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

The Inclusion Assistant and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Animals, and Math) Educator will be responsible for developing accessible Education programs, creating visual aids and other inclusive learning tools, supporting young learners (Pre-K - 5th grade) during experiences of dysregulation, discrimination, and othering, and facilitating a variety of STEAM learning experiences for young learners. 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 Inclusion Assistant and STEAM Educator will co-facilitate group experiences and provide 1:1 support to program participants. The ideal candidate will reflect CuriOdyssey’s values, bring enthusiasm for STEAM education, and demonstrate a passion for accessible and inclusive Education programming. 

Research suggests that qualified people from historically marginalized groups may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set and consider how you might grow in this role. The Inclusion Assistant and STEAM Educator role is a great opportunity for a dynamic employee looking to build a career in developing and facilitating inclusive STEAM programming. 

This regular full time position offers a Monday - Friday, 40 hour work week, with a typical schedule of 8:00am - 4:30pm. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include: 

Inclusion and Accessibility: 

• Support program participants by providing accommodations, sensory items, and program modifications.
• Support program participants during dysregulation, including low frustration tolerance, sensory overload, and panic attacks.
• Support program participants experiencing identity-based bullying, discrimination, and/or othering. 
• Communicate and collaborate with learners’ caregivers/guardians/aides, keeping them informed and discussing how to provide the best learning environment for the child.
• Provide in-program recommendations, feedback, and support to program delivery staff to make programs more accessible and inclusive.
• Support quarterly Sensory Sunday events, which serve audiences who have sensory processing issues and/or are neurodivergent, by developing and leading science activities. 
• Collaborate with Equity and Engagement Program Manager to plan and co-lead staff and camp volunteer training about Accessibility and Inclusion. 
• Mentor seasonal Camp Inclusion Assistant and Inclusion Leader in Training teen volunteers.
• Maintain sensory materials and suggest the purchase of low-stock essential supplies.

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.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of STEAM content and activities that are rich, authentic, and learner-driven, providing feedback and edits to make programs more inclusive and accessible.
• Collaborate with Equity and Engagement Program Manager to review existing education activities and provide suggestions for achieving full participation from all participants. Create visual aides, update activity instructions, and identify changes to activity structure. 

General Education Team Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate within and across teams toward the achievement of strategic department and organizational initiatives.
• Engage in voluntary interdepartmental staff-led committees.
• 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
• Proof of a non-expired CA driver's license and insurance

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

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation: $26.00 per hour, 40 hours/week
• Employment Status: Non-exempt full time 
• Desired Start Date: January 2025
• General Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm, with occasional weekend shifts to staff Sensory Sundays (4 times per year) 
  • 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(at)curiodyssey.org with “Inclusion Assistant & 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.