Patron: the Hon. Bob Carr
August 1st 2007
Position Description
Title:
Education Officer (part-time)
Organization:
Futureworld: National Centre for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) Inc.
Project:
Futureworld Schools Program
Reports to:
Chair of Futureworld Education Committee
Salary:
Department of Education and Training Casual Teacher Rate ($180 to
$250 per day depending on qualifications/experience)
Background
Futureworld’s vision is to develop and manage the Eco-Technology Centre (ETEC) at
Coniston, Wollongong, so as to achieve an inspirational environmental educational facility
where all sectors of the community can learn about ecologically sustainable technologies and
the benefits they provide to both society and the environment.
Futureworld is a not-for-profit community organization based in Wollongong that relies
largely on volunteers to support development of the ETEC. The Centre is currently located at
Coniston, Wollongong, and was officially launched in November 2003 by the then Premier,
Bob Carr, who is now the patron of Futureworld. The Centre is a unique, experiential,
interactive environmental learning centre with many cutting-edge technologies on display,
with a focus on climate change, water conservation, sustainable transport, waste
minimisation- and consumer choice. It attracts visitation from the education, tourism and
business sectors.
The Schools Program is funded by grants and by admission fees. The Education Officer
occupies a key position that includes responsibility for managing the Schools Program in its
entirety and is supported by the Futureworld Education Committee. The appointment will be
on a part-time basis for two days per week for 12 months (with the aim of making this
position permanent in the long-term).
Purpose of Position
 To further develop the educational resources and activities at the Futureworld EcoTechnology Centre (ETEC) and provide a high quality environmental educational
experience that inspires and educates students as to the benefits and applications of
ecologically sustainable technologies.
Futureworld: National Centre for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) Inc.
PO Box 1754, Wollongong, NSW, 2500
ph 02 4226 9147 fax 02 4226 9130 (Y1486314) ABN 87812215021
email ftrworld@bigpond.net.au website www.futureworld.org.au
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To specifically develop and implement the Integral Energy High School Renewable
Energy Program 2007-2008.
To implement the educational components of any other relevant grants.
To develop or implement educational resources for general visitation purposes,
workshops, etc.
To liaise and network with education personnel from public and private schools in order
to increase school visitation to the Centre.
To provide in-service training programs and coordinate Futureworld’s volunteer guides.
The long-term aim is to make the Education Officer position self-funding through revenue
generated from school visits.
Key Responsibilities
 Development of educational resources;
 Advise and assist in development of existing and new exhibits and displays;
 Maintain and enhance the current Schools Program for primary and high schools
including activities for school visits to the ETEC that cater for a range of school and
student requirements;
 Coordinate, direct and facilitate activities during school visits;
 Promote the Schools Program through media, advertisement and direct contact.
 Develop appropriate grant applications and ensure terms of grants are achieved;
 Provide an in-service training program for teachers; and
 Coordinate volunteers giving assistance during school visits to the ETEC.
All the above activities are to be carried out in consultation with and under the guidance of
the Futureworld Education Committee.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
 Teaching skills relevant to students at primary and high school level including design,
implementation and evaluation of experiential eco-learning activities;
 A primary and/or secondary teaching qualification;
 Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work both independently and in teams;
 Excellent communication and presentation skills;
 Thorough knowledge of NSW curriculum related to Environment and Science and
Technology;
 Knowledge of or interest/experience in environmental education;
 Working knowledge of appropriate desktop software, including Word and PowerPoint;
 Ability to teach young people, particularly in primary school age range.
Desirable Skills and Qualifications
 Primary/high school teaching experience in science, technology and environment
education.
Values and attributes
Integrity; innovation; self-motivation; reliability; teamwork; community-orientation; interest
in environmental technologies, ecologically sustainable development, and graphic design.
Further information about Futureworld can be found at www.futureworld.org.au
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Applications
Your application should specifically address the “Essential Skills and Qualifications” and
other issues that you feel are important to this position.
Application closing date is August 14th 2007.
Applications should be marked “Confidential” and sent to:
Mr Jim Wallace (Honorary Secretary)
Futureworld: National Centre for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) Inc.
PO Box 1754
South Coast Mail Centre
Wollongong
NSW 2500
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