Science Education Coordinator

~ The Prince William Sound Science Center improves, influences and supports the ability of communities in this region to maintain socioeconomic resilience among healthy, functioning ecosystems. ~

We advance the understanding and sustainable use of ecosystems in the northern Gulf of Alaska region through research and education. The Center is located in Cordova, Alaska, on the eastern shores of Prince William Sound. 

Visit our website to learn more about us, and click on these links to learn more about Cordova: City of Cordova and the Cordova Chamber of Commerce.   

Position Overview 

The Prince William Sound Science Center is recruiting a Full-Time Science Education Coordinator (year-round, salaried position eligible for benefits) to help lead a team of enthusiastic educators who implement environmental and science-based experiential education programs in the Center's Headwaters to Ocean education programs.

Headwaters to Ocean programs provide hands-on learning opportunities both in formal school settings and outdoors using the incredible landscape of Prince William Sound and the Copper River Delta as a natural laboratory for science discovery. 

The Cordova-based position is full time and starts in September 2014.  

Responsibilities 

• Assist in the development, implementation and management of science-based lessons and field-experiences for youth in grades 3-12. Design and implement inspiring curricula to improve understanding of the ecosystems of the bioregion.
• The Coordinator will manage grant-funded programs in the Center's summer and school year programs, including summer science camps, festivals and a variety of school year programs (Discovery Room, Outreach Discovery and high school outreach).
• Grant proposal writing and writing reports to funders will be a required part of the position.
• Coordinate and/or oversee responsibilities of one or more colleagues. Some travel within Alaska may be required. 

School Year Programs: 

• Collaborate with education staff and program partners to plan and implement monthly Discovery Room lessons, monitoring projects and field trips school-aged youth.
• Collaborate with education staff and program partners to deliver Outreach Discovery programs in communities outside of Cordova.
• Assist with the recruitment and preparation of students to compete in the Alaska Regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl.
• Maintain program resource materials. 

Summer Programs: 

• Collaborate with education staff and program partners to schedule, plan and implement environmental science lessons and field experiences for PWSSC's Headwaters to Ocean school year programs, summer science camps, Science Center outreach and community events.
• Lead program marketing (website, blog, newsletters, fliers, distribution of brochures).
• Manage camp registration, track payments, send forms and communicate with parents/guardians regarding program content, schedule, appropriate clothing/gear and participant travel.
• Provide participant supervision during camp programs (including overnights) and coordinate services including free lunch program, kayak rentals and guide services.
• Participate in/lead camp staff orientation and trainings (including defensive driving, boater safety, bear/moose safety, bear spray/firearm safety).
• Provide logistical support for summer education programs, including transportation, meal plans, and the set up and take down/storage of camp buildings and supplies used during the summer.
• Assist in the annual review of camp procedures, policies, insurance and risk management practices. 

General Program Management: 

• Ensure program grant objectives and deliverables are met and assist with record keeping, reporting and program outreach (education blog, articles, media etc.).
• Assist with fundraising, grant writing and program reporting.
• Continually evaluate and improve upon the accomplishments of program deliverables and project goals/objectives. 

Desired Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree or higher with degree in biology, ecology, marine science or environmental science.
• Experience in youth outdoor leadership and science education in formal or informal education setting.
• Experience writing curriculum and planning lessons for formal and informal science education environments.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and efficiently complete multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail and high degree of professionalism.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, public speaking and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with PWSSC staff and program partners.
• Familiarity and interest in social networking and innovative use of technologies for communication.
• Literacy with Microsoft Office Suite and PC or Mac-based media editing software.
• Wilderness First Responder or Backcountry First Aid certification or ability to certify. 

Compensation: Salary is dependent upon experience and benefit package chosen.  

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a letter of interest, resume and three references to: 

Katrina Hoffman, President & CEO, PWSSC
P.O. Box 705
Cordova, AK 99574 

Note: Email applications are preferred. Position is open until filled.