Mercer Slough Lead Educator

~ Pacific Science Center inspires a lifelong interest in science, math and technology by engaging diverse communities through interactive and innovative exhibits and programs. ~ 

Position Overview 

Pacific Science Center seeks a Lead Teacher for our off-site location at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. This position ensures the high quality of Pacific Science Center's programs in Bellevue, Washington.

The Mercer Slough Lead Educator mentors Part Time Educators and presents programming at Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, including teen WetLab Academy, field studies, camps and other on-site and outreach programs as needed. Non-teaching time is directed towards program administrative and curricular projects as assigned. 

Organizational Fit: 

• Reports to: Mercer Slough Teen & Family Programs Supervisor
• Positions reporting to this position: None
• Peers: Mercer Slough Educators (Full and Part Time); Mercer Slough Pre K-8 Coordinator
• Teams this position interfaces with inside and outside organization: Sales team, accounting department, school administrators and staff
• Budget responsibility, including revenues and expenses: None 

Responsibilities 

Science Education and Educational Planning:  

• Teach field study programs, high school Environmental Science and Technology Practicum, middle school Environmental Science Pathways.
• Assist with implementation of Lake Washington Watershed Internship Program, Mercer Slough camp programs, and other outreach and on-site programming as needed.
• Model effective teaching skills and techniques.
• Observe and mentor peers.
• Assist Mercer Slough Coordinators and Supervisors with staff training.
• Staff Training and Support: Work with Site Supervisor, Teen and Family Programs Supervisor, and Pre K-8 Programs Coordinator to ensure ongoing training, development and support systems are in place for education staff. 

Customer Service: 

• Ensure excellent customer service by working closely with visiting school staff, community leaders, and program participants.
• Interact appropriately with students and project a professional, positive, and enthusiastic image of Pacific Science Center and Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center.
• Reporting any program or maintenance needs to the Site Supervisor.
• Program Operations and Asset Management: Communicate with internal and external entities to discuss logistics of programs and maintain timely written and oral communication. 

Safety: 

• Contribute to the safety of Pacific Science Center staff and program participants by exercising good judgment, following safety procedures, and alerting others of problems when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned - including alternative service. 

Major Challenges and Special Conditions: 

• Most programs split their time between indoor classroom and outdoor discovery.
• Candidates must be able to work outside in inclement weather and in a variety of conditions including mosquitoes and muddy trails. Must be able to walk up to 3 miles with students, carry up to 20lbs class bins to and from storage, drive a 15-passenger van, and have the ability to lift up to 50lbs. Working on weekends and evenings is occasionally necessary. 

Qualifications 

Knowledge, Education, Skills, Experience, Abilities 

Required: 

• Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, education, or related field; valid driver's license and good driving record;
• Experience working with teen and elementary students in a formal and/or informal educational setting;
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Google Documents;
• Must be at least 21 years old for vehicle insurance purposes; Proven verbal and written communication skills;
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills;
• Proven problem solving skills and initiative;
• Maintain high level of productivity in a dynamic office environment;
• Flexibility to work on several projects at once, and the ability to change priorities as needed both in terms of management's needs and customers' needs;
• Ability to work cooperatively with a variety of people; Excellent customer service skills including the ability to serve Pacific Science Center staff and outside contacts in a courteous manner;
• Ability to work independently; and
• Smiling team player, positive attitude, service oriented, knowledgeable of Pacific Science Center programs.  

Desired: 

• Field and laboratory testing and analysis skills; 2-5 years of experience teaching in an experiential, nature-based setting.