Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
Summary The Sr. Science Educator - Universities is responsible for developing web- based educational content and a variety of programs for college-level students and faculty. The NEON web portal will include content related to specific NEON science initiatives as well as activities for faculty to use to engage their students in working with NEON data. In addition, this position has primary responsibility for developing a NEON internship program, a research experience for undergraduates program, a graduate- level course focused in continental-scale ecology, workshops and seminars for scientists, and professional development opportunities for college faculty. As a member of the Education and Public Engagement team at NEON, this position will also help NEON build partnerships with universities, federal agencies and professional science organizations. The Chief of Education and Public Engagement will supervise this position. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Research, develop and/or coordinate content for the NEON web portal, including general educational content related to continental-scale ecology and NEON science questions, activities for faculty to use to engage their students with NEON data, and online learning experiences for college-level audiences. • Develop and coordinate a program for undergraduate students to engage in research experiences that use NEON data under the direction of college and university faculty from throughout the research community. • Develop and prototype a NEON internship program that targets a diverse student population. • Develop and coordinate a graduate course focused on continental- scale ecology and using NEON resources (i.e., data products and infrastructure). • Develop and coordinate workshops, seminars and online courses focused on NEON-related topics for faculty and college students • Build partnerships with college/university faculty and other stakeholders to design, develop and implement NEON programs • Participate in designing and implementing evaluation and assessment strategies for educational resources and programs • Participate in strategic planning activities for Education and Public Engagement division as well as NEON overall • Represent NEON at conferences, meetings and other appropriate events to network, share resources, and establish/maintain partnerships • Participate in other NEON activities as necessary Education • Ph.D. in ecology, natural sciences, environmental science and/or science education with strong ecological background Required Experience • 5+ years developing science-based programs and activities for college-level students and faculty • 3+ years experience developing online educational resources and/or activities • 3+ years experience implementing science-based programs, online and in-person, with college-level students and faculty Preferred Experience: • Experience working with and/or developing programs that target populations traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields • Basic familiarity in using Dreamweaver, InDesign, Photoshop and/or other design software • Ability to use current generation social networking tools (Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc.) to engage potential participants in desired activities • Experience using course management systems for online teaching such as Moodle or Blackboard • Experience developing and funding projects through grant proposals to federal agencies (e.g, NSF, NASA, NOAA), foundations and/or local/regional funding organizations Skills and Abilities: • Proven organizational and time-management skills • Ability to balance self-directed work while being an effective member of an interdisciplinary team • Ability to communicate effectively while working in a team environment • Ability to speak in public to a diversity of audiences including scientists, science educators, college/university faculty, college-level students, and funding agency (NSF) program directors • Proven competence in web content development utilizing basic HTML and CSS layout • Proven ability to enter, maintain and revise web content using a content management system (CMS) such as Drupal, joomla, Liferay, etc. • Strong problem solving and analytical skills and ability to be detail oriented • Demonstrated ability to write and edit scientific information for a diversity of audiences including college faculty and students, scientists, science educators, and general public • Understanding of instructional approaches for online science learning such as online courses, learning modules for students, and professional development resources for faculty • Expertise in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Physical Abilities: • Ability to travel as needed to conferences, meetings, and events Apply to: www.neoninc.org NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
