Temporary Hourly - Education Specialist, K–12 STEM & Robotics
The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.
If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or [email protected].
Job Description
The University of Nevada, Reno Innevation Center is seeking an individual to support K-12 STEM and robotics programming, with a strong emphasis on working with students in grades K-8. This position is ideal for an individual with a background in education and experience designing and delivering hands-on learning experiences for youth.
The K-12 STEM & Robotics Education Specialist will develop and facilitate engaging STEM and robotics-based workshops, camps, and FIRST LEGO League meetings, helping students build foundational skills in problem-solving, creativity, and engineering through interactive learning.
Responsibilities
STEM Curriculum Development
Design and develop engaging, age-appropriate STEM and robotics curriculum for grades K-8 students.
Create structured lesson plans for week-long camps, 2-3 hour workshops, and outreach programs.
Adapt curriculum for varying age groups, skill levels, and learning styles.
Instruction & Facilitation
Lead and facilitate hands-on robotics workshops, camps, and educational sessions.
Teach foundational concepts in programming, engineering, and problem-solving.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
Support student learning through guided instruction and encouragement.
Youth Engagement & Outreach
Collaborate with local schools and community organizations to expand program reach.
Build strong connections with students, parents, and educators to encourage interest in STEM fields.
Manage scholarship program in collaboration with donors and local schools, coordinating outreach, recipient communication, and any other donor requirements.
Contribute to marketing and promotional efforts for camps, including copy for outreach materials.
Program Coordination & Support
Assist with scheduling and coordination of robotics workshops and events.
Work with staff to ensure smooth program implementation.
Administer participant feedback and impact assessment forms.
Provide updates on program progress, successes, and challenges.
Required Qualifications
Interest in education, STEM learning, or youth development.
Experience working with children, preferably grades K-8.
Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Ability to pass a background check.
Available to work 32-40 hours per week during WCSD Fall Break, Winter Break Week 2, and Summer Break.
The job site is not on main campus and would require reliable transportation, University of Nevada, Reno - Innevation Center
450 Sinclair St, Reno NV 89501
Preferred Qualifications
Background in education, STEM, robotics, engineering, or a related field.
Experience developing curriculum, lesson plans, or hands-on learning experiences for children.
Experience leading workshops, camps, or classroom activities.
Experience using LEGO Spike or similar kits and/or block-based programming (e.g., Scratch, etc.
Demonstrated passion for working with youth in STEM.
Schedule
This is a part-time, year-round position. Outside of school break periods, hours are approximately 8-12 hours per week; during school break periods, hours increase to 32-40 hours per week.
Some evening and weekend hours may be required.
Planned workshop dates:
First LEGO League Season, Thursdays 5:00-7:00 PM September - December 3rd (Thanksgiving week off)
First LEGO League Expo: December 5th.
Fall Break Camp: October 5-9, 8am to 5pm
Winter Break Camp: December 28-31, 8am to 5pm
Compensation
Temporary Hourly
$25.00 an hour
Exempt
NoFull-Time Equivalent
30.0%Required Attachment(s)
Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at [email protected].
Attach the following attachment(s) to your application
Resume - (required) List a detailed description of the major duties that you performed as part of each job.
Cover Letter -- (required)
Contact Information for References -- (required)
This posting is open until filled
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.
Posting Close Date
09/30/2026Note to Applicant
A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.
Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.
Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.
The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes).
About Us
The University of Nevada, Reno is a leading public research university committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Founded in 1874 as Nevada’s original land-grant university, the University serves more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries.
Classified by the Carnegie® Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 (“Very High Research”) university, it is also recognized in the Carnegie® Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the “Best National Universities” and “Best National Public Universities.” It also ranks in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times’ “Top Colleges for Economic Diversity.”
Since 2009, nearly $1 billion has been has invested in advanced labs, facilities, and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevada’s first medical school - the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and the Wayne L. Prim Campus at Lake Tahoe, where education, research, and creative work thrive in a stunning mountain setting. The University delivers on its original land-grant mission with outreach across the state through the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Nevada Small Business Development Center, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and Wolf Pack Athletics.
The main campus is in Reno, Nevada, a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Found where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe, the beautiful, 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. The University’s physical infrastructure is expanding with ongoing construction of the newly named John Tullock Business Building, set to open in fall 2025. Groundbreaking is also planned for a new State Public Health Laboratory Building on campus, alongside the recent acquisition of 16 parcels near campus, known as “University Village,” to provide affordable housing for graduate students and early career faculty.
Collaborating with world-renowned organizations, the University fosters innovation through initiatives such as the Digital Wolf Pack partnership with Apple, which ensures equitable access to technology for students, providing new incoming freshman or transfer students with an iPad Air and accessories. Google’s TechWise initiate is an 18-month program that fully supports undergraduate students in becoming entry-level software engineers by graduation.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Nevada - led by the University of Nevada, Reno - was named one of the inaugural 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (TechHubs). Nevada was selected from a competitive pool of 489 applicants from across the United States and its territories. Nevada’s Tech Hub will strengthen America’s lithium batteries, critical elements and other electric vehicle materials industry sectors within the state.
Through its commitment to high-impact education, world-improving research and creative activity, and outreach that’s transforming Nevada’s communities and businesses, the University continues its 150-year tradition of benefitting our state, nation and world.
The University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. The inclusive and engaged community on campus recognizes the added value that students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.
Today, the University delivers on its original land-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics, facilities, support, engagement and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students’ cognitive growth and academic achievement - all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.
For more information, please visit the University’s website.