Environmental Program Specialist

About Framingham State University:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - to meet a public need and promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs, and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve, and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham, and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded, but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

FSU currently enrolls about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students across 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and professional fields. Approximately 50% of undergraduate students identify as students of color and 51% identify as first-generation college students. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism as part of our mission to democratize access to a first-rate education. This commitment has earned FSU nine Insight Into Academia Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Awards and led to our recognition in the Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation, and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by our first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Environmental Program Specialist contributes to the development of new educational resources for and the facilitation of the McAuliffe Center's in-person environmental education activities for high school students. Every year, the McAuliffe Center recruits a diverse group of students from MetroWest high schools who engage in an internship program aimed at promoting community awareness and understanding of climate, environmental and sustainability issues. The Environmental Program Specialist specifically contributes to creating high quality and fully immersive experiences to engage high school and audiences of all ages in STEM learning, specifically related to clean energy, climate change and sustainability.

The Environmental Program Specialist is an individual who is comfortable with environmental and general science content and eager to learn more; has experience and is confident in using virtual reality and other education technology for the facilitation of a wide range of learning experiences; and is committed to meet the needs of diverse learners. The Environmental Program Specialist is organized, is a good planner and is able to quickly adapt to changes in the daily program or schedule of activities. The Environmental Program Specialist has an appreciation for the connection between the impact of climate change and environmental justice and is accountable for ensuring that affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions within areas of responsibility.

This is a two-year, grant funded position.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Center Director

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

none

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programming Activities

• Facilitate high school interns' research activities during weekend and summer environmental programs
• Contribute to recruitment activities and onboarding of high school interns for environmental programs
• Attend weekly planning meetings and contribute to the design of all environmental program activities
• Research and document in a variety of digital formats some of the environmental and sustainability issues affecting the local MetroWest community
• Communicate and consult with local environmental leaders and clean energy industry representatives for accuracy of digital products produced

Content Development

• Work with McAuliffe Center staff, faculty, and outside experts to develop interactive immersive CAVE virtual reality experiences to promote learning in clean energy, climate change and sustainability for high school and audiences of all ages and professional audiences
• Assemble, program, and deploy interactive scenes, simulations, virtual exhibits, and installations in Unreal Engine
• Facilitate, test, iteratively refine, and optimize existing CAVE virtual reality content developed using Blueprint programming tools
• Report weekly to program director
• Accountable for ensuring that equal opportunity, inclusion, and equity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work on several weekends during the Spring semester is required. Occasional work in the evening is required.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or work experience in computer science, information technology, game design, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in educational program associated with environmental science, or clean energy, or environmental justice issues
• Some experience in informal science education, public outreach, and/or youth development (examples: camps, afterschool programs, scouts, etc.)
• Experience producing virtual reality content in Unreal Engine and familiarity with programming in Blueprint.
• Good multimedia production skills, including basic image editing, audio editing, and familiarity with common 3D object formats.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new software and digital technologies and troubleshoot
• Demonstrated commitment to a high standard of inclusive educational practice
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the needs of a diverse range of audiences representing a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and abilities
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative in the work environment, work successfully both as part of a team and independently
• Demonstrated application of research skills
• Demonstrated application of strong organizational skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience developing immersive virtual reality content in a CAVE setting, is preferable but not required.
• Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is desired though not required.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Staff Assistant. The starting salary range is $48,000 - $52,000. This position is grant-funded, and ongoing employment is contingent on continued grant funding. The position is expected to be for a two-year term.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).

Regardless of personal demographic characteristics, FSU has a commitment to hiring candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss past efforts, future plans, research, scholarship, professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the University's efforts to promote an equitable and inclusive learning and working community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials.

For best consideration, please submit application materials by October 4, 2026. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.