and nature classes, workshops, projects, field trips, and other learning experiences for middle and high school youth during out-of-school time hours; ensure learning experiences are developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant, scientifically rigorous, interest-driven, and fun
• Guide, mentor, coach, and train youth on workforce development skills, goal-setting, college preparation, public speaking, and leadership
• Coordinate program logistics, maintain program records, and support recruitment efforts 
• Connect with schools, community partners, universities, research mentors, scientists, guest speakers, and other collaborators to expand and enrich learning opportunities for youth
• Administer program assessments; use data to inform program revisions and demonstrate impact
• Contribute broadly to the Academy’s mission and assist with projects and initiatives that leverage strengths across the EL&YE portfolio
• Implement and follow all Academy safety regulations
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications: A successful candidate will have the following:
Experience and/or Education:

• Demonstrated success as an educator or group leader for teenagers
• Experience designing and leading hands-on science and nature activities
• Experience working in an informal learning environment, such as a museum, zoo, aquarium, library, summer camp, afterschool, or outdoor school
• Successful completion of college-level coursework or professional training in biology, ecology, or related subject areas required; bachelor’s degree preferred
• Wilderness First Aid certification or higher, or willingness to obtain

Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong youth development skills and enthusiasm for working with teens
• Awareness of social, racial, and environmental justice issues; sensitivity to the lived experiences of youth
• Knowledge of environmental science concepts and an understanding of the scientific process
• Ability to design meaningful and purposeful curricula; experience with project-based learning a plus
• Deep comfort with public speaking and group facilitation
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with staff, youth, families, volunteers, and guests
• Ability to exercise professionalism, good judgment, and problem solving skills
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail
• Comfort using basic computer and cloud-based software, including Google Suite and Zoom
• Video editing skills preferred but not required
• Proficiency in Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin, or Cantonese a plus
• Valid California driver’s license (or willingness to obtain), clean driving record, and ability to transport youth to offsite locations preferred
• Ability to commit to late afternoon, evening, and weekend work onsite

Physical Environment:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to transport 40 lbs of scientific equipment and program materials 
• Ability to participate in overnight camping, tidepooling, and other outdoor activities

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 on their rights and obligations under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

Schedule: This is a part-time position with an average of 18 hours per week.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin on August 14, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.