Co-op Winter 2021: Science Education

Ocean\Energy Facilitator -Co-Op

Department: Science Education

Supervisor: Manager of Science Education

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Rate: $15.00 per hour

Start Date: January 4, 2021

Application Deadline: October 30, 2020

 

Position Summary

The main objective of the position is to work as a member of the Science Education team to create exciting, stimulating, hands-on/minds-on science experiences directly connected to energy and the ocean. The Facilitator will assist with the maintenance of the life support systems of aquaria including its flora and fauna which require to be fed and receive everything they need to live and thrive in their environment. The position will facilitate public programming, both online and in the centre, providing visitors with exciting science demonstrations related to energy sources that are being developed from ocean, land and technology within the province of Nova Scotia.

 

Description of Tasks

• They will help with maintaining the life support systems of aquaria and are responsible for ensuring that the life within an aquarium is properly managed, that the environment is conducive to the plants and animals growing and thriving, and that the living beings have everything else that they need to live well.
• Responsible for ensuring that the exhibits remain clean and that the living beings are in good shape to be viewed by the public.
• Creates an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment around the topic of oceans and energy
• Shares information with the online audience and general public.
• Develops and delivers programming, supports the research, development and delivery of camp programs.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment, keeps up to date with health and safety requirements and training.
• May help with species collecting at designated license/permit sites. This is limited to gathering species by hand, snorkelling and with hip waders.

 

Measurable Outcomes:

The Facilitator will:

• Successfully facilitated science experiences both online and within the galleries.
• Successfully helped the plants and animals within the aquarium thrive and grow.
• Provided a safe and positive experience.
• Organized and maintained program/activity records.
• Completed an end-of-work-term report on activities and make recommendations for future activities.

 

The student will understand and take ownership of outcomes through a combination of training, self-directed study, and ongoing support from supervisor, education staff team and co-workers. Through regular communication with their supervisor incremental objectives will be set to ensure progress. One mid-term performance evaluation will be conducted, and the successful completion of outcomes will be addressed in this meeting and in a final performance evaluation. At the end of the work term, the Manager of Science Education will provide the student with an overall assessment of their performance.

Orientation and training:

The student’s orientation will include a complete briefing on the Discovery Centre and its daily functions, short and long-range plans, and its place in the science and museum community. In addition, a briefing on the programs and services, including how they are run and the pedagogic structure, will be provided. Orientation will include Occupational Health and Safety training, and First Aid training.

When possible, the Ocean/Energy Facilitator will be required to participate in general staff meetings and the Science Education department meetings. They will be encouraged to be as familiar with our Centre and its modes of operation as possible. They will be able to learn both how a non-profit organization is run, as well as how a science centre is run.

Core Competencies/Qualifications

• Enrolled in degree in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Environmental Studies or related field.
• Depth of knowledge in marine and freshwater species of flora and fauna and their associated ecosystems
• Experience in science communication
• Experience in a front-line setting dealing with the public is recommended; strong interpersonal skills; must be comfortable engaging strangers and representing the organization’s values
• Technical knowledge of large and small aquariums, both salt and fresh water, their operations, life support systems, maintenance and recommended repairs when needed
• This position requires organizational skills, flexibility, and proactive problem solving.

Applications:

Please email resume to recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca. Applicants must meet the requirements for the Nova Scotia Co-Op Program. All applicants are thanked for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Discovery Centre promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and embraces diversity. The Centre is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs, supports diversity in its work environment, and ensures that applications for members of underrepresented groups are considered for employment with the Centre.