IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
Funding
NEON, through Project BudBurst, negotiated a 5 year sub-award from the NGS to develop online educational resources in support of FieldScope, an NSF Informal Science Education award made to NGS.
Timeline:
• This is a 1 year term position.
• This position is part time scheduled to work a minimum of 30 hours per week. There is a possibility that you might always work up to 40 hours.
Summary:
The Science Educator (SE) is responsible for developing educational materials (web and print) for use in informal education settings to support implementation of Project BudBurst (PBB) and National Geographic Society’s (NGS) FieldScope. This position will carry out the duties associated with educational material development and dissemination. The SE will work under the guidance of the NEON Citizen Science Director and will work closely with NGS FieldScope staff and other PBB external collaborators.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Participate in strategic planning activities for PBB and FieldScope educational activities
• Develop online educational modules in support of PBB and FieldScope that are targeted for informal education that include science content, appropriate instructional approaches, learning outcomes, implementation strategies, and evaluation and assessment practices.
• Assist in the development and delivery of online professional development tutorials for informal educators
• Assist NEON EDU staff in identifying approaches to engage underrepresented audiences in PBB and FieldScope online activities
• Represent PBB FieldScope activities at conferences, meetings and other appropriate events to network, share resources, and establish/maintain partnerships
Education:
• B.S. in science education, geography, ecology, botany, or related field
• Prefer Master’s degree or equivalent experience in science, education or related field
Required Experience:
• 3 – 5 years experience with development of environmental science based educational resources
• 3 – 5 years experience in citizen science, community science, or public engagement projects
• 2+ years experience developing content, structure, and/or tools for science and/or educationally based web sites
Preferred Experience:
• Knowledge of best practices in online citizen science programs including relevant technology for data analysis and visualization
• Basic familiarity in using Dreamweaver, InDesign, Photoshop and/or other graphics software
• Ability to use current generation social networking tools (Facebook, twitter, Flickr, etc.) to engage potential participants in desired activities
Skills and Abilities:
• Proven organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to balance self-directed work while being an effective member of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to communicate effectively while working in a team environment
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills and ability to be detail oriented
• Expertise in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit scientific information for a general audience
• Understanding of instructional approaches for informal and formal education audiences
• Ability to travel as needed to conferences, meetings, and events
NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
