Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is looking for an Education and Community Engagement Specialist! Connect K-12 students and community members to science and nature through hands-on learning experiences at the birthplace of ecosystem ecology. Build on strong foundations and partnerships but have the flexibility to take this job - and the field station - in new directions.

60% - K-12 education
• Develop and deliver programs for K-12 students that meet the new Minnesota State Science Standards and other goals of local educators.
• Develop, lead and/or host K-12 teacher professional development classes/opportunities.
• Assess the impact of K-12 programs, and needs/wants of participants; update or create educational programming accordingly. 
• Provide training opportunities in science communication to graduate students, postdocs and faculty, and facilitate their involvement with K-12 field trip programs.

20% - Community Engagement
• Coordinate citizen science programs and volunteer opportunities.
• Lead development, planning and delivery of tours and presentations for the public.
• Represent Cedar Creek at offsite community events.
• Oversee Fish Lake Nature Trail kiosk, educational materials, and trail signage to ensure positive visitor experiences. 
• Maintain positive relationships with the local community through social media, quarterly newsletter, presence at local events, and quick responses to community questions and feedback via phone, email, social media and in-person conversations.
• Contribute to coordination of Cedar Creek’s Artist in Residence program, membership program, quarterly newsletter, and other long-term special projects as time permits.

15% - Administrative Support
• Monitor education budget. Purchase supplies and field instruments needed for education programming. Identify and initiate external grants to fund education projects and programs.
• Do billing, purchasing and related paperwork for education and community engagement programs
• Report site usage data, budget data, and progress toward education and community engagement goals
• Collaborate with others at Cedar Creek to coordinate space use and to schedule and bill events.
• Recruit, hire, orient and oversee naturalist staff and education volunteers interested in science communication and environmental education.

5% - Undergraduate and Graduate Education
• Provide tours, lectures and other programming for college-level courses, graduate seminars and undergraduate clubs.
• Assist University of Minnesota and other faculty with use of Cedar Creek.
• Provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to contribute to K-12 education programs and community programs and events.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:
● Masters degree in Ecology, Biology, Education or related field with at least 4 years of experience; or a BA/BS with at least 6 years of relevant post degree experience
● Documented experience developing, delivering content to, and managing K-12 programs.
● Experience working with MS Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel) and Google Applications (Calendar, Gmail, Docs, Sheets).

Preferred Qualifications:
● Classroom and outdoors science teaching experience
● Work experience in one or more of the following areas: scientific or educational research, ecology, conservation, sustainability, or higher education.
● Knowledge of local, state, national, and global organizations, government agencies, businesses, and individuals who are stakeholders in education issues related to the environment, biodiversity, ecosystem services, sustainability, and conservation
● Familiarity with Cedar Creek or other biological field stations
● Experience with ArcGIS

This position is classified as a Professional and Administrative (P&A) position with an anticipated salary range: $60,000 - $65,000/year. A summary of benefits can be found on the UMN Human Resources website at: https://humanresources.umn.edu/find-job/benefitsattheu