Education and Outreach Specialist - Department of Plant and Microbial Biology

The education and outreach specialist for the CBS Conservatory and Botanical Collections supports the mission of the Conservatory by coordinating the programs which allow the facility to engage with our broad user base. This takes the form of working with students in courses that utilize the Conservatory space, k-12 student groups, and the volunteers who work with those students to deliver extraordinary experiences and engagement with the plant collections and display plantings. This position requires someone who is both a strong advocate for plants as a means to connect people with the natural world and science, as well as the ability to communicate that passion and scientific base to diverse audiences. The successful candidate will be highly organized, exhibit exceptional time management, and is outgoing. The education and outreach specialist will organize all tour groups, deliver tours, manage the docent volunteers, and the students who take shifts at our outreach events. This position helps craft the many experiences our population of users will have. This position reports directly to the director of the Conservatory and will be working with the director to craft both experiences and exhibits for the Conservatory. This position is a 50% time position, working 20 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

Tours for classes and external groups - 50%

• Organizing tour schedules and the needs for each tour group
• Leading tours for diverse audiences
• Communicating the science surrounding the plants in the collection
• Developing activities do be done in the space with faculty and laboratory coordinators which will meet course objectives
• Working with external groups to meet their needs needs for tours and activities
• Coordinating with outside institutions who use our space for courses
  
  

Managing visitor experience - 20%

• Assist in creating all new and updated signage
• Assist in generating engaging and accurate tour materials
• Work with faculty and outside connections to plan Conservatory based activities
• Work with the director and stakeholders to design rotating exhibits
• Manage the docent volunteer program for k-12 and summer camp visitation
  
  

External communications - 10%

• Prepare and submit monthly "In Bloom"
• Manage Conservatory social media posts
• Manage marketing of Conservatory events in conjunction with CBS communications
• Accurately track engagement from courses and outside users of the Conservatory

Outreach collaboration - 10%

• Working with other CBS units on shared events, including State Fair tabling
• Help develop workshop programs jointly with grant holders
• Assisting Cedar Creek field station with outreach events scheduled at the field station
• Working with other partners on other external events both onsite and offsite
• Managing outreach materials

General operational assistance - 5%

• Assisting in management of student workers and volunteers
• Communicating with facilities management as needed
• Monitoring facilities systems as needed
• Assisting with maintenance of shared workspaces

General horticultural work - 5%

• Assisting with plant care as needed
• Assisting with transport of plants as needed
• Assisting with horticultural projects as needed

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in science communication, plant science, ecology, or biological sciences or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years
• Prior experience working with students in a professional setting
• The ability to pass a background check to work with minors
• A valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master's degree in science communication, plant science, ecology, or biological sciences.
• Experience working in a botanical or museum setting.
• Experience working with science communication, especially with k-12 and undergraduate students.

The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology (PMB), led by Interim Head Dr. John Ward, comprises a diverse and integrative group of scientists who study the genetics, ecology, evolution, and molecular biology of plants, fungi, and microbes. Our undergraduate and graduate programs prepare our students for a variety of career paths, including research, education, biotechnology, and environmental policy.

The College of Biological Sciences Conservatory and Botanical Collection is run by the department. With more than 1,200 species from around the world organized into five biomes, the Conservatory is home to the most diverse collection of plants in the region.

Affiliated research and outreach facilities include the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, the Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute, the BioTechnology Institute, the Biotechnology Resource Center, the University of Minnesota Genomics Center, the Biological Imaging Centers, the University of Minnesota Herbarium of the J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History, Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories, and Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve.

Pay Range: $18.63 to $23.53; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).