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Science Center Assistant

Reports to: Regional Administrator
Date: August 2003

Classification: Contracted

Job Summary:

Partners with educators, families and communities to provide effective learning environments for all students.  Helps ensure success for all learners.  Serves in a supportive role to area educators and administrators.  Coordinates functions related to the operation of the Van Allen Science Center and the assembly and circulation of science project kits to area schools.

Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in education.
  2. Three years of work experience in an education setting.

Essential Functions:

  1. Supports total school/community efforts to create a positive learning environment for students/children.
  2. Serves as liaison among AEA, district building(s), families and community and collaborates with various teams to assure positive outcomes for all learners.
  3. Follows policies, procedures, standards and rules in accordance with national and state laws, the Iowa Dept of Education and GWAEA, which includes, but is not limited to, developing and maintaining proper and adequate records and documentation.
  4. Oversees assembly, circulation and maintenance of science center kits.
  5. Monitors science center inventory and determines purchasing needs.
  6. Ensures appropriate communications with AEA and LEA staff.
  7. Creates and maintains recordkeeping systems related to science center teachers, kits and materials.
  8. Coordinates and tracks distribution of science kits and materials.

Additional Responsibilities:

  1. Participates in projects, committees or activities to support the Agency’s mission, goals and priorities.
  2. Demonstrates self-discipline and initiative to produce high-quality, organized and dependable results.
  3. Conveys a positive and professional image to staff and public.
  4. Handles information in a confidential manner in accordance with established policies and legal requirements (FERPA, HIPAA, etc).
  5. Pursues professional growth opportunities and relationships to keep current with and influence educational directions.
  6. Coordinates and oversees activities of high school and community volunteers.
  7. Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  1. Ability to communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships.
  2. Ability to function effectively as a team member and work collaboratively with others and independently as appropriate.
  3. Ability and willingness to be flexible and respond to the changing needs of clients and the Agency.
  4. Ability to integrate educational theory, research and expertise into appropriate practices for local contexts, in a service style that facilitates positive change and continuous improvement.
  5. Effective presentation and group facilitation skills.
  6. Ability to use data to make educationally sound decisions.
  7. Ability to read and interpret documents, write reports and correspondence, and apply appropriate mathematical concepts.
  8. Ability to use and integrate technology appropriately in daily work which includes, but is not limited to, efficient operation of telephone and voice mail systems and application of basic computer skills to effectively use e-mail, internet and word processing.

Physical Requirements:

  1. Ability to travel between schools/sites served.
  2. Normal, routine levels of activity related to bending, carrying, climbing, hearing, reaching, sitting, standing, vision and walking, and may also involve above-average levels of activity at times that can’t always be anticipated.
  3. Ability to lift 35 pounds.

EOE/M-F-H-V