Orbits Curiosity Educator

Company: Lowell Observatory
Location: Flagstaff
Posted on: February 3, 2025

Job Description:

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Make sure to apply quickly in order to maximise your chances of being considered for an interview Read the complete job description below.

ORBITS CURIOSITY EDUCATOR



The Education Department at Lowell Observatory manages all programming that involves direct educational opportunities for schools. Programming occurs onsite, virtually, and at remote locations. The Native American Astronomy Outreach Program (NAAOP) is also managed within the Education Department. NAAOP has been operating for over 25 years pairing Lowell staff with schools on the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache reservations. The goal of the Education Department is to engage schools with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) focused activities that aid teacher development and excite students about the wonders of the Universe. The educator will be expected to work with both the schools on the reservation through NAAOP and schools and programs under Orbits Curiosity.



RESPONSIBILITIES



During the school year (NAAOP): The educator works with one teacher working on reservation, making multiple visits to a classroom to do hands-on astronomy activities and create new lessons for the students in collaboration with the teacher. The educator must collect all materials for the activity, including introductory information, in a simple and organized manner so that the teacher can use them again in subsequent years. It will be important for the educator to familiarize themselves with the Arizona state and other science standards for the grade level they will be working with. We ask that the educator hold at least one star party at the school or participate in school-wide star parties where we have multiple partnerships, as well as help others with their star parties. The educator will also organize the class spring field trip and help with the other NAAOP field trips.



During the school year (Orbits Curiosity): The educator will help design and lead lessons for visiting and virtual school groups. The educator will sometimes need to connect with schools before and after the trip to confirm details about the visit and receive feedback. The educator will be trained to safely handle materials like liquid nitrogen and dry ice. The Orbits Curiosity Educator will help develop new school programs that make use of the innovative tools of the Astronomy Discovery Center. Orbits Curiosity is a growing brand and will require other related tasks as assigned.



Summer/Winter/Schools-Out Camps (NAAOP & Orbits Curiosity): Summer camps occur both with Orbits Curiosity Camp and NAAOP. The educator will be expected to participate as a camp counselor every summer and winter. Duties include but are not limited to: developing or updating lessons, leading games, helping manage groups of children, deescalating minor issues, helping train non-staff on lessons and Lowell history, and organizing and moving supplies from place to place around campus.


Other departmental duties as assigned.



QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS



It is necessary to enjoy working with kids and be able to make the astronomy lessons age-appropriate, have a respect for Native cultures, be patient in communicating with teachers, and be reliable in follow through. You must also be able to drive and can expect to drive 1-6 hours to reach a school.



The Educator must be personable, energetic, enthusiastic, and have a good sense of humor. Some evening hours will be required. Must be punctual, articulate, and present a professional image in the classroom or summer camp. Must be organized and keep track of receipts for expenses. Must pass a background check and carry a valid driver's license.



EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION



College level classes in Astronomy, Physics, or related field, are recommended. Knowledge of Navajo, Hopi, or other northern Arizona Indigenous cultures is appreciated but not required.



WORKING CONDITIONS



Travel: Frequent travel required. Ability to drive an automobile or van with a valid driver's license required. Driving a vehicle in inclement weather on unpaved roads.

Conditions: Working at a computer for extended periods. Frequent movement throughout campus, often over uneven terrain and in inclement weather. Must be available to work nights and weekends when needed.

Duties: Speaking and listening, both in person and via telephone or video conferencing. Ability to lift files, office equipment and telescope equipment weighing up to 35 pounds.



Status: Full Time, Regular 40 hrs/week.

Benefit Eligible: Yes*

FLSA Classification: Hourly, Non Exempt

Compensation $21-$24/hr DOE

Location: Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory's Mars Hill Campus



To Apply: Please send the following documents to jobs@lowell.edu

Standard Application (https://lowell.edu/about/career-opportunities/)
Resume
Letter of interest addressing your qualifications
Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional references



Deadline for application submission is Sunday, February 9th.



*Benefits Overview: In addition to 11 scheduled paid holidays, Lowell Observatory offers a Flexible Paid Time Off policy for all full-time, benefit eligible employees which allows you to determine how much time you need to rest and enjoy yourself outside of work. The cost of premiums for medical, life & long term disability insurances for benefit eligible employees is 100% paid by the company. Up to a 5% match on retirement contributions after 6 months of employment.

Employment is subject to passing a background check



Lowell Observatory is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. Lowell Observatory has always been, and always will be, committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek individuals from all backgrounds to join our teams, and we encourage our employees to bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work.



Lowell Observatory sits at the base of one of the mountains sacred to indigenous tribes throughout the region. We honor their past, present, and future generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home.



Lowell Observatory is committed to providing access, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. Our non-smoking campus is at an elevation of 7,200ft/2200m, and the LDT is 40 miles south of Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,800 ft/2370m. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources office for assistance



VERSION FEBRUARY 2023/HR

Keywords: Lowell Observatory, Prescott , Orbits Curiosity Educator, Other , Flagstaff, Arizona