Science Materials Center Manager

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Science Materials Center (SMC) Manager, under the general direction of the Teaching & Learning Curriculum Coordinator, coordinates the daily operations of the Science Materials Center, including the management of science kits and resources for teachers in districts which are members of the SMC cooperative.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to summarize the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Directly supervises Science Materials Center (SMC) staff which includes scheduling, planning and initiating strategies for performance, assigning and directing the work, training, administering disciplinary measures, formally reviewing performance, recommending salary adjustments, resolving complaints, and recommending the hiring and termination of staff.
• Research and analyze science curriculum to determine the best materials, paperwork and teacher prep work to facilitate
• Creates district order forms for all science curriculum
• Coordinates with district curriculum departments to determine a comprehensive plan for SMC to meet their science needs.
• Provides website content, updates, and site layout for implementation.
• Maintains worksheet for SMC staff to monitor hours worked and provide timesheets to payroll.
• Oversees updates and maintenance of the SMCdistrict and science kit database.
• In coordination with local site host, utilizes student and adult volunteers in restock of science kits. Ensures their compliance with safety and other regulations necessary for the running of the SMC.
• Provides performance reviews to site administration as requested or required.
• Coordinates with accounting to obtain and maintain purchase orders, bids, district invoices and petty cash reconciliations.
• Purchases science kit modules, supplemental instructional materials, equipment, live animals, restock supplies, and general office materials, as needed.
• Contacts vendors for bulk purchase pricing to reduce program costs and ensures availability of science supplies.
• Receives shipments, checks for damage and/or errors, ensures accuracy with packing slips, invoices, and backorders, and contacts vendors to resolve problems with supplies and/or orders.
• Prepares master schedules three times per annum for science kit delivery and pick-up. Prepares schedules for school district administrators and district and NWESD 189 couriers.
• Coordinates and maintains accurate, up-to-date fiscal records and budget management for the Science Materials Center and related science programs under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.
• Maintains systems and records for science materials center inventory and records.
• Prepares and delivers professional development to school district staff around the appropriate use of live material in classrooms, both in-district and in individual classrooms as requested.
• Ensures office equipment (phones, computers, copiers, etc.) is in working order. Orders office supplies and/or requests equipment repair as needed.
• Answers telephone calls and takes messages, as necessary.
• Maintains safety information for warehouse and science materials center.
• Obtains permits as needed.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of ordering, purchasing, and organizing inventory.
• Customer service skills
• Computer and clerical skills, including email, word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to research products and analyze costs.
• Ability to supervise, coordinate, lead, and evaluate staff to perform their daily job functions.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with vendors, school districts, other agencies, and NWESD staff.
• Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written format.
• Ability to perform accounting functions and accurate mathematical calculations.
• Ability to keep files, schedules, record events, and analyze data.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize activities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to apply safety practices regarding science materials center and warehouse operations.
• Ability to travel to schools, local businesses, and agencies for science materials center business.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or equivalent required. AA degree preferred, WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State Driver’s License and proof of liability insurance.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel may be required for training sessions, workshops, and conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of 50 pounds. Sitting for extended periods of time may be required.  Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.