Science Education Specialist
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.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
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:
Creating and facilitating engaging learning experiences
- 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.
Initiating and maintaining stakeholder relationships
- 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.
Other Essential Functions
- Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.