BUFFALO SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCES

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Dept/Division: Center for Science Learning

Position Title: Facilitator of Learning – In Motion

Full Time, Non-exempt, hourly position

Reports to: Science Learning Director

Overview: The administration of the Buffalo Museum of Science accomplishes its goals through the implementation of strong team processes and procedures.  All staff are recruited, trained, directed and developed with that in mind.  While staff has position descriptions and a well-defined reporting responsibility, they are required to be flexible in both.  They will at times be asked to perform as part of project teams, where their reporting responsibility and work requirements may be different from, while related to, their basic position description.  BMS Strategic Team is committed to identifying, nourishing, and employing the unique strengths each person brings with them to their position here.

Summary:  An energetic, education professional responsible for facilitating learning experiences in a variety of settings including the outdoors for learners of all ages for the promotion of life-long learning.

Essential Functions:

·         Serves as a resource person, a guide to sources of knowledge so that our audiences become life-long learners.

·         Facilitates programming with visitors and school groups in the In Motion Science Studio and the Make Shift Lab

·         Instructs with techniques of inquiry and thought so as to model how to think not what   to think.

·         Provides an effective learning environment that empowers the users and nurtures self-directed learning so that we embrace the BSNS Education pedagogy in all our programs.

·         Serves as an organizer of learning opportunities that promote real life context so that a systems approach to learning is exemplified.

·         Models, shares and informs self-directed learning strategies with staff so to promote lifelong learning.

·         Works with other members of the Learning and Interpretation Department to achieve synergies among all Society learning experiences including Tifft Nature Preserve and its partners.

·         Coordinates and trains volunteer facilitators to ensure consistency and a high level of program quality in the Society sites.

·         Participates in team projects as needed to support themed experience development.

·         Develops, prepares and submits both orally and in writing statistical data and other reports as required so that others in the society are kept informed.

·         Seeks out ways and pursue promoting the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve and its programming.

Education, Experience and Skills Required:

·         Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in physics or technology education, education or museum studies.

·         Knowledge of informal science education, education theory and interdisciplinary curriculum approaches.

·         Demonstrated ability to work on a team.

·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·         Adequate computer skills to achieve goals of BSNS.

·         Ability to work with groups of all ages.

·         Valid NYS Driving License required

·         At least 1 year previous experience educating diverse populations required. 

·         Previous experience handling live specimens preferred. 

·         Availability to work weekends, holidays and evenings

Physical Demands

·         Speaking in small and large groups

·         Walking often

·         Working in outdoor natural setting

·         Bending/Stooping  frequently

·         Lifting/Carrying specimens and objects up to 40 lbs.

·         Ability to handle living specimens

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Kathryn H. Leacock
Curator of Collections
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, New York 14211 

Tel: 716 896 5200 x376
Fax: 716 897 6723

Email: [log in to unmask]