The Lawrence Hall of Science

The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.

Home // Job Postings



Community Engagement and Outreach Educator

A staff member is working with a student during a Vaccine Hub Learning activity at his school.

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 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.

Title: Community Engagement and Outreach Educator

Pay Rate: $23-$26 per hour depending on experience

Classification: Community Engagement Specialist I

Work Hours: Variable hours; 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Programs are typically held Tuesday–Friday, mornings and some evenings, weekends and holidays. Part-time and Full-time positions available. Requires a minimum commitment of 20 hours/week to maximum of 40 hours/week.

To Apply: Please send a resume, cover letter, and availability to Ime Edokpayi, at iedo@berkeley.edu with the subject line: Outreach Educator Application.

Scope Overview

The Public Science Center Outreach and Community Engagement Team represents the group of educators and volunteers who facilitate a variety of activities including: Next Generation Science Standards (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 2022–2023 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 hands-on 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 16-32 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.

Key Responsibilities

  • Work closely and collaboratively with the Community Engagement Associate Director and Public Engagement team to design and 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:
    • Communicating with the host site 
    • Preparing and organizing materials
    • Setting up space for the activity 
    • Facilitating activities
    • Troubleshooting solutions to problems 
    • Ensuring a welcoming and organized setting
  • Adjusts facilitation to meet the needs of specific groups, documents feedback and makes programmatic decisions.  

Knowledge Skills

Required:

  • A bachelor’s degree in science, science education, or a related field , or equivalent exeprience.
  • Previous experience delivering high quality STEM outreach programs to diverse populations.
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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

Career Path and Skills Development

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.

Application Deadline

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

To Apply

Please send a resume, cover letter, and winter/spring availability (class schedule or description of your availability) to Ime Edokpayi, at iedo@berkeley.edu with the subject line: Outreach Educator Application.