JOB OPENING

Education Department /FT- Non-Exempt 

Organizational Overview 

The mission of CuriOdyssey is to inspire a love for science and curiosity about the world in young learners. Located in Coyote Point Park in San Mateo County, CuriOdyssey has undergone a major reinvention and full strategic planning process that has transformed the organization into a vital, kid-centric interactive science center and accredited California native wildlife zoo that provides up-close and personal experiences with the natural world. The organization is comprised of a strategic and engaged Board of Trustees, visionary executive leadership, and a talented, energetic, and entrepreneurial staff.

Summary

We are seeking 2 full time STEAM educators. The STEAM Educator will be responsible for facilitating and delivering a variety of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Animals, and Math) educational programs at CuriOdyssey. This role involves engaging with youth, educators, and visitors through hands-on experiences such as camps, workshops, and classes both on and off-site. The ideal candidate will reflect CuriOdyssey’s values, bring enthusiasm for STEAM education, and demonstrate a passion for fostering curiosity and learning.

This regular, non-exempt full-time position offers a 40-hour work week, with a typical schedule of 8:30am - 5:00pm on Monday-Friday. During summer and seasonal camps, the schedule shifts to Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, 40 hours per week, including an unpaid 30-minute meal period. As a non-exempt position, you are eligible for overtime in accordance with California overtime laws.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include: 

Education Program Development and Delivery: 

• Facilitate and engage youth, teachers, and/or visitors in a variety of STEAM educational programs and experiences such as camps, classes, and workshops that happen on and off-site in-person and online.
• Serve as a lead educator and co-teach programs within the educational portfolio. Note: In-person programs are conducted adhering to current county, state, and federal health and safety guidelines. Programs and classes will adapt as health and safety guidelines change.
• Direct one of our six summer camps, which are separated by theme (nature, zoology, physics, oceans, art science, and a combo of the others). Participate in the full programmatic cycle, including ideation, creation, collaboration, communication, budgeting, teaching, and revising.
• Co-lead one or more of our seasonal camp sessions in winter and spring. Participate in the full programmatic cycle, including ideation, creation, collaboration, communication, budgeting, teaching, and revising.
• Mentor seasonal Camp Leader Staff and Leader in Training teen volunteers.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of STEAM content and activities that are rich, authentic, and learner-driven in our school year programs
• Collaborate with School and Public Programs Manager and other educators to create curriculum and schedules for education programming.
• Other duties assigned to you at management’s discretion.

General Education Team Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate within and across teams toward the achievement of strategic department and organizational initiatives.
• Engage in the Education Department annual and strategic planning.
• Participate in ongoing training, including program animal handling, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed above and any additional responsibilities as directed as well as satisfy the educational and skill requirements listed below: 

Education and/or Experience: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Related experience/training as an educator for children OR related experience/training providing accommodations or dysregulation support to children.
• Experience with facilitating hands-on inquiry or project-based learning for children.
• Enthusiasm for providing inclusive programming so that all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities.
• Demonstrated track record of program facilitation with strong social and emotional competencies.
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the learning environment.
• Willingness to handle and present on animals (i.e. snakes, ferrets, millipedes, tortoises) and biofacts (i.e. bones, fur, molts, or sheds).

Core Competencies:

• Program Delivery and Facilitation – Ability to deliver engaging, hands-on STEAM educational programs for diverse learners, fostering inquiry-based exploration and supporting the development of the whole child. Demonstrates strong knowledge of STEAM subjects and experience facilitating hands-on, inquiry-based learning activities for children of varied cognitive abilities and identities. 
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills – Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with learners, caregivers, and colleagues, maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving – Demonstrates flexibility and resilience in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to anticipate challenges, think critically, and implement proactive solutions.
• Social and Emotional Competency – Ability to navigate and support the social-emotional needs of learners, exhibiting empathy, patience, and understanding in program facilitation.
• Organization and Time Management – Efficient in managing multiple tasks, maintaining program materials, and ensuring a well-organized learning space. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Cultural Competency and Inclusion – Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a welcoming and affirming environment for all staff, volunteers, visitors, and program participants.
• Safety and Compliance – Strong understanding of child safety protocols, including identifying potential risks and maintaining compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations 

• Take and clear a Live Scan background check
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification or willingness to obtain one
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

• Environment: Work is conducted at CuriOdyssey and immediately local space at Coyote Point, with some off-site programming at school sites, and community-based organizations. Programs will take place indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Mobility: Physical ability and endurance to occasionally carry and lift heavy materials, up to 50 pounds. Frequently move from a sitting to a standing position. Traversing uneven surfaces, bending, reaching, sitting on the floor with children and twisting are daily repetitive physical actions. Off-site programs will take place at school organizations in San Mateo County using the CuriOdyssey vehicle.

Psychological Demands:

• Address the emotional needs of children and provide support during dysregulation
• Provide a supportive and affirming environment for children who may be experiencing bullying, discrimination, or othering
• Communicate to caregivers with both empathy and transparency
• Remain attentive to the physical safety of children, including the proper identification and reporting of potential child abuse
• Interruptible and able to juggle multiple tasks
• Change priorities and “think on your feet.”

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation: $26.00 per hour, 40 hours/week
• Employment Status: Non-exempt full time
• Desired Start Date: August 18th, 2025
• General Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm with seasonal shift to 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
  • Due to the program demands during peak seasonal camps, use of vacation time during summer and other camp seasons may be limited
• Benefits include individual medical, dental, and life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, CuriOdyssey membership, CuriOdyssey Shop discount, and camp discounts for children of staff.

To Apply

Please send a resume and cover letter to the Education Department at the email address: jobs@curiodyssey.org with “Full Time STEAM Educator” in the subject line.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application or interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact jobs(at)curiodyssey.org.