CuriOdyssey is a science playground and zoo, located on the San Francisco Bay Peninsula in San Mateo, CA. As a team member here, you will be able to connect a passion for science and animals with a beautiful natural setting. You have the opportunity to preserve, build upon, and share the wonder of this place. In our daily interaction with visitors, we envision a time when all people honor nature, animals, and science, value unique experiences, and appreciate beauty in everyday life. CuriOdyssey functions around our mission to inspire love for science and curiosity about the world to create a brighter future. We accomplish this through upholding our values of Integrity, Creativity, and Community. We welcome and appreciate your contributions to CuriOdyssey.
SUMMARY
The Intermittent STEAM Educator will be responsible for facilitating and delivering a variety of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Animals, and Math) educational programs at CuriOdyssey. This role involves engaging with youth, educators, and visitors through hands-on experiences such as camps, workshops, and classes both on and off-site. The ideal candidate will reflect CuriOdyssey’s values, bring enthusiasm for STEAM education, and demonstrate a passion for fostering curiosity and learning.
The position offers a Saturday schedule with approximately 10 hours per month, with flexibility required for work on select holidays and peak program seasons such as summer camps. Candidates must pass a clear background check, provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster, and hold a current First Aid/CPR/AED certification or be willing to obtain one.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
- Facilitate and engage participants in a variety of STEAM programs, both in-person and online.
- Serve as a lead educator and co-teacher for educational programs within CuriOdyssey’s portfolio.
- Collaborate with caregivers/guardians to support the best learning environment for each child.
- Maintain program materials and spaces, suggesting procurement of essential supplies as needed.
- Participate in ongoing training for program delivery.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed above and any additional responsibilities as directed as well as satisfy the educational and skill requirements listed below:
Education and/or Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years of related experience as an educator in informal learning environments such as zoos, museums, or interpretive centers.
- Proven experience in co-facilitating educational programs, working collaboratively with colleagues to plan and deliver seamless learning experiences.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a team of educators, caregivers, and other stakeholders to create a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
- Experience with hands-on inquiry or project-based learning for children.
- Enthusiasm for supporting learners with a broad range of cognitive abilities.
- Demonstrated track record of program facilitation with strong social and emotional competencies.
- Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the learning environment.
Core Competencies:
- PROGRAM DELIVERY & FACILITATION – Ability to deliver engaging, hands-on STEAM educational programs for diverse learners, fostering inquiry-based exploration and supporting the development of the whole child. Demonstrates strong knowledge of STEAM subjects and experience facilitating hands-on, inquiry-based learning activities for children of varied cognitive abilities.
- COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS – Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with learners, caregivers, and colleagues, maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment.
- ADAPTABILITY & PROBLEM-SOLVING – Demonstrates flexibility and resilience in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to anticipate challenges, think critically, and implement proactive solutions.
- SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL COMPETENCY – Ability to navigate and support the social-emotional needs of learners, exhibiting empathy, patience, and understanding in program facilitation.
- ORGANIZATION & TIME MANAGEMENT – Efficient in managing multiple tasks, maintaining program materials, and ensuring a well-organized learning space. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- CULTURAL COMPETENCY & INCLUSION – Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating welcoming, affirming learning environments for participants from varied backgrounds and abilities.
- SAFETY & COMPLIANCE – Strong understanding of child safety protocols, including identifying potential risks and maintaining compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
Skills and Abilities:
- Child Development Awareness – Understands the principles of child development and effectively applies them in creating supportive, engaging learning environments.
- Communication Skills – Strong verbal and written communication abilities, capable of conveying complex ideas clearly to learners, colleagues, and caregivers.
- Interpersonal Skills – Ability to work collaboratively within a team and foster positive relationships with caregivers, educators, and the wider community.
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking – Exhibits the ability to think creatively and critically when faced with challenges, proactively seeking solutions and improvements.
- Time Management & Organization – Capable of balancing multiple responsibilities while maintaining organized and well-prepared learning environments.
- Flexibility & Adaptability – Comfortable adjusting to changing priorities, program schedules, and learner needs, while maintaining a high standard of program delivery.
- Safety Consciousness – Committed to maintaining a safe learning environment, following all safety protocols, and addressing the physical and emotional well-being of participants.
- Cultural Sensitivity – Approaches all interactions with awareness and respect for cultural, racial, and cognitive diversity, striving to create an inclusive learning experience.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- Take and clear a Live Scan background check
- Current CPR/First Aid certification
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job including:
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds.
- Frequent standing, sitting, bending, reaching, and twisting in various physical environments.
- Programs take place both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in varying weather conditions.
Compensation and Benefits
$26.00 per hour
This is a non-exempt part-time intermittent position with a desired start date of 10/26/24. This position holds a Saturday schedule with approximately 10 hours per month. Flexibility required for work on select holidays and peak program seasons such as summer camps. This intermittent role receives all legally mandated benefits (such as Social Security, Paid Sick Leave, and workers' compensation insurance) only.
To Apply
Candidates with the above prerequisites are invited to submit their resumes along with a cover letter outlining their related experience and background to: jobs@curiodyssey.org, with “STEAM Educator” in the subject line
CuriOdyssey seeks to build a diverse work team and encourages applications from candidates who will add to that diversity. CuriOdyssey is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that having staff, interns, and volunteers with diverse backgrounds enable us to better meet our mission. CuriOdyssey considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other identifiable status.
CuriOdyssey is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Tax ID 94-1262434
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