JOB TITLE: Arboretum Youth Education Early Childhood Education Specialist

CLASSIFICATION: 8412IE Museum Professional 2- Interpretation And Engagement

OVERVIEW:

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist is responsible for coordinating the Arboretum’s early childhood programs as well as acting as a resource specialist for other Arb programs serving young audiences. The Early Childhood Education Specialist will connect families with young children to the Arboretum, its programs, and its mission. The ECE Specialist also supports other school, camp and family programs as time allows.

This position is a 50% Full-Time Equivalent (FTE), working 20 hours/week.

Salary Range: $20.04/hr  - $26.55/hr 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

75%  Early Childhood Nature-Based Programs: Coordinator and Lead Instructor

• Instruct, plan, and develop curriculum for:
  • Preschool Plantmobile programs (Off-site classroom sessions)
  • Preschool PeaPods (Adult+child on-site public program sessions)
  • New Pre-K and Family Program initiatives
• Manage volunteer instructors for programs. This includes:
  • Working with volunteers (including teens) to assist with program prep and execution
  • Planning and leading volunteer training sessions
  • Usage of the volunteer scheduling system (MyImpact)
  • Monitoring volunteer performance, providing feedback and coaching/mentorship as needed
  • Coordinating volunteer appreciation events.
• Prepare and maintain needed materials, leading the daily setup and takedown of programs.
• Prepare ECE program descriptions/plans in required format in advance of established marketing deadlines.
• Field messages and calls related to EC programs, manage registrations and confirmation emails.
• Work with the Youth Education program manager to set and document progress toward early childhood and family program goals.
• Participate in the development of program evaluation tools, and program documentation plans that provide evidence of program quality and inform future program planning.
• Participate in on-going meetings, annual planning, and program review/improvement processes.

15% Youth Education (YE) General Program: Coordinator and Instructor

• Instruct on-site field trip programs as scheduled.
• Instruct elementary-age Plantmobile outreach programs as scheduled.
• Lead daily setup and takedown of assigned field trip or Plantmobile programs.
• Work with the YE team to develop new curricula and school programs as assigned.
• Participate in YE Department initiatives and special projects as assigned.
• Participate in YE Department establishment and maintenance of  standards of excellence for youth education programming
• Assist in all YE staff trainings and workshops.
• Other duties as assigned.

10% Early Childhood Content Advisor

• Train instructors, volunteers, and other Arb staff in techniques and best practices when working with early learners.
• Act as a consultant/presenter for Early Childhood professional development and parent education programs when needed
• Advisor to other Arboretum programs wanting to cater to an early childhood/ family audience
• Attend relevant community events as assigned

TIME ALLOCATION:
Throughout the year across program areas, this employee can expect that their time will be spent as follows:

• 55% in direct instruction
• 30% in program/curriculum development, outreach, and planning
• 15% in daily preparation and program setup and volunteer coordination

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, Horticulture, Biology, Natural Sciences, or related field;
- Experience:
2+ years of professional experience in the field of early childhood education, with a strong background in the development of outdoor/ experiential / hands-on programs.
OR: A combination of related education and work experience equal to six+ years
- Excellent rapport and enthusiasm for working with children, families, volunteers, and teachers
- Effectively communicate science/environmental education concepts to students of all ages.
- Experience with plants and the natural world, and an excitement to inspire a love of the outdoors in others
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new program assignments
- The desire to work in a natural setting (mix of indoors and outdoors in all weather)
- Ability to work some early morning, evening, and weekend hours as assigned
- Successful completion of a background check
- Ability to walk, bend, and lift 30 pounds
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to hike on trails and uneven terrain while carrying equipment.
- Ability to make independent decisions and respond to immediate needs of students, emergency situations, etc. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Coursework or work experience in horticulture and botany
Experience leading volunteers
Project management experience
Experience using Google Workspace programs
Experience using registration and volunteer management software programs (ex. Altru, DoubleKnot, MyImpact)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (must be mentioned on application/resume):

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, Horticulture, Biology, Natural Sciences, or related field and at least 2 years of professional experience in the field of early childhood education, with a strong background in the development of outdoor/ experiential / hands-on programs OR: A combination of related education and work experience equal to at least six years.
• Excellent rapport and enthusiasm for working with children, families, volunteers, and teachers
• Effectively communicate science/environmental education concepts to students of all ages.
• Experience with plants and the natural world, and an excitement to inspire a love of the outdoors in others
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new program assignments
• The desire to work in a natural setting (mix of indoors and outdoors in all weather)
• Ability to work some early morning, evening, and weekend hours as assigned
• Successful completion of a background check
• Ability to walk, bend, and lift 30 pounds
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to hike on trails and uneven terrain while carrying equipment.
• Ability to make independent decisions and respond to immediate needs of students, emergency situations, etc. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Coursework or work experience in horticulture and botany
• Experience leading volunteers
• Project management experience
• Experience using Google Workspace programs
• Experience using registration and volunteer management software programs (ex. Altru, DoubleKnot, MyImpact)

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities