Informal STEM Educator and Community Engagement Specialist

Job Location:  Boulder, CO

Job Type:  

• Hybrid (minimum of 2 days a week is required to be on-site)
• TRAVEL: Ability to travel domestically three to six times a year for conferences, traveling exhibits, or field projects. Ability to travel internationally as needed.
• Field project support requires extended travel (about 2 weeks on average per trip).
• A few times a year, some evenings and weekend work are required.

Position Type & Term:  Full-time, 2-year Term

Work Authorization: VISA sponsorship is NOT available for this position

• Must be (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3)

Relocation Assistance: YES

Required application materials: 

• Resume/CV
• Cover letter (In the cover letter, please address why you are interested in the position and based on the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed describe why you are a good fit for the position)
• Questionnaire: With the application, you will be prompted to answer the following questions (please make sure to respond to all questions as they are part of the required material, or your application will not be considered):
• Are you able and willing to work onsite at our office in Boulder, CO, at least two times a week?
• Are you willing and able to travel domestically three to six times a year and internationally as needed? Field project support requires extended travel (each trip is about two weeks on average) and travel for conferences, and the traveling exhibit might be for up to one week for each trip.
• Are you willing and able to work on weekends and evenings a few times a year (approx. 8 times a year)?
• Please describe your experience and approach to establishing good communication and information flow with others, particularly in a remote/hybrid work environment.
• Provide an example demonstrating a time you managed a project from beginning to end.
• What are your career goals, and how does the position help you achieve them?

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Key Responsibilities:

Program management

Manages existing educational programs, including public engagement events and traveling exhibits. This includes recruiting and supporting speakers, building relationships with communities, and handling the logistics of and running professional events. Program management will require occasional travel.

Educational materials design

Serves as a project leader and collaborates with other NSF NCAR educators to create and deliver informal STEM educational material. This includes understanding community needs, iterative design, content editing and review, and effective communication with team members. Co-creates materials with community partners that are locally and culturally relevant. Supports the creation of multimedia content, including appearing in videos

Project tracking and proposals
Supports creates, and possibly leads new project development, including proposal writing. Tracks and manages projects, including deliverables and milestones, and communicates with project partners to meet project deadlines.

Field project support
Supports the education and community engagement efforts of NSF NCAR-led or supported field projects, including creating and delivering education materials related to NSF NCAR research activities, organizing community events, and sometimes supporting students in the field. Interfaces with scientists, educators, and community members. Contributes ideas and develops new programs as needed. This work requires domestic and international travel.

Representation
Represents NSF NCAR EdEC on internal engagement-related committees and working groups. May attend professional conferences.

Dissemination of results
Contributes to or leads the writing of reports, articles, conference presentations, and blogs. May serve as co-author or first author on scholarly work in STEM Education.

Education & Experience REQUIRED:

• Master’s degree in a relevant academic discipline (education, instructional design, or STEM field) plus three years of relevant experience
• Or a bachelor's degree plus eight years of equivalent education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:

• Expertise in: Informal STEM education, needs assessments, performance assessments, and equitable community engagement.
• Skill in: Developing and implementing informal STEM education content, using emerging technologies, and aligning content and events with cognitive science.
• Advanced Knowledge of: Informal science education issues, public engagement strategies, and geoscience workforce challenges.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentations, reports, articles, and journal publications.
• Project Management Skills: Experience in project management, proposal writing, and relationship building with diverse communities.

• Technical Skills: Ability to create simple graphics, edit photos, and review scientific content.

   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired but Not Required:

• Spanish language skills to develop or coordinate bilingual science communication materials 

Benefits Overview 

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance,  UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities
• UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one
• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)
• 10 paid holidays
• 10 days of sick leave each year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary
• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

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 a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

Commitment to Job Application Fairness

Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.

Some Final Considerations

At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, 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.

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.

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

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Visa Wait Times

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.