Please excuse this cross-posting:
Oregon State University is seeking a Sea Grant Marine Education and Learning Specialist to focus on research and development in free-choice learning. The Oregon Sea Grant at OSU in Corvallis, OR and the Institute for Learning Innovation, in Annapolis, Maryland, signed an agreement to establish a collaborative research and development program focused on “free-choice learning.” A major first step in this collaboration is the hiring of a new faculty member who will focus in this area. This position supports the University's outreach education mission which provides an array of high-quality education programs to youth and adult audiences in the field of marine education and free-choice learning.
Oregon Sea Grant established free-choice education activities at the OSU Marine Science Center in Newport in 1966 and today Sea Grant manages and partly staffs the Visitor Center at Hatfield Marine Science Center. Sea Grant conceives of this popular venue, which attracts approximately 150,000 visitors annually, as a “laboratory for the study of free-choice learning. The goal of this collaboration will be to establish an internationally prominent center for the study and facilitation of free-choice learning. Initial projects of the free-choice learning collaboration are expected to begin soon, and during the next year may include the teaching and training of university students, HMSC volunteers, docents, and Extension staff in the arts and science of free-choice learning. Other key activities are expected to include basic and applied research, evaluation and assessment projects, and the development of educational materials and exhibitions.
Please see the job description below which describes the scope and qualifications for this position. The person in this position will work closely with OSU Sea Grant and the Institute for Learning Innovation to move this exciting initiative forward!
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT # 018-980 POSITION:
Sea Grant Marine Education and Learning Specialist (1.0FTE)
RANK: Assistant Professor
TENURE: Fixed Term
POSITION AVAILABLE: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 4 , 2003
LOCATION: Hatfield Marine Science Center (Newport)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This position supports the University's basic outreach education mission by providing an array of high-quality education programs to youth and adult audiences in the field of marine education and free choice learning. The Sea Grant marine education program works to improve science literacy, integrate free choice and formal learning practices, contribute to the knowledge and application of free choice learning, translate educational theory into effective public education, and advance the science and art of education.
This program also strives to improve Oregon's citizens' knowledge of coastal and ocean resources, their economic, aesthetic and biologic importance, and the benefits of their protection, conservation and wise use. Educational activities respond to needs identified through Oregon Sea Grant, state and federal departments of education, Oregon school districts, departmental colleagues, state and federal agency partners, and the identified needs of interpretive centers, museums, aquariums, community-based organizations, and other free choice learning venues. Geographic area served is primarily Oregon, its citizens, teachers and students; however programs often are regional, national and international in their interest, scope and influence.
OSU is one of only ten American universities to hold the Land Grant, Sea Grant, and Space Grant designation and is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research-Extensive university. OSU is located in Corvallis, a community of 50,000 people situated in the Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Ocean beaches, lakes, rivers, forests, high desert, and the rugged Cascade and Coast Ranges are all within a 100-mile drive of Corvallis. Approximately 15,400 undergraduate and 3,400 graduate students are enrolled at OSU, including 2,500 U.S. students of color and 1,200 international students. The university has an institution- wide commitment to diversity and multiculturalism, and provides a welcoming atmosphere with unique professional opportunities for leaders who are women and people of color. All are encouraged to apply.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The position will work with adult and youth audiences, participate as a team member in OSU Extension and Oregon Sea Grant, market as appropriate Extension and Sea Grant, and actively pursue outside funding through grants and other mechanisms. The position will work closely with the Visitor Center, with other educational programs at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, and with scientists both as a source of information and as an audience for communicating science through public educational programming. The Extension faculty member designs, develops, coordinates and delivers education programs to insure that all people have equal employment opportunities and equal program participation opportunities regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status. Responsibilities include:
1. Design, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate marine science educational programs and materials for professionals serving youth and adult audiences as needed to support workshops, short courses, and other educational programs to improve the understanding of free choice and formal learning processes. Develop, coordinate and deliver appropriate programs for youth and adult audiences to improve their knowledge and understanding of science concepts using marine examples. Develop, design and deliver programs through the Visitor Center at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and other educational venues throughout the region and nation that educate the general public about current marine research results.
2. Assess needs related to science literacy, marine science, formal and free choice learning of youth and adults, and science exam performance by U.S. students. Work with local schools, state, and federal education departments to identify issues and deliver appropriate programs to educators. Work with schools and teachers to identify appropriate programs and courses. Work with state and federal natural resource agencies to identify marine resource issues and identify, develop and deliver appropriate programs to professionals serving general audiences and to general audiences. Utilize appropriate methods for evaluating and reporting learning events and long-term program impacts on behavior.
3. Demonstrate scholarship through the conduct of applied research and on the development of innovative educational materials, methods, and programs with a special emphasis on free choice learning. Develop and deliver publications, curricula, web sites, professional presentations and other appropriate vehicles for communicating creative scholarly work. Share peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other scholarly work with statewide, regional, or national audiences.
4. Conduct and periodically lead research efforts. Areas of research may include but are not limited to: the knowledge and application of free choice learning principles, translating educational theory into effective public education, and advancing the science and art of education. As a member of the Graduate Faculty, periodically guide and coordinate the research of graduate students in the science of marine education, environmental education and free-choice learning as an integral component of the education.
5. Administer marine education office and programs. Prepare grants and provide leadership as Principal Investigator for grant related projects as appropriate. Work collaboratively with 4-H programs, marine educators, and others as appropriate for various programs and education needs.
6. Be accountable to Sea Grant Program Leader for program and general administrative matters. Develop and implement a professional improvement or development plan.
7. Conduct scholarly work as defined by the Oregon State University promotion and tenure guidelines. Scholarly activity is expected in accordance with rank and expectations and job description.
8. Maintain membership and actively participate in appropriate professional organizations. Attend appropriate in-service activities, seminars, workshops, and classes to maintain core competencies in areas related to responsibilities and to develop new competencies. Maintain peer and professional relationships with Sea Grant Extension, University and 'outside' colleagues in order to identify and respond to issues and needs of Oregonians.
9. Be a participating member of Extension and an active and communicative member of the Sea Grant program area and appropriate academic department. Serve on committees to further the overall objectives and mission of the University, OSU, the Sea Grant program, the academic department, as well as the overall well being of the Oregon community.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
1. Masters required; PhD degree preferred in marine science, marine science education, science education, or in environmental education. Preference given to candidate with experience in free-choice learning research and evaluation with emphasis on marine science or environmental education. Specific expertise in social learning, distance learning, interpretation or the role of new media in learning is also recommended.
2. Minimum three years relevant marine science education, environmental education, or free-choice science education experience within a museum, aquarium, interpretative center, science center or public or non-profit educational organization.
3. Demonstrated successful grant writing, grant administration, and project implementation.
4. Evidence of successful teaching, curriculum development or research and evaluation in marine science, environmental, or free choice education.
5. Evidence of good judgment, leadership and organizational skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
6. Evidence of effective written and oral communication skills.
7. Willingness to travel.
8. Prefer computing skills including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
9. Prefer strong personnel and fiscal management capabilities in an educational environment.
10. Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Personal car for travel. Official mileage is reimbursed at thirty-six cents per mile.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS, SALARY, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
This 12-month 1.00 FTE Assistant Professor position is a fixed-term appointment. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Program Leader. Medical, dental, and life insurance available; if eligible, choice of retirement plan will be offered; staff tuition fee privileges for employee or a dependent at an Oregon University System school (restrictions apply), annual leave and sick leave.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
For full consideration for this position, all material must be received by November 4, 2003. A complete file consists of:
1. Resume describing professional experience and education.
2. Copies of all college and university transcripts.
3. At least three letters of reference. These should be sent directly to the Extension Human Resources Unit from the writer.
4. A narrative that describes how your experience, qualifications and interests make you a good applicant for this position.
APPLY TO: Extension Service Operations Center
Human Resources Unit
Oregon State University
108 Ballard Extension Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331-3602
Phone: 541-737-8320 Fax: 541-737-4095
E-mail: [log in to unmask] <outbind:[log in to unmask]>
Issued: 10/3/03
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