Science Education Instructor
Youth Science Institute (YSI) is looking for passionate, dedicated people to join our team of instructors. YSI provides school and group programs, summer camps, and family nature excursions that connect participants to our local nature environment to engage them in scientific inquiry. Our school programs supplement science curriculum and provide elementary and pre- school students with real world examples of classroom learning.
About the Role:
Our instructors present our science enrichment programs, lead engaging hands-on activities, and help students develop critical-thinking skills. As part of the YSI team, you will gain practical experience working with preschool and elementary students and be part of a team that has served nearly 30,000 annually in-person and virtually.
All instructors will assist in the implementation of educational programs at sites throughout Santa Clara County, including our three Science and Nature Centers (Alum Rock Park, Vasona Lake County Park, and Sanborn County Park), school sites, community events, festivals, etc.
Schedule:
This part-time, flexible position may be scheduled to work Monday through Friday, with some weekends and holidays based on the needs of YSI. Shifts vary by day and by week. Instructors are required to work at least 20 hours per month. For accommodations, see Executive Director.
Salary:
$23-27 per hour depending on experience
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Teach hands-on environmental, biological, physical, and social science programs to students and adults in an indoor or outdoor, classroom or field-trip setting.
• Preparation and cleanup for all programs or events, including returning all kits and items to YSI
• Understand and teach program materials and curricula provided by YSI
• Maintenance and transport of teaching kits between YSI sites and offsite program locations
• Exhibit maturity, diplomacy and common sense in working with teachers, parents, children, staff, and other YSI constituents
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students
• Handling, care of, and transportation of live animals (training is provided)
• Maintenance and care of live animals (including some weekends and holidays)
• Presentations involving live animals (training is provided)
• Maintenance of exhibits
• Maintain indoor and outdoor facilities including cleaning, sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting
• Positive and enthusiastic customer service with school personnel and other visitors
• Administrative duties as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned by the management staff or Executive Director
• Submit hours worked on an electronic time card daily
COVID-19 considerations:
All employees are expected to follow state, county, and national guidelines.
Requirements:
• 2 or more years of experience in a teaching environment or related field
• A degree in science, education, or environmental studies or equivalent experience; coursework in these areas is helpful
• Must undergo criminal background checks, including fingerprints, through the database of California Department of Justice, and the national FBI criminal database
• Must show results of a negative TB skin test reading less than 4 years old
• Must have or acquire by the end of 30 days of employment, a current certification by a nationally recognized provider of training for adult and child CPR, First Aid, and AED.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and have access to a car
• Per YSI policy, all instructor staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their start date
Knowledge, Skills, and other Abilities:
• Excellent verbal and communication skills including excellent customer service skills
• Computer literate in MS Office Suite (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint)
• Can work independently and respond to changing priorities
• Acute attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational skills
• Able to work independently and in a team environment, juggle multiple tasks, and respond to changing priorities
• Able to interface daily with teachers, parents, children, the public, and YSI staff in a positive, professional manner
• Excellent people skills and personable, helpful, friendly attitude with ability to listen and respond to questions
• Able to work with, and respond to the public under pressure
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to adapt and be flexible as priorities shift, and willing to take on a variety of tasks
• Knowledge of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) preferred
• Passionate and enthusiastic about science education, nature, working with children, and YSI’s mission and values
Physical Requirements:
• Stand for up to 6 hours
• Move and lift items up to 30 pounds
• See 12-point font and see people at distances of 300 feet
• Walk and hike for up to 1.5 hours and up to 1 mile
• Run and/or jog on flat and hilly surfaces and navigate a 30-degree slope. Surfaces include but are not limited to grass, gravel, wet and dry surfaces, and/or rocky soil
• Hear children and adult voices
• Communicate clearly and be understood by groups of children and adults for periods of up to 6 hours
• Kneel and sit occasionally
• Work in varying conditions (indoor and outdoor)
For accommodations to these activities, staff should submit requests to the Executive Director.
This position specification is not an employment contract. YSI is an at-will employer. YSI reserves the right to modify, add, or change this specification for the Instructor position at any time.
YSI Inclusion Statement:
YSI has an inclusive, understanding, and equitable working environment. We believe that each of our board members, staff, and volunteers enriches the work environment. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on an individual's race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
To Appy:
Please fill out the completed Employment Application and resume to: jobs@ysi-ca.org or sent to:
Attn: Jobs
296 Garden Hill Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Job Type: Part-time
Our instructors present our science enrichment programs, lead engaging hands-on activities, and help students develop critical-thinking skills. As part of the YSI team, you will gain practical experience working with preschool and elementary students and be part of a team that has served nearly 30,000 annually in-person and virtually.
All instructors will assist in the implementation of educational programs at sites throughout Santa Clara County, including our three Science and Nature Centers (Alum Rock Park, Vasona Lake County Park, and Sanborn County Park), school sites, community events, festivals, etc.
Schedule:
This part-time, flexible position may be scheduled to work Monday through Friday, with some weekends and holidays based on the needs of YSI. Shifts vary by day and by week. Instructors are required to work at least 20 hours per month. For accommodations, see Executive Director.
Salary:
$23-27 per hour depending on experience
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Teach hands-on environmental, biological, physical, and social science programs to students and adults in an indoor or outdoor, classroom or field-trip setting.
• Preparation and cleanup for all programs or events, including returning all kits and items to YSI
• Understand and teach program materials and curricula provided by YSI
• Maintenance and transport of teaching kits between YSI sites and offsite program locations
• Exhibit maturity, diplomacy and common sense in working with teachers, parents, children, staff, and other YSI constituents
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students
• Handling, care of, and transportation of live animals (training is provided)
• Maintenance and care of live animals (including some weekends and holidays)
• Presentations involving live animals (training is provided)
• Maintenance of exhibits
• Maintain indoor and outdoor facilities including cleaning, sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting
• Positive and enthusiastic customer service with school personnel and other visitors
• Administrative duties as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned by the management staff or Executive Director
• Submit hours worked on an electronic time card daily
COVID-19 considerations:
All employees are expected to follow state, county, and national guidelines.
Requirements:
• 2 or more years of experience in a teaching environment or related field
• A degree in science, education, or environmental studies or equivalent experience; coursework in these areas is helpful
• Must undergo criminal background checks, including fingerprints, through the database of California Department of Justice, and the national FBI criminal database
• Must show results of a negative TB skin test reading less than 4 years old
• Must have or acquire by the end of 30 days of employment, a current certification by a nationally recognized provider of training for adult and child CPR, First Aid, and AED.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and have access to a car
• Per YSI policy, all instructor staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their start date
Knowledge, Skills, and other Abilities:
• Excellent verbal and communication skills including excellent customer service skills
• Computer literate in MS Office Suite (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint)
• Can work independently and respond to changing priorities
• Acute attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational skills
• Able to work independently and in a team environment, juggle multiple tasks, and respond to changing priorities
• Able to interface daily with teachers, parents, children, the public, and YSI staff in a positive, professional manner
• Excellent people skills and personable, helpful, friendly attitude with ability to listen and respond to questions
• Able to work with, and respond to the public under pressure
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to adapt and be flexible as priorities shift, and willing to take on a variety of tasks
• Knowledge of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) preferred
• Passionate and enthusiastic about science education, nature, working with children, and YSI’s mission and values
Physical Requirements:
• Stand for up to 6 hours
• Move and lift items up to 30 pounds
• See 12-point font and see people at distances of 300 feet
• Walk and hike for up to 1.5 hours and up to 1 mile
• Run and/or jog on flat and hilly surfaces and navigate a 30-degree slope. Surfaces include but are not limited to grass, gravel, wet and dry surfaces, and/or rocky soil
• Hear children and adult voices
• Communicate clearly and be understood by groups of children and adults for periods of up to 6 hours
• Kneel and sit occasionally
• Work in varying conditions (indoor and outdoor)
For accommodations to these activities, staff should submit requests to the Executive Director.
This position specification is not an employment contract. YSI is an at-will employer. YSI reserves the right to modify, add, or change this specification for the Instructor position at any time.
YSI Inclusion Statement:
YSI has an inclusive, understanding, and equitable working environment. We believe that each of our board members, staff, and volunteers enriches the work environment. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on an individual's race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
To Appy:
Please fill out the completed Employment Application and resume to: jobs@ysi-ca.org or sent to:
Attn: Jobs
296 Garden Hill Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Job Type: Part-time
