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Education and Science Engagement Coordinator (Academic Coordinator I) - Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, Marine Science Institute, UCSB
Position overview
Position title: Education and Science Engagement CoordinatorApplication Window
Open date: September 23, 2026
Next review date: Friday, Oct 23, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Saturday, May 1, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory is an applied research center at the University of California Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute. The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory team works to leverage the power of science and technology to develop and implement tangible solutions to a wide range of ocean and environmental problems.
The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory seeks an Education and Science Engagement Coordinator to administer education and science engagement programming at local schools and community organizations in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area, in particular near the San Pedro port complex. The Coordinator will develop, manage, and facilitate the programming, which will primarily leverage novel air quality data and information generated by a regional network of air sensors operated by the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory and UC Berkeley. Many of the sensors will be located on or near school properties where the programming will be taking place. The goal will be to promote STEM learning centered around the topic of air quality science including understanding data, environmental science, public health, and community science.
Hands-on education modules will be developed by the Coordinator with support from university subject matter experts and will build upon and adapt existing lessons and resources for an informal classroom setting, such as after school, extracurricular opportunities for high school students. Specific lesson subjects may reflect the interests and strengths of the successful applicant, but might focus on data analysis, basic coding and/or AI-assisted coding, the links between environmental health and human health, environmental justice, the fundamentals of air quality and chemistry, the basics of environmental policy, the history of air pollution, among other potential topics. (Note: This role does not involve the development of standards-aligned semester- or year-long curriculum.) The Coordinator will be responsible for delivering and facilitating the modules; building strong relationships with local schools, communities, and organizations; and managing the logistical details of on-the-ground program implementation.
The Education and Science Engagement Coordinator position will require frequent local travel and commutes to work with students and teachers at their respective schools in the San Pedro port complex area. Building strong and trusting relationships with local community organizations among other stakeholders will be essential. The Coordinator is expected to manage the day-to-day administrative details of the program, and the development and implementation of the programming with support from the UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley teams. As time allows, the Coordinator may contribute to education and outreach programs for other Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory projects. Occasional travel to UC Santa Barbara to meet with program leads will also be required.
In summary, the Education and Science Engagement Coordinator will have the following responsibilities:
● Building on existing materials, develop informal after school (i.e., not standard-aligned) education modules and content for high school students. Materials will focus on subjects related to environmental data science, air quality, and public health and will be developed with support from UC Santa Barbara and Berkeley research teams
● Administer education programming and program delivery to students, teachers, and communities
● Collaborate with community and school groups to organize events, field trips, and other activities
● Build and manage partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, such as school and school district representatives, principals, teachers, students, community organizations, and local residents
● Manage logistics, budgets, and administrative tasks associated with education and science engagement programs related to the project
● Pursue creative opportunities and ideas to improve and expand programs and initiatives
● Provide basic support to research activities associated with the air sensor network and act as a community liaison on behalf of UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley scientists to inform the applied use and visualization of air quality sensor data
● Advise on and support other marine and environmental science community outreach and education programs conducted by the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, as time allows.
This appointment includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental and vision insurance and a UC retirement plan. Salary is commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.
Department: https://msi.ucsb.edu/
Division: https://bosl.ucsb.edu/
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in education, public health, environmental science, communications, or related field is required at the time of application.
At least 3 years of relevant professional experience and/or a master’s degree, or relevant certifications in education, public health, environmental science, communications, or other related fields is required at the time of appointment. Requirements to work with students in public schools (e.g., fingerprint screening, TB test, etc.) must be completed at the time of appointment.
● Experience developing and creating education modules, activity guides, session plans, and materials, preferably with a STEM and or computer/data science focus and familiarity with data analysis and/or coding
● Experience teaching and facilitating educational lessons, activities, and events in formal and/or informal settings
● Track record of building and managing trusting relationships with schools, community organizations, or similar
● Self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to independently manage several responsibilities, schedules, and deadlines simultaneously
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● State teaching certification/credential
● Interest in science, technology, and/or public health; however, no formal experience in these fields is required
● Proficiency in Spanish a plus.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Work Samples (1) - Samples may include education materials, lesson plans, or other related work products that the applicant developed independently or led the development of in a current or previous professional or volunteer capacity
Work Samples (2) - Samples may include education materials, lesson plans, or other related work products that the applicant developed independently or led the development of in a current or previous professional or volunteer capacity
(Optional)
- 3 required (contact information only)
The search committee will contact references of the top candidate(s) after the interviews. After references are checked, a top candidate will be chosen.
Help contact: lswanson@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.