Environmental Program Instructor

Company Description:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs. Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

The Environmental Program Instructor assists in the development and facilitation of the McAuliffe Center's in-person environmental education programs for youth in middle school and high school. These programs are designed for students to use evidence-based arguments to promote actual changes that support the environmental well-being of our community.

This position works with students in the McAuliffe Center's environmental programs who perform the following activities:

• Investigate environmental challenges with social implications for the local target community.
• Choose an environmental challenge to address at a local level.
• Collaborate with peers and STEM professionals on a team project.
• Practice STEM skills and approaches as used in a professional environment.
• Develop an understanding of global environmental issues and how global needs relate to the local community.
• Design a multimedia exhibit to explain the solution to the environmental challenge.
• Share their findings with peers, mentors, teachers, family, and community members.
• Communicate effectively with public officials about how to use the recommended solution in the community.

In general, this Instructor:

• is comfortable with environmental, general science, and engineering content;
• is eager to learn more about the subject matter;
• is interested in effective ways to creatively engage students in research and communication by employing a range of dynamic presentation styles; and
• appreciates the connection between the impact of climate change and environmental justice.

Examples of Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Facilitate research activities for the afterschool and summer programs.
• Facilitate activities using NASA's Earth Science resources such as the Globe Observer App.
• Attend weekly planning meetings
• Provide insight and feedback about the design of program activities.
• Research subject matter.
• Review program data collected by students for quality and relevance.
• Verify that students follow protocols for data sharing.
• Report weekly to program supervisor.
• Coordinate virtual and in-person meetings with subject matter experts from the TEMPO team at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
• Provide written reports about program activities.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate may possess the following qualifications:

• Major in science or engineering (OR) a non-STEM discipline with a concentration/minor/track in environmental studies
• At least one college-level course in an environmental-related discipline
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong research skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Committed to a high standard of inclusive practice
• Committed to serving the needs of a diverse range of audiences representing a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and abilities
• Experience in AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Forestry Vegetation Simulation, Blender, or similar data visualization applications

Other qualifications include:

• Demonstrated interest in environmental science and environmental justice issues
• Experience in informal science education, public outreach, and/or youth development. Examples include camps, afterschool programs, and Scouts.
• Previous work with youth of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Additional Information:

This is a part-time non-benefited, contract position, not to exceed 18 hours per week. The pay rate is $18-$22/hour, commensurate with experience.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions about the details or requirements about this position, email cmc@framingham.edu.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Equity and Inclusion Statement*
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.

For best consideration, application materials must be received by June 15. However, applications may continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.

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