Visitor Learning Program Specialist

Overview:

Bring the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's plant collections and mission to life for guests by designing and facilitating hands-on learning activities focused on horticulture, plant science, and gardening. Interactive learning experiences primarily occur during Arboretum events and align with seasonal themes to enhance relevance and visitor engagement. Additionally, assist with coordinating guided garden tours and self-guided tour materials.

Schedule: This is an in-person, full-time (40 hr per week), year-round position. The regular schedule is Tuesday through Saturday during regular business hours, with occasional evenings as required for special events. Adequate advance notice will be provided for all evening or special event shifts.

Location: This position is located on-site at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, Minnesota.

Job Description:

60% Interactive visitor learning experiences

• Create and facilitate drop-in educational programs for Arboretum visitors, which occur primarily during themed events and peak visitor days. Programs center on seasonally appropriate themes related to plant ecology, horticulture, agriculture, and gardening. They may include crafts, experiential activities, and live demonstrations.
• Develop, procure, and manage materials (e.g. written resources, signage, supplies, and displays) needed to support activities, ensuring compliance with University purchasing policies, obtaining needed supervisor approvals, and reconciling transactions in a timely manner.
• Participate in cross-departmental event planning meetings as assigned; use project management tools (e.g. Asana) to collaborate with team members in departments such as Education, Visitor Services, and Horticulture
• Greet and engage Arboretum guests participating in drop-in educational programs, to create a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive experience for all visitors.
• Collaborate with the Arboretum's Youth Education program, technical content experts, and partner organizations to gather ideas and adapt existing activities for multi-generational audiences.
• Communicate plant science concepts using inquiry-based learning, accessible language, and teaching techniques that match the diverse needs of Arboretum visitors

20% Visitor-led educational experiences

• Assist the Manager of Interpretation in designing and implementing self-guided engagement materials such as: Scavenger hunts, backpack kits, and smartphone-based tours
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Arboretum departments to ensure content meets visitor needs and is engaging, accurate, and accessible.
• On a daily basis, utilize project management tools to collaborate, coordinate logistics, and assemble and launch activities.
• Other duties as assigned

20% Staff and volunteer coordination

• At the direction of the Manager of Interpretation, schedule, train, encourage, and delegate tasks of volunteers and part-time seasonal staff assisting with drop-in learning activities and guided tours.
• Work closely with the Arboretum Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, engage, retain, and communicate with volunteers, providing clear instructions and timely communication in advance of activities.

*** This job description describing the current responsibilities of this position is subject to change.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Required:

• BS/BA degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agricultural Education, Science Education, or a related field; plus at least two years of related work experience; or a combination of education and experience to equal to six years.
• Demonstrated experience designing and facilitating experiential education programs about plant-related topics, either in a classroom and/or informal educational setting (e.g. public garden, museum, etc.)
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate scientific or technical information into engaging, accessible learning experiences
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in variable weather conditions and natural environments.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 30 pounds, and move materials and equipment as needed for program set-up and delivery
• Commitment to inclusivity, with a demonstrated ability to build welcoming, inclusive learning environments and engage respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages, languages, abilities, education levels, and lived experiences
• Project management experience, with ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, communicate progress to team members, and adapt plans based on feedback or new information
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends to support events and programming

Preferred:

• Experience developing courses, curriculum, and instructional materials aligned to K-12 science standards
• Experience as an interpreter or educator in an informal educational setting (e.g. public garden, museum, historical site, or similar setting)
• Experience coordinating or supervising volunteers
• Working knowledge of basic graphic design programs (e.g. Canva)

Pay Range: $25.00 - $27.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 12-Month

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.

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