Science Education Specialist

Description The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Education and Outreach (E&O) Department leverages SURF’s fascinating science and engineering to deepen understanding and inspire educators, researchers, students, university students, and members of the general public. The Science Education Specialist develops, coordinates, and facilitates STEM programs and resources, working collaboratively with teams across the organization to realize SURF’s mission of inspiring learning across generations. Essential Functions and Responsibilities Create and facilitate interactive and engaging classroom presentations, including virtual, within K-12 and university classrooms. Host interactive field trip experiences at SURF. Leverage the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), 3‑Dimensional instruction, and SURF‑Connected phenomena to design STEM curriculum and interactive, hands‑on resources. Create, refine, and facilitate quality teacher professional development and/or training for public‑facing outreach staff. Develop, facilitate, and assess high quality programming, exhibits, and events for external audiences, including the public, families, researchers, and other stakeholders. Initiating and Maintaining Stakeholder Relationships Collaborate with educators, researchers, and SURF‑connected communities to develop, implement, and refine programs and events. Promote educational programming to regional, national, and international constituencies. Initiate, develop, and maintain cooperative and collaborative relationships with key constituencies. Other Essential Functions Maintain consistent and reliable attendance. Perform other job‑related duties as assigned. Requirements Education Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s degree is preferred. Certifications and Licenses Teaching certificate is preferred. Experience Minimum of 4 years K-12 or post‑secondary teaching experience (required). Extensive knowledge of NGSS and 3‑Dimensional instruction. Experience in teaching and learning STEM. Experience working on collaborative teams. Science content knowledge. Demonstrated presentation and public speaking expertise. Experience in museum education or informal science is a plus. Competencies, Knowledge, and Skills Communication: Excellent writing and speaking skills are required. Entrepreneurial: Identifies opportunities and encourages resourceful and innovative solutions to problems. Exercises Due Diligence: Manages resources and day‑to‑day activities in a manner that instills public trust. Organization: Prioritizes tasks, manages time, and meets deadlines, including coordination of priorities for department staff. Relationship Building: Develops and maintains effective, cooperative working relationships with stakeholders and a wide variety of audiences. Working Conditions Typical office environment with individual workstations, shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas. Noise level generally low to moderate. Well‑lit with natural and artificial lighting. Controlled temperature environment with heating and air conditioning. Ergonomic office furniture and equipment provided. Commitment to a safe working environment and adherence to health and safety regulations. Compliance with SDSTA’s Environmental, Safety, and Health Manual safety program. Flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety standards protocols mandatory. Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism, and Team Player. Mental and Physical Demands Regular interaction with team members, supervisors, and other departments and collaborators. Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Ability to remain calm and focused in high‑pressure or emergency situations. Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and work in a fast‑paced environment. Critical thinking, judgment, troubleshooting, problem‑solving, analysis, and discretion. Ability to handle work‑related stress and multiple priorities simultaneously. Follow safety protocols and procedures. Sitting for extended periods while using a computer. Hearing, speaking, and vision (with or without corrective lenses). Dexterity to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, and telephones. Occasional physical labor and lifting up to 50 pounds. Occasional standing, walking, climbing stairs, and moving around the office. Ability to travel as needed. Job Information Supervisory Duties: No Direct Reports: N/A. Work Arrangements: On‑Site Hours: M‑F; 7AM - 4PM Travel Required: 25% Mission & Vision & Core Values Mission: We advance world‑class science and inspire learning across generations. Vision: The world’s preferred location for underground science and education. Core Values Safety Focused: We do not compromise safety or endanger the environment. Care for Others: We embrace and honor the dignity of all individuals, learning from everyone. Professional: We do important work, attentively achieving excellence; our behavior and ethics exemplify our best. Team Players: We provide unmatched service, are respectful, and build trust, not barriers. Equal Opportunity Employment Statement The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. We foster a work community where every individual feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard and discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or political affiliation is prohibited. #J-18808-Ljbffr