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Informal Science Education Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Artist Boat

Eco-Art Educator

Galveston, TX

Bachelor of Science or Fine Arts;1-3 years experience in arts, outdoors, informal science education and/or environmental education. Must want to pursue a permanent career in environmental education ...

Artist Boat

Eco-Art Educator

Galveston, TX · On-site

Bachelor of Science or Fine Arts;1-3 years experience in arts, outdoors, informal science education and/or environmental education. Must want to pursue a permanent career in environmental education ...

NatureBridge

Education Manager

Port Angeles, WA · On-site

$45K - $48K/yr

NatureBridge provides best-in-class environmental science education experiences for more than 30 ... and informal education * Using the NatureBridge EI&D Framework as a guide, regularly engage in ...

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Informal Science Education information

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How much do informal science education jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for informal science education in the United States is $22.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Informal Science Education settings?

Professionals in Informal Science Education often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse audiences with varying levels of scientific literacy and maintaining visitor interest in non-traditional learning environments like museums or science centers. They must also adapt educational content to be accessible, interactive, and relevant to the public, which requires creativity and flexibility. Additionally, collaborating with other educators, scientists, and community partners is essential for developing effective programs, but can be complex due to differing goals and resources.

What is informal science education?

Informal science education refers to learning about science outside of a traditional classroom setting. This can include experiences at museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums, after-school programs, media, and even everyday life activities. The goal is to engage people of all ages in scientific exploration and discovery, often through hands-on and interactive activities. Informal science education helps make science accessible and relevant, encouraging curiosity and lifelong learning.

What is the difference between Informal Science Education vs Science Outreach Coordinator?

AspectInformal Science EducationScience Outreach Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science, education, or related fieldOften requires similar degrees, with additional experience in event planning or community engagement
Work EnvironmentMuseums, science centers, parks, informal learning settingsCommunity centers, schools, museums, event venues
Employer & IndustryScience institutions, educational nonprofits, museumsEducational organizations, nonprofits, government agencies
Primary FocusDesigning and delivering informal science programs to the publicOrganizing science outreach events and programs to engage communities

Both roles involve engaging the public with science outside formal classroom settings. Informal Science Education focuses on creating educational experiences in museums or science centers, while Science Outreach Coordinators organize community events and outreach programs. While their work environments and credentials overlap, their primary activities differ in scope and setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Informal Science Education, and why are they important?

To thrive in Informal Science Education, you need a strong background in science, education, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree and experience in teaching or public engagement. Familiarity with educational technology, curriculum development tools, and museum or outreach management systems is valuable. Excellent communication, creativity, and adaptability help engage diverse audiences and facilitate interactive learning experiences. These skills ensure that complex scientific concepts are made accessible and engaging outside traditional classroom settings, fostering lifelong interest in science.
What cities are hiring for Informal Science Education jobs? Cities with the most Informal Science Education job openings:
What states have the most Informal Science Education jobs? States with the most job openings for Informal Science Education jobs include:
Informal Science Education jobs near you
Infographic showing various Informal Science Education job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,488 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
2026-27 Lecturer Pool Department of Science Education

2026-27 Lecturer Pool Department of Science Education

California State University

Chico, CA • On-site

$8.5K - $15K/mo

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

217th of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

2026-27 Lecturer Pool Department of Science Education

Apply now Job no: 555440
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: Chico
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time, Time Varies, Faculty - Natural Sciences

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 22-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 14,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment.

Position Title: Academic Year Lecturer

College: Natural Sciences

Department/School: Science Education

Salary:

Lecturer A/2 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $5,507 - $6,677 per month
Lecturer B/3 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $6,221 - $13,224 per month
Lecturer C/4 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $6,825 - $14,523 per month
Lecturer D/5 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $8,593 - $15,211 per month

Anticipated hiring range is generally at or near the minimum of the appropriate range, commensurate with education and experience. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. See the Faculty Salaries At-a-Glance guide for more information. 

Priority Review Date: 05/01/26; complete applications received after that date may be considered as needs arise.

Position Summary:

The Department of Science Education in the College of Natural Sciences is collecting application materials for a pool of lecturers with positions available as determined by need during the 2026-27 academic year. Appointments from the lecturer pool are temporary and often made just prior to the start of the academic term.

Minimum Qualifications:

The minimum education requirement for a lecturer appointment in the department is a Master's degree in science education or science field for teaching lower courses and a Doctoral degree in Science Education or a related science field with tangible evidence of teaching science education related courses at the college level. Applicants with experience in online asynchronous teaching will be given preference.

The required science disciplines vary depending on the courses available. The full list of related fields includes:

  • Earth Science
  • Life Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Science Education

Responsibilities:

Lecturer positions in the department carry responsibilities in the areas of teaching undergraduate courses. Teaching assignments are based upon qualifications of the individual and the needs of the department.

How to Apply:

Applicants must provide a current cover letter (including how you have addressed, or plan to address teaching to diverse student groups), a CV, a list of courses you believe you are qualified to teach and for which you wish to be considered, a copy of unofficial transcripts for your highest earned degree, and contact information of three professional references. Additional information may be requested at a later time. All applicants must apply online, applications submitted via email or in-person to the department will not be considered. For information about specific courses offered, please refer to the University Catalog.

The Department:

The Department of Science Education at California State University, Chico is a small, vibrant, multidisciplinary science education department in the College of Natural Sciences, offering a BS in Natural Sciences with the option of Science Education. Our program offers small enrollment courses. We are committed to maintaining a classroom culture that respects and fully values the strengths and differences of all our students; where all can share points of view, offer ideas, and be recognized for their contributions.

The primary role of the department is to provide science content courses for undergraduates interested in pursuing careers in formal and informal education. Faculty in the department have been awarded over $4 million in grant funding; redesigned the course sequence for future elementary teachers; developed a BS in Natural Sciences program; cultivated a cross-disciplinary community of researchers engaged in discipline based education research; developed strong partnerships with the Gateway Science Museum, Center for Math and Science Education, and the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve; diversified our teacher professional development efforts; and expanded our early practicum experiences for future teachers.

Job-related questions should be directed to:

Dr. Julie Monet, Search Committee Chair
Department of Science Education - California State University, Chico
Chico, CA 95929-0535
jmonet@csuchico.edu

Benefits Information:

This position may qualify for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible). California State University, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance). For more information and eligibility criteria, please visit https://www.csuchico.edu/hr/benefits/index.shtml.

Additional Information: 

Out of State Employment: All work must be performed within the State of California. 

Background Check and Disclosures: A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. 

Mandated Reporter: The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment. The person also will have a duty to report to the campus Title IX coordinator information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or exploitation, dating or domestic violence, stalking, and/or retaliation under CSU policy. 

Retired Annuitants: Retired annuitants may accept work if the appointment meets CalPERS eligibility criteria to avoid reinstatement from retirement or interruption of benefits. Per Government Code 7522.56(c), the appointment must either address an emergency to prevent the stoppage of public business or require specialized skills for work of limited duration. If you are a CalPERS retiree and have any questions regarding your work eligibility, reach out to Faculty Affairs via email (facultyaffairs@csuchico.edu) or phone (530-898-5029). 

Clery Act: Chico State's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A copy of the report may be requested in person at the Chico State Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available online at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report. 

EEO Statement: Chico State is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status and only employ individuals authorized to work in the U.S. 

For disability-related accommodations, please call the ADA Coordinator at (530) 898-5959. 

All positions are contingent on funding. 

About Chico State: 

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, "Today Decides Tomorrow," is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century.  

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus. We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today. 

Advertised: February 20, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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