Science Curriculum and Assessment Developer (Writer-Editor) (IS-1082-11)

Science Curriculum and Assessment Developer (Writer-Editor) (IS-1082-11)

Application Deadline: 22 December 2024

Department: Smithsonian Science Education Center

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Manager, K-8 Series

Compensation: $82,764 - $93,798 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: November 22, 2024            CLOSING DATE: December 22, 2024 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)           POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Not to Exceed One (1) Year (with option to renew annually)   
SCHEDULE: Full Time  DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC (remote candidates may be considered)
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Open to all qualified applicants 

What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).  Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW

The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) is an organization of the Smithsonian Institution dedicated to transforming K-12 Education Through Science™ in collaboration with communities across the globe. To achieve its mission, SSEC has four goals: (1) promote authentic, inquiry-based, integrated K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teaching and learning; (2) ensure diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) in K-12 STEM education; (3) advance STEM education for sustainable development (STEM4SD); and (4) translate the research and collections of the Smithsonian into meaningful tools and convenings for K-12 teachers and students. SSEC achieves its goals by: (a) building awareness for science education among school leaders; (b) promoting Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER); (c) supporting the professional growth of K-12 teachers and school leaders; (d) developing exemplary K-12 curriculum materials and digital resources (including the comprehensive research-based science curriculum programs: Smithsonian Science for the Classroom; Science and Technology Concepts for Middle School; and Smithsonian Science for Global Goals); and (d) engaging in research. At the heart of SSEC’s work is the idea that all youth—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, geography, race, native language, ability, or socio-economic status—should be given the opportunities to learn about the socio-scientific issues that challenge us. The Smithsonian, through the Smithsonian Science Education Center, plays an active role in sparking students' and teachers' interest in STEM to ensure scientific literacy and a sustainable planet.  SSEC is not a museum.    For additional information about the SSEC visit www.ssec.si.edu.    We are currently seeking a Science Curriculum and Assessment Developer (Writer-Editor). This person will report to the Manager of K-8 Curriculum and will be primarily responsible for the planning, development, editing, design, and production of SSEC’s Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum and embedded assessments.  Ability to work remotely (outside of the Washington, DC area) will be considered for the selected candidate.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for writing and editing K-8 science education curriculum and assessment  
• The incumbent will stay current with the latest research and market trends in science education curriculum and assessment and collaborate with a small team to ensure the K-8 series is developed to reflect best research-based practices and market needs.  
• The incumbent identifies and integrates scientific expertise from across the Smithsonian Institution and other agencies to integrate into SSEC’s educational offerings 
• The incumbent will ensure accuracy of all scientific content published by SSEC via print and digital channels 
• The incumbent interviews subject-matter specialists and program officials when the information needed is not available or not verifiable through other research methods. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A demonstrated passion for science and education. 
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a natural science, education, math, computer science, or engineering. 
• Experience developing science curriculum and/or science assessment items for an external audience. 
• Advanced understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards. 
• An understanding of the needs of K-8 teachers and students based on experience teaching or doing research in K-8 classrooms. 
• An understanding of the current research into how students learn science and how to assess students on the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards. 
• Ability to establish and uphold deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and constructively as part of a team. 
• Ability and confidence to delegate work effectively among team-members. 
• Comfortable with receiving and providing constructive critique and feedback. 
• A great sense of humor and passion for educational innovation. 

Preferred knowledge and skills: 

• Advanced degree in education, natural science, or related field. 
• Understanding of implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards through phenomenon- and problem-driven learning.  
• Experience developing and/or reviewing curriculum materials using the EdReports Review Criteria for Science and/or the EQuIP Rubric for Science. 
• Experience teaching middle school classrooms. 

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package. Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.  The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." 
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. Relocation expenses are not paid.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact SSEC-HR@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd. Apply