Youth Education Interpretation and Engagement Specialist

Youth Education Interpretation and Engagement Specialist
Location: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum -Chaska, Minnesota, onsite
Full Time- 40hr/week

This position connects young people to the Arboretum's living museum collections through hands-on, inquiry-based programming that fosters scientific exploration and
wonder. This role develops and delivers innovative educational experiences that inspire learners to discover and grow their connection to plants and the planet while fosteringgreater accessibility across programs and initiatives.

[60%] School Programs Coordination and Delivery
* Lead on-site field trip programs, Plant Mobile outreach, and other Youth Education programming unique to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's location and collections.
* Design new curricula and adapt existing programs to address the changing needs of a wide range of young learners.
* Consult with sources inside and outside of the University in the creation of programs that reflect diverse perspectives and meet the needs of underserved audiences.
* Coordinate production and distribution of "Field Trip in-a-Box" activity kits to expand outreach.
* Train and direct the work of volunteers to utilize the Arboretum gardens, curriculum, and instructional materials for successful instruction of Youth Education programs.
* Provide volunteer coaching and recognition initiatives to foster engagement.
* Develop, maintain, and prepare educational materials unique to the programs, gardens, and spaces of the Arboretum that are aligned with organizational priorities, and IDEA (Diversity,
Equity, Access and Inclusion) best practices
* Participate in program evaluation processes, incorporating participant feedback to continuously improve experiences and accessibility.
[25%] Summer Day Camps Development and Leadership
* Work with the Youth Education Program Manager to develop innovative, inclusive day camp curricula that serve a wide variety of families and utilize the unique assets of the Arboretum.
* Serve as the lead instructor for themed weekly day camps, maintaining a safe, engaging, and fun learning environment.
* Provide guidance, feedback, and task delegation to assistants and counselors-in-training (teen volunteers).
* Assist with camp operations, including hiring, training, and supervising seasonal staff.
* Oversee camper safety and social-emotional wellbeing, addressing behavioral and other challenges with professionalism.
* Communicate effectively with families, volunteers, and staff to ensure a positive camp environment.
* Document feedback and best practices post-camp to support continuous improvement.
[10%] Community Engagement and Program Development
* Integrate IDEA principles into program design, materials, and delivery to ensure inclusive and welcoming experiences for all visitors.
* Partner with new community groups and populations to co-create programs and expand access to Arboretum offerings for first-time and underserved audiences.
* Stay informed on best practices in museum interpretation and visitor engagement, applying these insights to Arboretum programs.
* Actively participate in department initiatives, special projects, and Arboretum-wide events.
[5%] General Responsibilities
* Maintain high standards for youth education programming and visitor engagement.
* Attend team meetings, staff check-ins, and professional development opportunities.
* Support Arboretum-wide IDEA and accessibility goals through thoughtful program design and delivery.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
* Bachelor's degree in Education, Environmental Education, Youth Development, Horticulture, Biology, Natural Sciences, or a related field, plus two or more years of experience teaching in a formal or informal setting OR A combination of related education and work experience totaling at least six years
* Strong rapport and enthusiasm for working with children, families, volunteers, and teachers
* Familiarity with science process skills and experience facilitating learning activities that develop these skills in young people
* Excellent instructional skills and classroom management abilities
* Deep appreciation for the natural world and a drive to cultivate that connection in others
* Foundational plant knowledge or a willingness to grow expertise as part of the role
* Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new program assignments
* Willingness to work in a natural setting, including both indoor and outdoor environments, Availability to work occasional weekends, early mornings, and evenings as assigned
* Successful completion of a background check
* Physical ability to walk, bend, and lift up to 20 pounds
* Valid driver's license
* Access to a personal cell phone for navigation, photography, and communication purposes

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
* Coursework or work experience in horticulture or botany
* Familiarity with Minnesota State Science Standards and/or Next Generation Science Standards
* Experience in leading and managing volunteers
* Experience in program development
* Project management experience
* Proficiency with video editing software
* Experience using Google Workspace programs

Pay Range: $46,500-$54,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

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.

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).