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Outreach and Training Specialist III

Employer
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Location
Boulder County, Colorado, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Oct 7, 2022

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Sector
Academic / Research, Training / Education
Field
Education / Training
Discipline
Climate Change
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
The Outreach and Training Specialist III is the manager of the School and Public Programs (SPP) team in the UCAR Center for Science Education (SciEd). Sets the direction for the team, including identifying needs for program planning, curriculum development, and associated resources/budget. Makes decisions about scheduling and staffing for SPP programs. Oversees coordination of logistics and scheduling for ongoing tours and field trips to NCAR, virtual programming, and other major public outreach events at the Mesa Lab and in the external community. Ensures that all programs share UCAR|NCAR science with audiences (including preK-12 students, teachers, families, the general public, college students, and visiting scientists) and that science education programs are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. Serves as a representative in informal science education networking groups both locally and nationally and communicates regularly with internal and external partners.

Where You Will Work:

SciEdprovides resources for students, teachers, and the public that connect NCAR science to diverse learners, creating pathways toward a scientifically literate society.

At UCAR, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun's core.

Program Location: Boulder, CO

Job Type:In-Person/Hybrid (Combination Remote and On-Site Presence)

Position Type: Full-Time, Regular Term

Hiring Salary Range:

$ 65,006 - $83,696

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.*

Application Notes:
  • Application Deadline: The position will be posted until filled with priority given to applications submitted by Friday, September 16
  • Required application materials (preferably in PDF Format):
    • Resume
    • Cover Letter - Please address how you help learners become excited and engaged about science.
  • An inclusion statement may be required for applicants advancing to an in-person or video interview. When applicable, candidates will be notified with instructions. Learn more.
  • Work Authorization:UCAR/NCAR will not sponsor a work visa (e.g., J-1, H1-B, etc.) for this position. U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) is required for this position.
  • Relocation Assistance: No relocation assistance is offered for this position.
  • Pre-employment screenings are conducted for selected candidates; background checksare also conducted for risk-based positions. Learn more.


HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT AT UCAR

Here is a brief outline of what one would expect to be responsible for in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for managing in person tours and classroom programs as well as virtual programs that share UCAR science with a diverse audience, including preK-12 students, teachers, families, the general public, college students, special interest groups, and visiting scientists.
  • Works with the SciEd Senior Program Manager to implement the overall vision of School and Public Programs in line with the UCAR strategic plan and organizational priorities.
  • Ensures that the SPP team accurately and meaningfully interprets and communicates complex atmospheric science concepts to a variety of audiences in an engaging manner.
  • Engages and leads the SPP team in ongoing efforts to stay current on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) education practices, atmospheric science research (particularly UCAR|NCAR science), and best practices in science communication and interpretation.
  • Considers best practices for classroom management, virtual and face-to-face programming, and educational approaches that engage all learners and foster an optimal learning environment and experience.


Project management and supervision for the SPP group:
  • Oversees the work of a SciEd Program Specialist to handle the scheduling of all SPP programs, including field trips, tours, virtual programs, and special events.
  • Manages weekly staff scheduling to ensure project completion beyond routine program delivery. Assigns projects to SPP staff members. Manages progress of projects and provides direction when necessary.
  • Makes decisions regarding requests for special tours; identifies appropriate speakers for special tours.
  • Directly supervises at least two direct reports in the SPP group; including developing annual performance plans, regular conversations with staff, quarterly updates, and annual performance evaluations.


Special events and event planning:
  • Leads the planning, design, and delivery of educationally-focused public science events and summer programs for a variety of audiences.
  • Coordinates the annual Super Science Saturday event for SciEd, which draws 1,000 to 2,000 visitors each year. Determines the theme for the event each year, invites guest presenters and exhibiters, and works with SciEd Program Specialists, Business Shared Services staff, and SPP staff to accomplish needed tasks.
  • Oversees the goals, staffing plan, and educational programming for informal science education events.
  • Oversees communications with external partner organizations, sponsors, and presenters, and works with SciEd and UCAR social media teams to promote events via social media, to ensure successful events.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for planning and approvals (as necessary) with UCAR staff, including Facilities, Security, Event Services, Multimedia Services, and Communications, to ensure that events are successful.
  • Conducts after-action reviews with staff to determine what worked, what didn't work, and ideas for how to improve future events.


Develops and updates SPP program curriculum resources for use in both in-person and virtual programs.
  • Identifies content areas and types of resources for curriculum development projects based on the requirements of standards and local needs.
  • Researches content, writes activity instructions, develops supporting resources for new classroom activities, and revises/updates existing activities.
  • Works with scientists and subject matter experts to ensure accuracy of scientific information in resources.
  • Contributes to the development of informal education resources such as hands-on science exhibits and mobile apps.


Oversees Mesa Lab exhibits
  • Oversees day to day management of the Mesa Lab exhibits program.
  • Works with the SciEd Senior Program Manager to implement SciEd exhibit projects and overarching exhibit and accessibility plans.
  • Works with the SPP Outreach and Training Specialist, the SciEd Software Engineer, UCAR Facilities, and contractors to ensure that the exhibits are maintained and in good working order.


Other SciEd and School & Public Programs tasks
  • Sits on the SciEd Supervisors and Project Leads Teams, contributing to discussions about SciEd project planning, staffing needs, and workplace culture issues.
  • Presents SciEd resources and content in workshops for teachers, students, and scientists at national, regional, and local conferences.
  • Attends and participates in SciEd staff meetings and retreats, UCAR Community Programs staff meetings, and other meetings as needed.


WHO WE'D LOVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience

Required
  • Master's in a relevant academic discipline (STEM, education, communication, or interpretation)
  • At least 3 years of experience as a classroom teacher, informal science educator, or science program coordinator;
  • Or an equivalent combination of education and experience


Desired, but not required:
  • Experience developing STEM educational resources aligned to national and state standards


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • K-12 or informal educational experience with strong classroom management skills
  • Knowledge of STEM content (including Earth system science and atmospheric science), and the ability to convey that knowledge to various audiences using a variety of communications and educational strategies
  • Knowledge and application of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues/practices in STEM, and experience developing STEM educational resources
  • Excellent ability to work with diverse audiences, and strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a member of a team
  • Excellent event planning, oral, written, and presentation communication skills
  • High level of skill in independently organizing, coordinating, and prioritizing a variety of tasks, paying attention to detail, and ensuring tasks are completed accurately and in a timely fashion
  • Skill in using word processing, database, and presentation software, including Google Suite applications. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite isn't required but is a plus.
  • Available for occasional evening and weekend duties and occasional travel


SOME FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site.

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience . Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have the passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

Inclusive Benefits UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. Beyond rich medical, dental, vision, life insurance offerings, employee assistance and back up dependent care UCAR offers:
  • Tuition Assistance and other professional development opportunities
  • Starting minimum of 20 days of personal time off
  • 10 paid holidays
  • 10 days of sick leave every year
  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave
  • Company contributes 10% of gross pay into retirement; 100% fully vested on day one
  • EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost


Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.

Employee Well-Being & Vaccines

In support of the health of our employees and their families, as well as visitors and the community, all UCAR employees are required to comply with UCAR's COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject only to legally required accommodations implemented by HR, prior to their start date.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

This position is subject to work location requirements for obtaining access to facilities and research systems. These requirements may include a combination of national security checks, credit checks, fingerprinting, or other security clearance requirements. This position is open to U.S. Citizens and Green Card holders.

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.

Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.

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