Science Systems and Applications Inc (SSAI) is seeking a Space Science Coordinator to support a unique outreach program at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This is a full-time contractor position with benefits, working alongside NASA civil servants and other NASA contractors as part of an interagency partnership to advance science communication among informal educators. Domestic travel is a requirement for this position. Travel is expected to be less than 10% annually.

Job Description

Under the direction of the lead and working in collaboration with a dynamic team and interagency partners, the selected individual will:

• Design, develop and deliver space science communication/interpretation courses for place-based interpreters and informal educators.

• Design, develop, and deliver digital engagement (webinars, mailing list posts, website posts, etc.) to help interpreters use NASA space science resources.

• Cultivate and nurture a community of practice among place-based interpreters and informal educators centered on space science interpretation.

• Facilitate space science related collaboration between NASA, including NASA’s Science Activation engagement teams, and land management agencies such as NPS, the Bureau of Land Management, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and state and local organizations.

In addition, the selected individual will assist the team to:

• Conduct in-person and virtual outreach (presentations, booths, etc.) at professional conferences to bring NASA space science resources to the interpretation community.

• Devise and implement practices to promote equity, inclusion, and access for community members.

• Support and contribute to ongoing team efforts to engage our community of interpreters and informal educators with NASA science content, scientists, and other resources.

Required Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree and a minimum of 2 years of experience in interpretation or place-based informal education, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

• Experience in collaborative efforts, contributing to a team to accomplish science communication/interpretation/education or training.

• Knowledge of and experience with NPS and/or National Association for Interpretation professional interpretation methodology.

• Experience in developing and leading interpretation or education products and programs about science.

• Experience leading or facilitating peer coaching, trainings, or workshops for interpreters and/or place-based informal educators, particularly in science communication/interpretation.

• Ability to work independently from project leadership.

• Strong skills in interpersonal, oral, and written communication.

• Knowledge of space science and space missions.

• Ability to successfully pass a background investigation and obtain a NASA badge.

• US citizenship.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in science, interpretation, informal adult education or a related discipline.

• Experience in inclusive engagement in public programming.

• Experience conducting public programs and staff training related to space science.

• Strong contact network across land management agencies at federal, state, and/or local scales.

• Completion of one or more of the following: an Earth to Sky course, NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, NAI Certified Interpretive Trainer, Eppley Institutes Interpretation Courses, NPS Audience-Centered Experience training, NPS Fundamentals of Interpretation, NPS Night Sky Academy, NASA Solar System Ambassador training.

• Experience in digital engagement for place-based interpretation and/or informal education.

• Experience working at a federal and/or state land management agency.

  EOE, including disability/vets

  Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.