Job Description

Description

Science Adventure School (SAS) is a 4-day, 3-night outdoor science school serving West Virginia\'s youth. At SAS, sixth graders try outdoor adventure sports while learning through hands-on, engaging lessons in physical and environmental science. Our innovative Science Behind the Sport lessons connect students to the engineering, physics, and math involved in archery, cycling, rock climbing, and more. We inspire students to think more deeply about the science in their daily lives, while the SAS program as a whole helps students become more confident and gain valuable interpersonal skills they\'ll use in middle school and beyond.

The Lead STEM Educator will play a crucial role in meeting these goals by training and supervising a small team of STEM Instructors, delivering Science Behind the Sport curriculum, and providing program support. In July, the Lead Environmental Educator will also teach SAS environmental lessons at the 2023 National Scout Jamboree. The Jamboree presents a unique opportunity to get familiar with both the Summit Bechtel Reserve and the Science Behind the Sport curriculum before the SAS season begins, as we showcase our programming to tens of thousands of Scouts from across the country.

The Lead STEM Educator will:

• Work closely with the STEM Coordinator and SAS Director to plan, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate Science Behind the Sport programming.
• Serve as the on-site STEM Lead and primary supervisor for a small team of STEM instructors for the duration of the SAS season, under the direction of the STEM Coordinator.
• Develop and deliver staff training modules and materials.
• Support team members\' growth by observing their lessons and providing useful feedback.
• Lead weekly staff team meetings, including facilitating personal and program feedback.
• Teach STEM lessons as needed, including at the National Scout Jamboree.
• Help maintain teaching equipment.
• Collaborate effectively with team members from varying backgrounds and areas of expertise.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned to support SAS operations at large, which may include logistical support, organization of equipment, supporting staff and teachers, and otherwise being willing to take-on unknown or challenging tasks.
• Maintain a positive attitude and a willingness to take initiative, as well as professional language, appearance, and behavior.

Time Commitment: Lead Educators begin work in June, and the Science Adventure School program season begins in late August. We run for six weeks with students at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, WV. Following that, we spend three weeks in both Weston and Bruceton Mills, WV, in order to serve students in different areas of our state.

We expect that you will be available to work with us from June through November. Lead Instructors generally work Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work required. During the pre-season, we work 37.5 hours per week; however, once we are working with students, hours will vary, with long days expected for all members of the SAS team.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $16,200 - $17,300 stipend to cover work from June 19th - November 10th.
• Stipend amount varies based on experience and housing preference.
• 10 days off throughout the season. Additional unpaid time off may be negotiated, with supervisor approval.
• Housing will be provided for the duration of the contract. Pre-program, you will be located primarily in Morgantown, WV, with some time at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, WV during the National Jamboree. While in Morgantown you can choose between SAS securing your lodging for you or $500 added to your contract to seek your own lodging.
• During the regular SAS season, from August 12th - November 10th, lodging will be provided in the form of canvas platform tents and either cabins or yurts (depending on specific program location).
• All meals will be provided Monday-Friday, during the Jamboree and SAS season. Space and kitchen equipment will be available for food preparation on the weekends. Meals will not be provided during pre-program preparations.
• All professional training will be paid and provided for free.
• During the season, showers, laundry, and internet will be available on site at no charge.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor\'s degree in physics, geology, engineering, mathematics, or another related STEM field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Thorough understanding of core science concepts appropriate for middle school
• At least one year of outdoor science education and/or teaching experience (both informal and formal preferred)
• Ability to provide useful, constructive feedback to colleagues and team members
• Willingness to live and work in an outdoor setting that requires moderate physical activity
• Flexibility, organization, and willingness to create new systems where needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience creating and delivering outdoor science curriculum
• Knowledge of Next Generation Science Standards and/or WV 6th grade educational standards
• Experience working with public schools and students, especially middle school aged youth
• Valid driver license and comfort driving large vehicles (12-15 passenger vans or large trucks) and hauling trailers
• First Aid, WFA, or WFR and CPR certification
• Master\'s degree in relevant field

Well qualified applicants can expect to hear back from our team within seven days of application submission. For more information about SAS, visit our website at ScienceAdventureSchool.wvu.edu, especially the Staff FAQ page at ScienceAdventureSchool.wvu.edu/get-involved/staff-faq. If you have questions, please feel welcome to email .

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia\'s land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley - the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you\'re a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU\'s academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

To learn more about West Virginia University, visit go.wvu.edu. View current career opportunities at careers.wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

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