Science Educator

Position Summary

Science Educators bring energy and enthusiasm to the delivery of creative programming in classrooms and informal settings across the province and for online learners. Science Educators support the development of key skills and literacy in important STEAM subjects through engaging lesson planning, facilitation, and incorporation of participant and teacher feedback.

Science Educators work collaboratively with the entire Discovery Centre team and with external stakeholders and partners to enhance education in key areas of focus including Climate Change, Health, Energy, and Oceans Sciences, Innovation, and inquiry-based learning across Nova Scotian grade P-12 Science curricula. The role includes travel within the province, assisting with program scheduling, reporting, and communicating educational initiatives.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Enthusiastically delivers curriculum-connected and other STEAM programming in classrooms and communities across Nova Scotia (travel required) at the Discovery Centre, and virtually, to remote communities within Canada (see , , , and programming).
• Works as part of a team of Science Educators to maintain and refresh the Centre’s existing catalogue of workshops to best align with the Nova Scotia Education Department’s curriculum and inquiry-based learning practices.
• Dependent on project-based grant funding, educators may develop new and engaging inquiry-based programming including curriculum-connected classroom workshops, educational videos, and/or community programming.
• Develops and delivers hands-on programming for a week-long March Break day-camp program and several single-day camps throughout the school year.
• Develops and delivers fun and educational programming for homeschooled children several times a year at Discovery Centre.
• Participates in regular team planning meetings to collaboratively divide programming workload including: program delivery and making supply runs as well as providing updates on project development progress.
• Contributes to Discovery Centre annual reporting by regularly recording program statistics including school, region, program delivered, and number of students reached.
• Works with the Centre’s Science Experience team on key projects, public programming, and registration-based programs such as school clubs and events.
• Attends Educational conferences, liaising with teachers and administrators, to provide professional learning opportunities that highlight Discovery Centre curriculum-aligned programs which support scientific literacy.
• Participates in communications functions related to media interviews, photo opportunities, video, etc.
• Follows and contributes to workplace safety protocols and procedures, including completing monthly worksite safety checks and rotating participation on the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
• Cleans, restocks, and maintains programming supplies while adhering to budget and WHMIS standards for chemical storage, handling, and disposal.
• Ensures the safe operation of Discovery Centre vehicles, including prompt reporting of maintenance and/or safety concerns to the Manager, Science Education and completing monthly vehicle workplace safety checks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Academic background or demonstrable experience in key areas of focus considered a strong asset (Climate Change, Health, Energy, or Ocean Sciences)

Experience: Relevant experience includes working positions related to interpretation, education, or recreational programming, especially those within science centres or museums; affinity for science with a familiarity of inquiry-based learning.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required; preference for bilingual certification in French. Additional languages would be considered an asset.

Competencies:

• Dynamic teaching/presentation skills
• Comfort presenting to a large audience
• Excellent communication skills
• Highly organized
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Demonstrated aptitude for safe practices

Other Qualifications:

• Experience with Google, MS Office suite, ZOOM and video conferencing platforms
• A clean criminal record check and child abuse registry check are mandatory
• Must hold or be willing to work towards a certificate in standard First Aid (CSA Intermediate)
• Class 5 licence and clean driving record, with at least one year driving history
• Ability to travel to schools and communities across the province

Hours of Work

The Science Educator works 35 hours per week and may be required to work beyond core business hours as needed, which may include evenings, early mornings, weekends, or holidays, in agreement between the incumbent and Manager of Science Education.

Application

Applications are to be emailed to . Applicants are to submit their resume, cover letter, and references. Please note the position that you are applying for in the subject line of your email application. All applications will be reviewed but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest.

Discovery Centre is committed to leveraging our facility, people, and programming to create inclusive spaces that ignite a passion for science and discovery. We are also committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility practices within our workplace, public engagement spaces, and programming. Our Centre’s Board of Directors, management, and staff believe diverse participation and representation are essential and that our networks thrive when we create an inclusive and equitable culture where all people can see themselves reflected, feel respected, and have their contributions valued.

Discovery Centre promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, and encourages applications from candidates who self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group, including Indigenous people (especially Mi’kmaq), people of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), members of other racialized groups, women, people with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The Centre is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.