Specialist, Indigenous Science Education

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 2-year, full-time, contract for a Specialist of Indigenous Science Education.

The Specialist, Indigenous Science Education reports directly to the Manager, Indigenous Science Connections.

They will work closely with the Specialist, Indigenous School Programs in a collaboration between Indigenous Science Connections and School Science Connections teams to develop and deliver existing and future Indigenous science 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, Land-Based, and Global/Science ways of knowing the sky and human relationships with nature.

You love working with youth and community.

You have the rights to pass on Blackfoot knowledges and understand these protocols.

You have a 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 science programming, including the Paws, Claws, and Stars outreach program for schools and community o Work with Blackfoot Elders and Knowledge Keepers to authentically share Blackfoot star stories o Develop Indigenous Science programming in alignment with the needs of Spark, Indigenous communities, and Alberta schools o Create and maintain authentic relationships with schools and community through protocols of respect and reciprocity o Coordinate the planning and logistics of the Indigenous Science programming within Spark and with schools/community to ensure seamless, authentic, and high-quality delivery with humility and respect o Co-deliver programing consistent with Spark’s education standards of excellence in pedagogy, curriculum awareness, classroom management, and belonging · Working with the Indigenous Science team in planning of and supporting Indigenous science events, programming, staff capacity-building, and gatherings · Support the Indigenous Science team with administrative work including program reporting, community feedback and engagement tracking, etc.

· Elder/Knowledge Keeper support– for example, greeting, making feel welcome, mobility support, supporting with tobacco and honoraria protocols, tending to general needs, confirming attendance prior to gathering and following up after, etc.

· Learning from mistakes and always aiming for community trust through reciprocity · Comfortable troubleshooting/problem solving and making safe and constructive choices, especially while offsite at schools · Ensure personal and team activities are aligned with Spark business and reconciliation strategic goals · Model strong work-ethic, flexibility, kindness, and professionalism in a rapidly changing growth environment.

· Other duties as required and assigned Qualifications & Knowledge · A minimum of 2 years of experience or expertise in Indigenous education program delivery (Blackfoot programming a bonus) · Be a member of and have relationships with the Blackfoot Nation · An understanding of Blackfoot Protocols and working with Blackfoot communities and Elders/Knowledge Keepers, with knowledge and experience of Blackfoot Cultures.

· An understanding of Indigenous pedagogy and Blackfoot Star science · A passion for Indigenous Science and Astronomy · Post-secondary education and/or equivalent knowledge/training in related areas (Indigenous history, Cultural teachings, Education, Sciences) · Highly skilled in science communication, public speaking, and engaging children of all ages in science education · Fluency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and able to use most platforms · A clear drivers abstract · Strong ethics and ability to manage confidential data if required · A proven track record of adding value to an organization’s culture and initiatives.

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

· A positive attitude!

· Desire to work on a high performing team with a continuous upgrading culture to achieve high impact results.

Fluidity and a desire to work hard and grow are essential · Willingness to learn and adapt to change 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.