Discover Centre
Mission: Bring STEAM to life through hands-on science
learning experiences. Discovery Centre’s mandate is advanced
through the presentation of high-quality STEAM educational
experiences.
Health Science Facilitator
Department: Science Education
Supervisor: Director of Science Education
Position Category: Full time co-op
Wage: $16.00 per hour
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week; 16 weeks
Start Date: May 15, 2023
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023
Position Summary:
For over 35 years, the Discovery Centre has developed a reputation for being Nova Scotia’s
leader in the delivery of exciting hands-on, minds-on science programming for youth.
The Health Science Facilitator’s role is to plan, develop, implement, and deliver engaging handson activities and presentations on the science of public health and communicable disease
prevention in the Discovery Centre, online, and in communities across Nova Scotia.
The student will benefit from the opportunity of working in a challenging and dynamic sciencethemed program setting, providing significant opportunity to improve upon their
communication skills, organizational skills, budgeting skills, knowledge of science, knowledge of
educational practices, and ability to work with the public and children.
Description of Tasks:
The Health Science Facilitator works in the Science Education department and reports to the
Director of Science Education. The primary tasks of the position are:
• Planning, developing, and delivering hands-on activities and presentations for the public
and virtual audiences
• Coordinating and purchasing supplies and materials for programs
• Liaising with community organizations to coordinate activities
• Assisting, as needed, with promotional activities
Qualifications:
Education: Post-secondary studies in a medical science discipline, biology, or other related
discipline
Experience: Experience in health promotion or science communication an asset
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required; additional languages (especially French)
considered an asset
Competencies:
• Exceptional communication skills
• Strong customer service
• Able to work under minimal supervision
• Highly organized
• Works well as part of a team
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Good time management
• Responsible
Other Qualifications:
• Valid driver’s license (vehicle and insurance will be provided by the Discovery Centre)
Eligibility: Applicants must be current students returning to post-secondary studies in Fall 2023
and must qualify for the Nova Scotia Co-op Program in order to be considered. A full
commitment to the employment dates is also required.
Workplan:
Week 1: Training and orientation, including occupational health and safety,
building and operations, job-specific training, and Discovery Centre as
a whole; team meetings; review of position objectives
Weeks 2-16: Developing and delivering programming; engaging with public;
purchasing supplies; liaising with community organizations; routine
meetings with supervisor
Week 16: Compiling of final report; debriefing with supervisor; performance
evaluation
Measurable Outcomes:
The Health Science Facilitator will:
• Engage the public in activities and presentations on the science of public health and
communicable disease
• Manage funds and ensure all supplies and materials are purchased while keeping below
budget
• Prepare summary reports on activities and a final report
• Build relationships with community organizations across Nova Scotia
The student will understand and take ownership of outcomes through a combination of
training, self-directed study, and ongoing support from their manager and team. Through
regular communication with their manager, 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 16 weeks, the Director of Science Education will provide the
student with an overall assessment of their performance.
Employability Skills:
After their employment at the Discovery Centre, the Health Science Facilitator is expected to
have acquired, or improved upon, the following skills:
• Communication
• Community engagement
• Information management
• Innovation
• Working safely
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Program development
• Health promotion
• Client service
• Fiscal management
This position is an excellent opportunity for any student that is continuing in a medical science
discipline or biology, or who is interested in a career in health promotion or science
communication.
Orientation and Training:
The Health Science Facilitator’s orientation will include a briefing on the Discovery Centre and
the Science Education department, in addition to training specific to the role.
Occupational health and safety is a key organizational priority for the Discovery Centre, so the
individual will receive thorough training on the Centre’s occupational health and safety policies
and procedures, emergency protocols, building safety, first aid training (if applicable), and any
safety training that is specific to their role.
The individual will be given all applicable Discovery Centre policies, including the respectful
workplace policy and code of conduct. They will be required to familiarize themselves with
these policies and uphold the values and responsibilities outlined in them.
The Health Science Facilitator will be required to participate in general staff meetings and
department meetings. They will be encouraged to be as familiar with our Centre and its modes
of operation as possible.
Supervision:
Name: Ryan Jameson
Title: Director of Science Education
Phone: 902-494-4422 ext. 2239
Email: rjameson@thediscoverycentre.ca
Mailing address: 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax NS, B3J 3S8
Application:
Application is dependent on funding.
Applications are to be emailed to recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca. Applicants are to
submit their resume, cover letter, and references. Please note the position that you are
applying for in the subject line of your email application. All applications will be reviewed but
only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. All applicants are thanked in advance for
their interest. Please note: this position is dependent upon receipt of funding.
Discovery Centre is committed to leveraging our facility, people, and programming to create
inclusive spaces that ignite a passion for science and discovery. We are also committed to
advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility practices within our workplace, public
engagement spaces, and programming. Our Centre’s Board of Directors, management, and staff
believe diverse participation and representation are essential and that our networks thrive
when we create an inclusive and equitable culture where all people can see themselves
reflected, feel respected, and have their contributions valued.
Discovery Centre promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, and we
encourage applications from candidates who self-identify as a member of an underrepresented
group, including Indigenous people (especially Mi’kmaq), people of Black/African descent
(especially African Nova Scotians), members of other racialized groups, women, people with
disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with
the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation
process, please contact recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca to request specialized
accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept
confidential