Environmental Program Specialist - Framingham State University

Location: Framingham, MA Category: Staff Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Thu Sep 24 2026 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.

Job 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.