Specialist, Indigenous School Programs

About Spark

TELUS Spark Science Centre (Spark), a registered educational charity, exists to entertain and inspire people of all ages through creative encounters with science, engineering, technology, math and art. Spark exists to lift people up with the power of curiosity through creative encounters with science!

Calgary’s science centre is a pioneer in science entertainment and programming, with roots dating back to 1967. Home to one of Western Canada’s largest dome theatre, the Digital Immersion Gallery, VR experiences, and innovative spaces like Steven’s Lab, where interactive experiments unfold before your eyes. From the robot-dog Flint to Canada’s first robot-coa5ter, R05iE, and a 15-acre park surrounding the science of the developing brain, Spark is a hub for creative encounters.

Position Overview

We are currently hiring for a 10 month, full-time, contract for a Specialist, Indigenous School Programs. The specialist reports directly to Manager, Indigenous Science Connections and works closely with the Specialist, Indigenous Science Education in a collaboration between the School Science Connections and Indigenous Science Connections teams to develop and deliver existing and future Indigenous school programming. This includes the all-day, in-school program, Paws, Claws & Stars, that uses biofacts, star stories, and a portable planetarium to explore Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing the sky and our relationship to nature. You love working with youth and are very comfortable in Indigenous and school communities. You use your skills in education programming, knowledge of Alberta K-12 curriculum, and passion for Indigenous science to inspire and engage Indigenous and non-Indigenous students of all ages. You thrive in a collaborative and inclusive work environment where science is for everyone, with diverse colleagues united under the purpose of lifting people up with the power of curiosity.

Key Responsibilities

· Development and delivery of existing and future Indigenous school programming, including the Paws, Claws, and Stars outreach program for schools and community.

· Develop education programming in alignment with the needs of Spark, Indigenous communities, and Alberta schools.

· Establish and maintain authentic relationships with schools and community through protocols of respect and reciprocity.

· Coordinate the planning and logistics of the programming within Spark and with schools/community to ensure seamless, authentic, and high-quality delivery with humility and respect.

· Co-deliver programing consistent with Spark’s education standards of excellence in pedagogy, curriculum awareness, classroom management, and belonging.

· Provide training and guidance to Spark educators on Indigenous School Programs

· Support the larger Schools team with field trips and a suite of 30+ school programs that spark curiosity, help students love the sciences, enhance the K-12 Alberta curriculum, and help create good humans.

· Support the Indigenous Science Connections Team with programming and capacity-building, as needed.

· Learn from mistakes and always aim for community trust through reciprocity.

· Comfortable troubleshooting/problem solving and making safe and constructive choices, especially while offsite at schools.

· Ensure all elements of the guest journey are held to the highest customer service standard.

· Ensure personal and team activities are aligned with business and strategic goals of Spark as a whole.

· Model strong work-ethic, flexibility, kindness, and professionalism in a rapidly changing growth environment.

· Other duties as required and assigned.

Qualifications & Knowledge

· Demonstrated or Lived experience in being part of, or working with, a First Nations, Metis, Inuit or other Indigenous community

· An understanding of Indigenous Protocols and working with Indigenous communities, Indigenous cultures, and Elders/Knowledge Keepers

· Post-secondary education and/or equivalent knowledge/training in related areas (Indigenous history, Cultural teachings, Education, Sciences)

· A minimum of two years’ experience in Indigenous education programming

· High familiarity and proficiency with Alberta K-12 curriculum

· Highly skilled in science communication, public speaking, and student engagement

· A proven track record of adding value to an organization’s diverse and inclusive culture, positive morale, and engaging initiatives, and an eagerness to be a part of its reconciliation journey.

· Fluency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPointand willingness to learn planetarium technology.

· A high degree of creativity, natural curiosity, and a keen interest in the sciences and ways of knowing the universe.

· Demonstrate a strong commitment to Spark’s mission, vision, and values by actively contributing to and supporting all programs, initiatives, and organizational goals.

· Fluidity and a desire to work hard and grow; willingness to learn and adapt to change.

· A valid driver’s licence and a clear drivers abstract.

· The successful candidate will be required to go through an enhanced security check with Vulnerable Sector Screening as a condition of employment.

Salary: $52,000 per year.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, people of colour, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Spark, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace so if you are excited about this role please apply! An excitement and passion for science can go a long way here so you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Spark.

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