Job Opportunity – Winter 2024 Co-Op position

This position would be hired to develop and deliver programs with a primary focus on science education and outreach. Activities in this portfolio would include developing and delivering homeschool and public school programs, after-school activities, Science in the Park programs (outdoor science activities), taking part in science/environmental community events (e.g. Science Sunday Expo), and other programs through our “Science on the Move” branch across the central Vancouver Island region.

Daily work will also include supporting existing and new programs, working with colleagues on lesson plan development, planning activities and events, and general administration of programming at Nanaimo Science under the supervision and guidance of the Executive Director.

Work will be based out of the Nanaimo Science studio at Country Club Centre, however, some program delivery will be done in schools, outdoors on school grounds, and in parks/greenspaces/beaches. Travel to these locations will typically be provided via the use of the Nanaimo Science “Science on the Move” van – a full drivers’ license and a clean drivers’ abstract is an important asset for this position.

This is a very rewarding job with great opportunities to develop teaching skills, increase your skills in science communication, and work with a dedicated team to help foster a curiosity for science in young people and members of the public.

This position is funded through ECO Canada – applicants must be Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents or refugees, and be currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution in Canada to be eligible for this funding to be considered.
Please visit https://eco.ca/swilp/studentquiz.aspx to confirm eligibility.

This position is a 3-month contract that begins January 2nd 2024, (with possible a on-boarding meeting in late December 2023) and with funding ending in late March 2024.
There is a high probability of extension part-time in the Spring and full-time in the Summer months.

Applicants must be available for a minimum of one full-day (7-8 hours), or two half-days (4 hours), between Monday to Friday. Additional availability during weekend (between 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) for balance of hours each week.

Job Description:
This position is part-time (20-hrs/wk); hourly wage: $18.00-$19.00/hr + 4% vacation.

Work would begin as early as January 2, 2024, with possibly onboarding in late December 2023.
The funded portion of this position will end in late-March 2024, however extension (part-time) is highly likely in March-June, and full-time opportunities are also available for the Summer months.

Duties will include:

    • Leading children through educational activities in a variety of subjects, from astronomy to biology, working with computers, building with simple materials, and more.
    • Working with classrooms of student to deliver Nanaimo Science programs
    • Supporting outdoor programs including Science in the Park (public education program) and field trip activities.
    • Leading children through activities during Professional Development/Spring Break day camps.
    • Taking responsibility for the welfare and learning of students, including apply appropriate behaviour management techniques as necessary.
    • Assisting other Nanaimo Science staff to prepare materials.
    • Ensuring safety policies and procedures are maintained.

Qualifications:

    • Have a passion for outreach and teaching science;
    • Have a strong background in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Math, RMOT, Physics, etc.), Engineering, Computing Science, or Education – ideally, candidates should have successfully completed some university-level science courses;
    • Be a self-motivated and conscientious person who can work independently and in teams;
    • Ideally have experience working with children in a camp or educational setting;
    • Be willing and able to work outside with groups of children in all types of weather;
    • Ideally have a full drivers’ license and comfortable driving our Science on the Move vehicles.
    • Be able to lift up to 35 lbs; and
    • Be willing to have a criminal background check for work with vulnerable sector individuals.

To Apply:
Send a pdf copy of your cover letter and resume highlighting relevant education and experience to [email protected]

Job Types: Part-time, Internship / Co-op
Contract length: 3 months
Salary: $18.00-$19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20 per week
Schedule: Day shift
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2023-12-22

Expected start date: 2024-01-02

Looking to volunteer?

We are always looking for volunteers to help out with programs or to invite as experts for special programs!
Please contact us at [email protected] if you work in a STEM area and would be interested in a “Meet a scientist” session or to be added to our contacts for specific expertise.
Volunteering with Nanaimo Science is a great way to give back to your community, and develop skills in science communication and working with children!
– Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age; individuals under the age of 19 must have parental permission to take part in programs.
– Volunteers must be able to provide their own transportation
– Nanaimo Science requires all individuals who work within our organization (paid or volunteer) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  Proof of vaccination will be required.
– When working at Nanaimo Science, volunteers will be working together with Nanaimo Science employees.  Volunteers do not count towards our adult to student ratios.
Examples of volunteer work include:
– Support during Science in the Park (throughout the summer), or our Science Sunday Expo (February)
– Help during summer camps (June – August), Spring Break, Winter Break & Pro-D camps.
– Help during weekend programs (Saturday Morning Science)
– After-school work to help organize supplies at the Nanaimo Science studio (weekdays)
We only accept volunteers who are committed to their shifts and are willing to be trained by Nanaimo Science managers.
Please email us at [email protected] for more information
Hey Parents!

Nanaimo Science offers a wide range of activities aimed at children from infancy to Grade 7.  Check out our school break camps, Pro-D day camps and workshops, and Homeschool supports!

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