Description

Science Specialist
National Productions Department

Twin Cities Public Television is a mission centered media organization that has been serving Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and the surrounding region since 1957. We work to harness the power of television and other media not for profit, but for the public good. We strongly believe that our work can and should help to create a more vibrant and informed community.

We do this in three key ways:
• Present – we are “curators of quality TV”; from PBS and other sources we seek out the highest quality, most trustworthy programs across a wide spectrum of interests and broadcast them on 2 analog and 6 digital television stations
• Produce – we produce original television programs for both national and regional broadcast designed to educate, inform and inspire
• Partner – we seek to create connections (both through and beyond television) with our audience and between our audience and other mission-centered organizations from throughout our region.

As an organization Twin Cities Public Television is devoted to a set of core values: stewardship, diversity, community, creativity, supportiveness, and results. Our mission, and these values, inform all that we do.

TPT/Twin Cities Public Television is pleased to announce the position opening for a full-time regular Science Specialist for a six-episode block of new programs in the children’s science series DragonflyTV under the title: Investigating the Nanoworld. The main focus of this position is to ensure that the science and pedagogical content of the series and related production, promotion, and outreach activities are accurate and meet tpt programming standards of quality.

Major functions of this position include:
• Working in collaboration with TV producers and the series management team to select and develop segments for the program;
• Researching and selecting appropriate segments for inclusion in series.
• Developing activities and video content in the area of nanotechnology and nanoscale science for the program and its companion publications and web site;
• Overseeing the segment development at all key points, including developing scripts and reviewing rough cuts, to make sure that science content is accurate, age-appropriate and reflects standards in inquiry-based learning – functioning as an SME or Subject Matter Expert for the series.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with science educators, scientists, advisors, and institutions that review, consult, and provide input to the development of the program and all related outreach and web materials.
• Ensuring that input from outside experts is included in the development of the program and related materials.
• Creating and writing activities for the DragonflyTV web site and companion educational materials.
• Presenting workshops for science teachers on show-related content and attending conferences to increase awareness of programming.
• Presenting highly professional image of tpt to all stakeholders, through verbal and written interactions.
• Facilitating and participating in the flow of creative, science, and education information to ensure all are appropriately considered in production planning.

The successful candidate will possess:

Minimum requirements:

• A Master’s degree in science or science education.
• 3+ years of experience in education, in either formal or informal settings. Experience with nanoscale science and technology desirable.

Desired Skills:

• Experience and ability to research science related topics.
• Experience with media and/or educational television.
• Experience communicating science to public audiences, especially children.
• The ability to network successfully with scientists and educators
• Experience and ability to present science in a workshop setting.
• Exceptional attention to detail and quality service.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communications skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to work independently, be a self-starter and motivate self to achieve success.
• The ability to work effectively with a team.
• A well-developed sense of strategy, and an appreciation of the integral role played by the production and post-production teams within the company.
• Commitment to tpt mission and values.

We seek an individual with proven ability who is results-oriented and who will contribute to the success of DragonflyTV and tpt!

How to apply

If you possess the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities and experience, please send a cover letter indicating interest in the position along with salary requirements and your resume to:

Box Number 607-8
TPT/Twin Cities Public Television
172 E. Fourth Street
St. Paul, MN 55101

E-mail to: hr@tpt.org or fax to: 651-229-1408

An Equal Opportunity Employer/AAP

Posted on: 02/01