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 the facility’s fascinating science and engineering to deepen understanding and to inspire K-12 teachers and students, university students, and members of the general public. The science education specialist develops, coordinates and facilitates E&O programs and resources for students and educators. The team of science education specialists work collaboratively 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 throughout the region.
• 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.
• Create, refine and facilitate high quality and engaging teacher professional development experiences.

Initiating and maintaining stakeholder relationships

• Collaborate with K-12 teachers, scientists, and engineers in developing new programs and refining existing ones.
• 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.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Master's degree, preferred.

Certifications and Licenses

• Teaching certificate, preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years K-12 or post secondary teaching experience, required. 
• Extensive knowledge of NGSS, 3-Dimensional instruction.
• Experience in teaching and learning STEM.
• Work on collaborative teams.
• Science content knowledge.
• Demonstrated presentation and public speaking expertise.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills 

• Communication—Excellent writing and speaking skills are required.
• Entrepreneurial—Identifies opportunities and encourages resourceful and innovative solutions to problems.
• Exercises Due Diligence—Manages resources and day-to-day activities in a manner that instill public trust.
• Organization—Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and proven ability to meet deadlines including coordination of priorities for department staff.
• Relationship Building—Develops and maintains effective, cooperative working relationships with stakeholders.

Working Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

• Perform work in a typical office environment which includes individual workstations, shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas such as a break room and kitchen.
• The noise level is generally low to moderate, typical of an office setting, with occasional background noise from office equipment and conversations.
• The office is well-lit with a combination of natural and artificial lighting to ensure a comfortable working environment.
• The office maintains a controlled temperature environment, with heating and air conditioning systems to ensure comfort throughout the year.
• Ergonomic office furniture and equipment are provided to support employee health and well-being.
• The company is committed to providing a safe working environment and adheres to all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Employees are expected to comply with SDSTA’s ESH Manual safety program.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety Standards protocols are mandatory.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.

Mental and Physical Demands

• Regular interaction with team members, supervisors, and other departments and collaborators.
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.
• Sitting for extended periods of time while using a computer
• Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
• Dexterity to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, and telephones.
• Perform occasional physical labor and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional standing, walking, climbing up and down flights of stairs, and otherwise moving around the office to perform tasks
• Ability to travel as needed.

Job Information

Supervisory Duties:  No

Direct Reports:  N/A.

Work Arrangements:  Hybrid

Hours:  M-F; 7AM - 4PM

Travel Required:  50%

Mission/Vision/Core Values

Mission: We advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations.

Vision: The world’s preferred location for underground science and education.

Core Values:

• Safety Focused: We do not compromise safety or endanger the environment.
• Care for Others: We embrace and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We listen knowing everyone has something to offer and to learn.
• Professional: What we do is important to our community and the world. We sweat the details to achieve big things. Our behavior and ethics exemplify our best.
• Team Players: We provide unmatched service. We are respectful and deliver for our customers and partners. We build trust not barriers.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement 

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. We foster a work community where every individual feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard and discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or political affiliation is prohibited.