Job Description
Posting Details
Posting Detail Information
Working Title STEM Education Specialist - Part-Time
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202401752AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib I
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 20
Proposed Annual Salary Range $36,000 - $50,000 (full-time equivalent)
Employee Benefits Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to
diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
- Review our detailed benefits information here.
- Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here .
- For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator .
- Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in !
Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 11/03/2024
Description Of Work Unit Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
The Natural Sciences Education & Outreach Center ( NSEOC ) is an incubator for innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ( STEM ) education. We serve both CSU and 4th-12th grade students and faculty through a variety of programs. Many of our programs focus on authentic scientific research experiences that aim to promote enthusiasm for the STEM disciplines, especially for students traditionally underrepresented in these fields. Particular emphasis is on finding new ways to promote scientific creativity, innovation, and literacy, attributes essential for global challenges in the 21st century. A complete description of our center can be found at
Position Summary The STEM Education Specialist is a vital member of a small group working on a wide range of exciting educational programs. Because of the small size of the center, each member must be creative, dynamic, thorough, confident, and strive for continual improvement. The position is multifaceted and ranges from assisting faculty in the design of labs for the Masters of Natural Science Education online degree to purchasing, assembling, teaching, and maintaining STEM kit materials. It involves coordinating an afterschool mentoring program and the safety of thousands of students using our materials. This position is part-time and the employee reports to the Director of the Natural Sciences Education and Outreach Center. This position is for 20 hours per week (5 hours per day on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday), however there is potential for up to an additional 20 hours/week dependent on available grant funds.
Required Job Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Secondary Science Education or a closely related field by the end of December, 2024
- Experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, & Access)
- Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date
Preferred Job Qualifications - Master’s degree in science or science education
- Secondary teaching license
- Teaching experience at the 6th through 12th grade level
- Fluent in Spanish (oral and written)
- Demonstrated experience mixing chemical solutions, MSDS interpretation, and lab safety
- Demonstrated experience using WordPress
- Demonstrated strong verbal and written skills, including public speaking
- Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact with the general public, tactful and diplomatic approach to problem solving
- Available to work 5 hours per day Tuesday through Friday
- Available to work occasional evenings and weekends as necessary
Diversity Statement Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities among potential target and constituent populations.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Inquiry-based Teaching/Mentoring
Duty/Responsibility - Teach 4th-12th grade students in classroom, laboratory, and field settings, using inquiry-base methods with an emphasis on scientific research being done at CSU
- Mentor pre-service and in-service science teachers in inquiry-based pedagogy
- Mentor students (undergraduate, honors, graduate) working on kit design projects
Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category Hands-on STEM Kit Management
Duty/Responsibility - Collaborate on the design of new kits for 4th through 12th grade students that are based on CSU faculty research
- Coordinate STEM Kit Lending Library requests from teachers and educators from around the state
- Determine and communicate kit availability during the requested time and if they will be picked up or shipped
- Advise staff of other institutions (National Park Service, CSU Spur and Pueblo campuses, etc.) on establishing lending libraries using NSEOC kits
- Maintain a growing inventory of parts and supplies for each kit
- Direct the resetting of STEM kits that have been returned or used
Percentage Of Time 25
Job Duty Category Distance Education Laboratory Kit Management
Duty/Responsibility - Collaborate with CSU faculty instructors of Masters of Natural Sciences Education courses to develop lab kits for in-service science teachers
- Respond to student questions/issues regarding the lab kits
- Maintain inventory of lab kit components
- Assemble and ship lab kits to students world-wide each semester
Percentage Of Time 20
Job Duty Category Triunfo Mentoring Program Management
Duty/Responsibility - Recruit, train and oversee volunteer mentors ( CSU students) in collaboration with the CNS Amplify Learning Community and the El Centro office
- Match student participants with volunteer mentors based on needs and requests
- Plan & schedule various special activities for participants and mentors, including hands-on experiments, guest speakers and lab tours in collaboration with NSEOC staff
- Coordinate with targeted schools to recruit 3rd – 5th grade student participants
- Supervise the Triunfo program every other Thursday afternoon during the school year
- Submit bi-weekly reports from the mentors on each student to the teachers and/or school coordinators
Percentage Of Time 15
Job Duty Category Student Assistant Supervision
Duty/Responsibility - Supervise the student assistant hired by the EOC to help with STEM kit maintenance and resetting after use
- Supervise the student assistant hired by the EOC to help with the Triunfo Mentoring Program
Percentage Of Time 5
Job Duty Category Hazardous Materials & Lab Safety Management
Duty/Responsibility - Understand the disposal requirements of the hazardous waste used by faculty and staff who use the learning studios that are under the NSEOC’s management
- Collect, treat and requisition the disposal of hazardous waste according to CSU Environmental Health Services & OSHA regulation
- Inventory NSEOC chemicals according to CSU Environmental Health Services guidelines
- Communicate safety guidelines to appropriate NSEOC staff and affiliates when requested
Percentage Of Time 5
Job Duty Category General NSEOC Program Support
Duty/Responsibility - Assist NSEOC staff with education and outreach events, including Ram Welcome, SciVet summer camp, Colorado Science & Engineering Fair, STEM Fridays, and teacher professional development workshops.
- Assist with placing online orders and shopping at local stores (craft, hardware, grocery) for STEM kit and MNSE kit supplies as needed (weekly)
- Assist with the general upkeep of the NSEOC’s space (non-general classrooms)
- Assist with the creation and upkeep of NSEOC documents, forms, and website
Percentage Of Time 20
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants Interested applicants should complete the online application prior to the full consideration date of 11/03/2024, though the position will be open until filled.
A Complete Application Will Require The Following Materials - Current resume
- Cover letter
- List of 3 professional references
- References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License - needs to be able to shop at local stores and drive CSU 12-passenger vans, Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - will be required to manage NSEOC chemical store room and hazardous waste and make low concentration (1-2 molar) chemical solutions
Search Contact andrea.keaten@colostate.edu
EEO Statement Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The
Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,
titleix@colostate.edu .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,
oeo@colostate.edu .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,
oeo@colostate.edu .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the
Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested References Requested
Minimum Requested 3
Maximum Requested 3
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Summer work, Local area, Outdoor, Afternoon shift,