Public Education Specialist 2

PUBL EDUC SPEC 2 (004167)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_3951

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

3/31/2025 3:50:00 PM

Date Last Edited:

3/31/2025 3:49:50 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1340D

Division:

L&S PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Department:

099500 - EARTH, PLANETARY, AND SPACE SCIENCES

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_3951

Position Description ID

236840

UC Payroll Title:

PUBL EDUC SPEC 2 (004167)

Business Title:

Public Education Specialist 2

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

Grade 18

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

1 - Staff: Contract

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40037586

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROFESSOR

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40059547

Department Head Payroll Title:

Chair

GENERAL DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

POSITION SUMMARY

The NEO Surveyor Education & Public Outreach (EPO) program lead will play a key role working with the Principal Investigator and Project Manager in designing, developing, implementing and executing education and public outreach programs at the K-12 and undergraduate levels.  The goal of all programs is to cultivate and nourish interest in planetary defense and planetary science in today's youth to cultivate the next generation of planetary defense experts.  The programs all have the goal of facilitating the preparation of today's youth in helping them acquire relevant experience for the evolving demands of tomorrow's workforce in planetary science, engineering, and related disciplines.

The Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences is an academic unit within the UCLA Division of Physical Sciences.

EPO program research and design

Research for each demographic group (e.g. Grades 5-7; high school; undergraduate) a strategy for education programs tailored for that age group to foster enthusiasm in planetary science, planetary defense, geology, physics and related fields.  This will involve interactions with teachers, education experts, university, industry and government education partners and others. Develop UCLA partnerships with K-12 and undergraduate educational institutions.

20%

EPO program development

Develop EPO programs for each educational group based on the strategies determined.  This may include: creating field trips for all age groups to institutions or events/places of scientific interest (e.g. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Meteor Crater; planetary science conferences); creating student programs for all educational groups with periodic events spanning an academic year; creating NEO Surveyor presence in science fairs and other events; creating teacher workshops.

20%

EPO program implementation

Make and manage the detailed arrangements for the EPO activities.  Arrange focused activities targeted for the particular student level (e.g. middle schoolers; undergrads) to maximize interest and engagement.  Make and manage arrangements for recruitment events such as education fairs, science fairs and prospective student meetings. 

25%

EPO program execution

The EPO lead plays a significant role in executing the EPO programs and establishing a presence at the EPO activities developed.  Participate in the activities implemented.  Interact with the student groups and engage them at their age level and education level.  Lead the UCLA NEO Surveyor participation in science fairs.  Facilitate teacher training workshops.

20%

Interaction with Project

Works regularly with NEO Surveyor Principal Investigator and Project Manager at UCLA and Project-wide education and outreach team members on planning direction and collaboration on selected events.

15%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Required

1+ years

PhD-level research experience in planetary astrophysics, solar system bodies, exoplanets or related subarea(s)

Required

1+ years

Research experience in asteroids, comets, small solar system bodies

Preferred

2+ years

Teaching or outreach experience at K-12 level or above

Preferred

1-2 years

Working with large teams or groups of people

Preferred

Proven record of successful scientific research at PhD level

Required

Interest in teaching and outreach activities at K-12 level or above

Required

Experience working in a science/technology-driven environment

Preferred

Demonstrated ability to engage well with persons of various age groups, ethnic backgrounds and cultures

Required

Ability to follow standard practices and procedures, determine effectiveness of methodologies, and adapt the methodologies to improve upon them.

Required

Able to organize, develop, budget technical activities that will meet technical, budget and schedule objectives

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

20%

Travel required.  Up to 20% of full-time, mostly to domestic locations but may include a conference (for example) at a non-U.S. location.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Slichter Hall

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.