Community Engagement and Outreach Educator

The Outreach Educator works with learners of all ages (but primarily elementary-aged kids), making science fun with hands-on experiences and programs designed by The Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley’s only public science center. In addition to facilitating learning, this position also cares for the accessibility and safety of the learning spaces. 

Our job is to do science interactively and playfully, but we take our work seriously and understand the impact that it has on a learner’s relationship with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). In this position you will have the chance to collaborate with a supportive team, learn about science communication, inspire creativity & curiosity, and explore how to facilitate learning in programs related to Physics, Math, Nature and Engineering.

The Public Science Center Outreach and Community Engagement Team represents the group of educators and volunteers who facilitate a variety of activities including: NGSS aligned workshops, science festivals and drop-in activities. Through research-based pedagogy, committed reflection on practice, and co-designed educational spaces and experiences, the team acts as the face and the core of The Lawrence’s community engagement landscape. 

For the 2024-2025 school year, our outreach offerings will include:

• Festivals – Large group programs where participants investigate, experiment, and problem solve, as they explore 10–12 tabletop stations, which feature mobile exhibits designed by the Hall. Festivals typically serve groups of 40–150 participants at one time.
• Science Shows – Large group programs where an educator guides participants through exciting science demonstrations and experiments. Science shows typically serve groups of 100-200 participants at one time.
• Workshops – 60-75 minutes hands-on NGSS aligned “classes” on topics ranging from electricity to engineering, for groups of up to 34 participants.
• Early Childhood Programs- 30-60 minute programs specially designed for early learners (0-6yo) to explore concepts such as light, water, and gravity.
• Community Events – Programs where educators present drop-in STEM activities to the general public. Community events range in size from hundreds of people at local park events, to thousands of people at larger city events like the Dia De los Muertos Festival and Bay Area Science Festival.

• Work closely and collaboratively with the Community Engagement Associate Director and Public Engagement team to deliver offsite engagement programs including “Lawrence on the Go” programming to schools and community based organizations throughout the greater Bay Area. 

Program delivery includes, but is not limited to:

• Talking with the Host Site: Communicating with the host site staff.
• Driving Company Vans: Driving company cargo vans to and from the host site, which can be up to 75 miles away.
• Handling Materials: Loading and unloading carts of materials and exhibits from vehicles using a hydraulic lift.
• Preparing Materials: Preparing and organizing materials for the program.
• Setting Up the Space: Setting up the space for the activity and adjusts facilitation to meet the needs of specific groups
• Running Activities: Facilitating activities for participants.
• Solving Problems: Troubleshooting and finding solutions to problems that arise.
• Guiding Volunteers: Orienting volunteers to the program.
• Reflect on Practice: Documents feedback and makes programmatic decisions. 
• Creating a Welcoming Space: Ensuring the environment is welcoming and organized.

Required:

• A Bachelor’s degree in science, education, or a related field and/or equivalent experience.
• Strong verbal, interpersonal, presentation and written communication skills.
• Successful experience working in a highly collaborative environment.
• Ability to work independently and use appropriate resources to accomplish assigned tasks/duties.
• Basic skills using online business software systems for departmental collaboration; Google suite, Microsoft suite, etc.
• Ability to work for an extended period in a fast-paced and loud environment.
• Outgoing and comfortable working with diverse audiences, large groups of people and visitors of all ages including children, adults, and staff.
• Reliable transportation to The Lawrence Hall of Science on weekends and holidays (public transit is only available Mon-Fri).
• The position requires a valid driver’s license.

Preferred:

• Previous experience working with community-based organizations and other informal learning agencies. 
• Previous experience delivering high quality STEM outreach programs to diverse populations.
• Knowledge of how to facilitate educational programs in an informal setting
• An understanding of the principles of high quality science instruction as reflected in the Next Generation Science Standards.
• Able to facilitate in a language other than English, Spanish preferred

Community Engagement Specialist II

Will develop skills for: informal STEM education, education pedagogy, teamwork, communication, reflective practice and self-initiated growth, giving and incorporating feedback, public speaking, and time management.