Science in Motion (SIM) Assistant Project Director/Mobile Educator

Job Title:                    Science in Motion (SIM) Assistant Project Director/Mobile Educator

Hourly Rate:               $23 per hour

FLSA Status:              Non-Exempt

Summary:

The primary role of the Lehigh Carbon Community College Science in Motion Assistant Director (LCCC SIM AD) is to be able to assist teachers in performing hands-on data collection and analysis of experiments that utilize equipment and materials provided by the program.  The AD will work collaboratively with both the LCCC SIM Director and Mobile Educator to provide these services.  The AD will become familiar with the maintenance, operation, and application of a wide variety of equipment in order to conduct experiments in biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science, ranging in levels appropriate for upper elementary school science students to advanced placement classes.  It is essential that the AD will be able to interpret user manuals and teacher notes in order to learn the function and operation of a wide variety of equipment and how to incorporate it into the science curricula at various levels of complexity.  A large portion of the experiments provided utilize Vernier experiments based on their lab books, sensors, and interfaces.  Additional applications of advanced technology are offered, such as DNA gel electrophoresis, spectroscopy, coding and robotic control, and scientific data and video analysis.  These will require the AD to gain a working knowledge of the use of a variety of interfaces and sensors in conjunction with computers and other data collection devices.

A secondary role of the AD is to work with the SIM Director to learn how to perform the administrative functions of the program.  These include keeping accurate records of teacher requests for service, equipment and chemical inventories, a mileage log for use of the SIM van, and budget expenses.  The AD will work with the Director to research expenses for new educational materials, learn how to create purchase orders and invoices for supplies and new equipment, and maintain Excel spreadsheets to monitor the status of each of these categories.  The goal is that the AD will be able to take over the position of the SIM Director at some point in the near future.

 Position contingent upon grant funding.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with the Science in Motion Mobile Educator in order to prepare supplies, chemicals, and lab equipment needed by teachers who request an equipment loan and/or the services of the Mobile Educator to co-teach a lesson.
• Serves as a lab technician when co-teaching lessons to enable students to effectively use the equipment.
• Provides essential background information and the scientific principles involved in the explorations used to assist the teacher in presenting the lessons.
• Works either in conjunction with the Mobile Educator or independently to drive the LCCC SIM van to the requesting schools in order to deliver equipment and provide co-teaching support.
• Assists the Director in conducting workshops and training to allow teachers to gain experience using advanced technology and methods of data analysis that may not be readily available in their school district due to cost.
• Works with the Director to learn the administrative functions of the SIM program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required
Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a science related field (biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, STEM education) from a regionally accredited institution.

Certifications

• Act 153 Clearances (Act 34 PA Criminal Background, Act 151 PA Child Abuse History, Act 114 FBI Clearance Fingerprinting)
• Must have a valid PA Driver’s License.

Work Experience

• Must possess demonstrated knowledge of science laboratory equipment, materials, and safety practices.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Working knowledge of the preparation, handling, and disposal of chemical solutions and materials used to perform experiments in all science subject areas.  Additional on-the-job training will be provided.
• Knowledge of advanced laboratory techniques and data analysis.  Additional on-the-job training will be provided.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work successfully with teachers and administrators.
• Must have excellent organizational, communication, and computer skills, including using Excel spreadsheets..
• Must possess a high level of the following work skills and behaviors: teamwork/cooperation, initiative, customer service, and commitment to continuous professional growth in skills and knowledge.

Preferred

• Project management experience.
• PA teaching certification.
• Previous school classroom teaching experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish)

 Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.  The employee may regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

LCCC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from diverse candidates.