STEM Specialist

Job Summary

The STEM Specialist will lead and manage the daily operations of the Club’s STEM Room (Makerspace), delivering hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math programming aligned with the program’s logic model and monthly curriculum themes.

This position is responsible for creating an engaging, safe, and structured learning environment where youth can explore STEM concepts through experimentation, design challenges,engineering projects, coding activities, and collaborative problem-solving.

The STEM Specialist will work with youth ages 6–12 during core programming hours and facilitate a Teen STEM Hour for youth ages 13–18, ensuring activities are developmentally appropriate and aligned with program outcomes. This role supports the Club’s mission to increase youth interest in STEM fields, build critical thinking skills and expose members to future career pathways in science and technology.
 

Key Responsibilities 

Program Implementation

• Facilitate daily STEM programming in the Makerspace aligned with the program’s
• monthly STEM themes.
• Deliver hands-on STEM activities, including engineering challenges, robotics, coding,
• science experiments, and invention projects.
• Implement curriculum that follows the program’s STEM logic model and learning
• outcomes.
• Adapt STEM activities to meet the needs of multiple age groups (6–12 and teens).
• Maintain a structured, engaging environment that promotes creativity, exploration, and
• collaboration.

 Makerspace Management 

• Organize and maintain the STEM room and Makerspace equipment.
• Ensure all materials, tools, and supplies are safe, accessible, and properly stored.
• Prepare and set up STEM activity stations prior to program hours.
• Monitor inventory of supplies and communicate material needs to supervisors.

 Youth Engagement

• Build positive relationships with youth and encourage curiosity and participation in
• STEM.
• Promote teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving through project-based learning.
• Support youth in developing confidence, resilience, and creativity through
• experimentation and iteration.
• Encourage youth to showcase their work and reflect on learning experiences.

 Teen STEM Hour

• Facilitate a daily Teen STEM Hour focused on deeper exploration of STEM topics.
• Provide teens with opportunities to work on advanced projects, robotics, coding,

• engineering challenges, or innovation projects.
• Support career exploration related to STEM fields.

 Required Qualifications

• Ensure program activities align with the STEM Makerspace logic model and program
• goals.
• Track participation and engagement in STEM programming.
• Support program evaluation by documenting:
  • Youth attendance
  • Projects completed
  • Skill development
  • Program outcomes
• Assist with preparing information for grant reporting and program impact tracking.

 Required Qualifications

 Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• __48__ College credits or pass equivalency exam 

Experience:

• 1+ years of relevant experience working with children and/or youth in an educational, recreational, or youth development setting

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with youth, families, and staff
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple activities, maintain required documentation, and follow program schedules
• Proficiency in using basic office technology and program-related tools or systems (e.g., email, attendance tracking systems, learning platforms)
• Ability to understand and comply with organizational policies, safety procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, including child safety and mandated reporting requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children and/or youth in an educational, recreational, or youth development setting
• Relevant certifications or training (e.g., CPR/First Aid, Mandated Reporter training, youth development or education-related credentials), if applicable
• Experience working in a structured, youth-serving environment that requires adherence to policies, safety standards, and program guidelines
• Ability to effectively engage with youth, families, and staff in a fast-paced, interactive setting

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Ability to use a computer, phone, and standard office equipment

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a club-style environment, including open floor plans, recreational areas, and outdoor activity spaces.
• The role may involve a dynamic setting with multiple priorities, deadlines, interruptions, and regular collaboration with others.

 Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

 Boys and Girls Club Whittier / Pico Rivera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with California law, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status.

 Boys and Girls Club Whittier / Pico Rivera will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs or practices, in accordance with applicable law.

 Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. The employer reserves the right to modify job duties as business needs change, consistent with California law.