Manager of Science Literacy and Research

POSITION TITLE:  Manager of Science Literacy and Research  

Reports to:  Education Director

Job Status:  salaried 

Category:  exempt 

Classification: regular full-time

Our Values and Culture

We create experiential education programs focused on the natural world, knowing such learning and research opportunities are uniquely suited to bring about life-changing outcomes in individual passion for learning, sense of worth, and behavior.

We believe a lost connection with the natural world can be repaired, beginning with experiences that take place in the original classroom—the outdoors. We believe such experiences produce cascading results that enrich individual lives, strengthen communities, and empower community members.

We celebrate the distinctive setting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) provides as a living laboratory to explore the biodiversity that forms the building blocks of healthy ecosystems, examine past and present human impacts on the land, and navigate questions about how to best support the land that supports us.

We carry out our mission with both urgency and joy, recognizing that the work of connecting people and nature could not be timelier. 

Qualities we seek:

We are seeking a passionate scientist who understands the power of science & science communication. People who thrive in this role have experienced awe and wonder through outdoor exploration, and want to facilitate these experiences for others. They know that by looking at the world through a scientific and ecological lens, we begin to understand the connectedness of all things and our own role within these systems. They also understand that being told about data and science is not always the best pathway into science, and that by facilitating experiences in scientific processes and projects, they are creating connections to place and to others, and building trust in science through active participation.

The Manager of Science Literacy and Research plays a crucial role in cultivating a science identity among participants and colleagues. They understand that one’s connection to the natural world is dependent on aspects of identity and demographics; some communities and backgrounds are excluded or disenfranchised from connections with nature. They work to demystify the study and exploration of nature by creating accessible pathways into science that are fun, engaging, and welcoming. They are uniquely positioned to invite curious people of all ages into the Smokies and beyond to notice the world around them through the lens of careful and consistent study.

The Manager of Science Literacy works effectively with varied audiences. This role will meet and work with a variety of volunteers, colleagues, community science volunteers, non-profit park partners, and National Park personnel to bridge the gap between science and the public. They will proactively identify and resolve the needs of these constituents, and work to find common values.

OVERVIEW of the POSITION

As a key member of the program leadership team, the Manager of Science Literacy and Research strives for excellence in developing and implementing programs in line with the strategic goals, mission, and purposes of Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (GSMIT).

The Manager of Science Literacy and Research is directly responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating, science literacy, community science, and research that support GSMIT’s education mission. 

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position.  Other duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor.

Organizational Leadership

• Provides vision, sets priorities, and creates an annual budget for community science at Tremont.
• Works with the Program Leadership Team to integrate science literacy into GSMIT programs, including curricular design, lesson planning, and alignment with learning standards.
• Develops and coordinates summer science camps, including design and implementation of curricula and field experiences. Maintains a role in teaching and program supervision.
• Hires, trains, and supervises summer science staff in coordination with the Education Director and Human Resource Manager. Assists with hiring, training and supervision of other program staff, especially as it relates to their involvement in community science programs.
• Oversees inventory of science equipment and tools

Science Literacy

• Acts as a resource and thought partner for staff, including working with Teacher Naturalists to meet their specific needs with regard to the scientific understanding of our program content
• Recruits, trains, and coordinates all science volunteers for Tremont
• Leverages community science to invite communities who are disproportionately affected by the lack of access to the National Park
• Advances science communication through social media posts and videos, blogs, an annual science report with data from our diverse community science projects.
• Informs development of science investigations for use in schoolyards and other settings.

Research 

• In cooperation with park partners, National Park Service staff, and researchers, coordinates the development and maintenance of all community science projects (bird banding, phenology, salamander diversity, Monarch tagging, bio-blitzes, etc.) at the Institute and leverages them to achieve GSMIT strategic outcomes.
• Responsible for data entry and quality control for all community science and other research projects.
• Analyzes and interprets research and monitoring to enrich our experiential education courses.
• Seeks relationships with universities or private partners to conduct research. Ensures any project is also used as a pathway for education.
• Oversees our bird banding station during summer months.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and teaches classes and leads hikes and expeditions with youth and adult programs as needed
• Operates a motor vehicle to transport program participants or to conduct other work activities.
• Maintains up-to-date first aid training, minimum Wilderness First Responder (provided by Institute)
• Maintains an awareness of new techniques, practices, trends, and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends conferences, seminars, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s, preferably Master’s Degree, in the Biological Sciences or a related field with 2-5 cumulative years experience in both research and environmental education (preferably residential).  Demonstrated ability to plan and implement science-oriented education programs. Ability to work with a variety of people and to build support of partners and volunteers.  Experience with field research procedures/protocols and ability to oversee research projects. Experience with bird banding, in particular, Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) protocols is a plus.  Applicants must be enthusiastic and committed to the growth and facilitation of  Natural History and placed-based experiential education.

SALARY & BENEFITS: 

• $42-45K starting annual salary
• Medical and dental insurance
• 6% 401K retirement match
• Paid professional development
• Generous paid time off (Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and holidays).

Housing is not provided. 

Deadline: Position begins early 2024. Applications accepted until position is filled. 

To Apply: Submit a completed application form, resume, and thoughtful cover letter. 

Performance Aptitudes: 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Requires the ability to listen well, speak clearly, and express thoughts effectively. This position requires a master communicator as they relate with large groups, small groups, and individuals.

DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLS: Requires the ability to appropriately select and mentor staff to support their growth.  

INITIATIVE:  Requires the ability to influence events rather than just accept them.  

LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Requires the ability to effectively create conditions that will motivate and guide individuals towards task accomplishments and a productive work environment. 

PLANNING, ORGANIZATION, AND PROBLEM-SOLVING: Requires the ability to establish and translate plans for the department that are consistent with goals and priorities.  Must have the ability to organize effectively and systematically.

SAFETY: Requires the ability to monitor and model safe work habits.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE: Ability to use or willingness to learn common tools for data analysis, such as Excel or Google Sheets.

Vehicle Utilization: Requires possession and maintenance of a valid Tennessee driver’s license.

Physical Ability:  Tasks require the ability to exert moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (20-40 pounds). Must be able to hike while carrying a pack 10-15 miles in a day.

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, GSMIT will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow, and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.