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.
Sprouting Science Facilitator (Designated)
| Department: | Science Education |
| Supervisor: | Coordinator of Science Education |
| Position Category: | Full time, co-op student role |
| Wage: | $17.00 per hour |
| Hours of Work: | 35 hours per week; 15 weeks |
| Start Date: | September 5, 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 main objective of the Sprouting Science Facilitator is to plan and develop afterschool programming centred around community gardening. STEM topics to be explored include food security, local sustainability, and climate change, along with basic agricultural concepts on growing plants. The Sprouting Science Facilitator works with community organizations to provide opportunities for young learners of African heritage to strengthen their STEM skills through hands-on activities.
The Sprouting Science Facilitator will benefit from the opportunity of working in a multicultural and dynamic science setting, providing significant opportunity to improve upon their communication skills, organizational skills, knowledge of science, knowledge of educational practices, and ability to work with children. The Facilitator will gain time management skills, experience working in a multicultural team setting, confidence teaching and delivering educational programs, supervisory skills, and experience mentoring youth.
This role is designated for co-op students who identify as African Nova Scotians, members of the Black community, and candidates of African descent.
Description of Tasks:
The Sprouting Science Facilitator works in the Science Education department and reports to the Coordinator of Science Education. The primary tasks of the position are:
Qualifications:
Education: Post-secondary studies in science, education, recreation, or a related discipline
Experience: Experience working with children in an educational or recreational, museum, or camp setting; experience supervising staff will be considered an asset; past experience with gardening/planting/agriculture in a hobbyist or professional setting is considered an asset
Language Requirements: Bilingual (English/French) preferred; fluency in English is required
Competencies:
Other Qualifications:
Eligibility: Applicants must qualify for the Nova Scotia Co-op Program in order to be considered. This role is designated for African Nova Scotians/members of the Black community candidates of African descent.
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; meeting with partners (including Imhotep’s Legacy Academy and Akoma Holdings) |
| Week 2-3 | Research and development of programming; coordinating special guests; visiting garden sites; preparing required supplies/materials, rehearsing and finalizing program |
| Weeks 4-15: | Implementation of Sprouting Science program; leading and overseeing activities; preparing activities for following day; regular meetings with supervisor; reviewing program activities; evaluating and modifying activities |
| Week 15: | Compiling of final report; debriefing with supervisor; performance evaluation |
Measurable Outcomes:
The Sprouting Science Facilitator will:
The Sprouting Science Facilitator 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 15 weeks, the Coordinator of Science Education will provide the youth with an overall assessment of your performance.
Employability Skills:
After their employment at the Discovery Centre, the Sprouting Science Facilitator is expected to have acquired, or improved upon, the following skills:
This position is an excellent opportunity for any individual that is continuing in science or education, or who is interested in a career in major event administration, public service, or any career where working with clients is required.
Orientation and Training:
The Sprouting Science Facilitator’s orientation will include a briefing on the Discovery Centre and the Science Education department. Training in interpretive education techniques will be provided.
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 Sprouting 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: | Jillian Phillips |
| Title: | Coordinator of Science Education |
| Phone: | (902) 817-0496 |
| Email: | jphillips@thediscoverycentre.ca |
| Mailing address: | 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax NS, B3J 3S8 |
Application:
Applications are to be emailed to recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca. Applicants are to submit their resume, cover letter, and supply contact information (both phone and email if possible) for three 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.