Ecolinc Education Officer

Ecolinc Ecolinc is one of six specialist STEM centres funded by the Department of Education (DE) situated on the site of Bacchus Marsh College. Ecolinc's area of specialism is the environment, conservation and sustainability. Ecolinc develops and delivers a range of innovative P-12 curriculum programmes that encompass new and emerging scientific thinking, state‑of‑the‑art facilities and cutting‑edge technologies designed to engage and inspire the next generation into STEM thinkers. Students engage in real‑world STEM applications, field‑work opportunities and hands‑on experiences that enable them to gain the skills necessary to respond to 21st century challenges. Ecolinc’s programmes are delivered on‑site, via outreach, online, video conferencing and through a variety of environmental field‑trips. Ecolinc also provides a range of specialised student programmes and teacher professional learning. Ecolinc is continuously reflecting on good practice and enhancing its range of programmes to meet the diverse needs of students statewide with a particular focus on access and equity. Established in 2005, Ecolinc was one of the original three statewide specialist science centres. Participation rates have grown considerably over the years with approximately 35,000 P‑12 students from across Victoria participating in an Ecolinc programme annually. Ecolinc is a unique ESD (ecologically sustainable designed) educational facility for students and teachers, incorporating a range of technologies and resources to support innovation and excellence in sustainable environmental education. All of Ecolinc’s programmes are aligned to the Victorian Curriculum/VCE. Ecolinc is located within walking distance (approximately 200 m) to the Bacchus Marsh Railway Station (Ballarat / Melbourne line), thus providing easy access to the facility via public transport. Ecolinc has a wetland on‑site, glasshouse and propagation facilities, a habitat garden and a range of specialised equipment that students use as part of their programmes. Selection Criteria Demonstrated high level knowledge of STEM curriculum, particularly in the areas of Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Science, and the capacity to evaluate learning and teaching programmes in accordance with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and VCE. Demonstrated high level teaching skills and the capacity to work productively with colleagues to design and deliver innovative and engaging, hands‑on learning experiences including the integration of sustainability and real‑world science contexts into programmes for F‑10 students. Demonstrated ability to use data to inform teaching practice and to evaluate the impact of learning and teaching programmes. Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills, including experience in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with students, colleagues and the broader community, to support student learning, agency and engagement. Commitment to ongoing professional learning and reflective practice to enhance teaching effectiveness and programme quality. Understanding of and commitment to the Department of Education’s values – Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership, and Human Rights. Role The Ecolinc Education Officer will contribute to the design, delivery and evaluation of high‑quality, innovative STEM‑based programmes for students from Foundation to Year 12 from schools across the state. With specialist knowledge in Environmental Science and General Science from Foundation to Year 10, the Education Officer will be required to deliver engaging hands‑on learning experiences that align with curriculum outcomes and promote curiosity, critical thinking and environmental awareness. The position involves teaching visiting classes at Ecolinc, as well as delivering some outreach programmes and video‑conference programmes, supporting professional learning programmes for teachers, developing and trialling new curriculum resources, and contributing to the overall success and innovation of the centre. At Ecolinc, our Education Officers collaborate and share expertise to implement high impact STEM programmes. We are looking for an innovative thinker with excellent interpersonal and communication skills who thrives in an energetic, diverse and collaborative atmosphere. Responsibilities Teaching and Program Delivery Deliver engaging, hands‑on STEM learning programmes for students from Foundation to Year 10. Adapt programmes and teaching strategies to cater for diverse learning needs and abilities. Demonstrate exemplary classroom management, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment. Inspire students to explore scientific concepts and processes through inquiry‑based and experiential learning. Curriculum Design and Resource Development Contribute to the design, development, implementation, review and evaluation of Ecolinc’s onsite face‑to‑face programmes, outreach and virtual education programmes for primary and secondary students. Develop innovative learning resources, including digital content, that showcase innovations in STEM curriculum and STEM pathways to support onsite, outreach and online programmes. Integrate sustainability, environmental awareness and real‑world science applications into programme design. Professional Learning and Collaboration Support and contribute to professional learning activities for teachers delivered by Ecolinc. Collaborate with the Ecolinc teaching team to share expertise and ensure consistent programme quality. Develop strong and productive relationships with colleagues, students and the broader Ecolinc community. Engage with external partners, including universities, research organisations and industry, to enhance programme relevance, provision and quality. Centre and Operational Support Participate in the preparation and maintenance of teaching materials, equipment and laboratory spaces. Support Ecolinc’s special events, community engagement programmes and exhibitions as required. Contribute to the safety, organisation and smooth operation of the centre as part of a professional team. Professional Practice and Growth Demonstrate commitment to professional learning, reflective practice and continuous improvement. Participate in performance development processes aligned with the Department of Education’s Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO). Uphold Department values and Ecolinc’s vision for excellence in STEM education. Who May Apply Teachers currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching and qualified to teach and/or have demonstrated experience in the curriculum area(s) specified for the position. Diversity and Inclusion The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms – culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines). Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via *******@education.vic.gov.au. Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child‑safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child‑safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at: DE Values The department's employees commit to upholding the department's values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at: Other Information This position requires the successful applicant to deliver environmental education programmes from Prep to Year 10. A strong understanding of grassland and wetland environments is an advantage. Conditions of Employment All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre‑employment conditions check. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programmes provided. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at Qualification Requirements To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class: The person must have provisional or full registration approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching; and If the person completed an Australian postgraduate level initial teaching program or course of study on or after 1 January 2024, they must demonstrate that they have satisfactorily completed a postgraduate level accredited initial teacher education program that has been accredited by an Australian State or Territory Teacher Regulatory Authority as satisfying the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership 'Accreditation of initial teacher education programmes in Australia: Standards and Procedures'; A person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme after 1 July 2016 must also demonstrate that they have passed the literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE) requirements (this condition is satisfied where the LANTITE requirement is part of the Victorian ITE programme completed by the person). Details of qualification requirements as updated from time to time can be found at Recruitment in Schools. #J-18808-Ljbffr