Classroom Coordinator - UMN Arboretum, Chanhassen, MN

The incumbent will act as a regional coordinator for the UMLA Project Orchid/Smithsonian Classroom Cultivation program. Coordinating between classrooms, UMLA, and SERC scientists, and other regions of the Classroom Cultivation program.
The incumbent will invite and onboard new teachers, support new and returning teachers, and coordinate communications between teachers, researchers, and program administration.
The incumbent will be able to provide technical assistance to teachers and act as a representative of the University, as well as coordinate with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center partners.

Essential Functions

1. 50% Work with teachers, researchers, and administration to coordinate the Classroom Cultivation/Project Orchid curriculum and classroom plant material for the academic year.
   1. Help onboard and train teachers in laboratory technique and data collection as needed.
   2. Coordinate materials, supply intake, and distribution to participating classrooms.
   3. Coordinate and set dates with teachers within the program's guidelines.
   4. Occasionally, travel to classrooms to act as an in-person liaison and assist the teachers with program needs, which could include overnight travel within the state of MN.
   5. Help coordinate communication between researchers and each classroom.
   6. Help coordinate communication between classrooms/clubs from different schools.
   7. Be able to relay and demonstrate research techniques and information to program classrooms.
   8. Advise teachers with needed plant care questions and guide them through troubleshooting.
   9. Attend program conferences.
   10. Assist classrooms with data collection and analysis, often remotely..
2. 30% Assist the Classroom Cultivation/Project Orchid administration and research team members.
   1. Work with Classroom Cultivation/Project Orchid team members and teachers to adapt and expand curriculum material.
   2. Coordinate with Plant Conservation Program staff to produce education material relevant to regional needs and to produce appropriate classroom plant material.
   3. Help review and develop data and sample management protocols as needed.
   4. Coordinate planning with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Classroom Cultivation administration.
   5. Help propagate and plan material for classrooms, maintaining a strong background in the germination and propagation process to better assist with partner teachers in the program
   6. Work with the Plant Conservation Program staff to evaluate the program and provide feedback and suggestions.
3. 20% Coordinate program training events for teachers and collaboration events for students throughout the year.
   1. Plan and attend training and onboarding events with new and returning teachers.
   2. Facilitate engagements between classrooms and the Plant Conservation Program Staff.
   3. Communicate with other program participants outside of our region.
   4. Coordinate and facilitate a symposium between all regional participants upon completion of that current year's data collection. This could potentially be virtual or in-person, based on teachers'/students' needs and availability.

Budget Responsibilities

• Assist in budget planning for the current and future academic years.

Problem Solving: Indicate the nature of problems regularly encountered by this position. Check only one box.

• Most situations resolved using standard procedures and established guidelines
  
  Independence of Action: Indicate the position's independence of action.
  

Outcomes are monitored by supervisor/manager; incumbent follows precedents and procedures, sets priorities, and organizes work within general guidelines.

Physical/Environmental Demands

• Specific physical requirements or environmental exposures.

Candidates should be passionate about plant conservation, have some familiarity with the flora of Minnesota and associated ecological systems, excellent speaking and writing skills, an ability to work as part of a small, active team, and a proactive view of their education.

Incumbent must respect and maintain the confidentiality of rare species locations and sensitive data.

Position will involve some travel, including to locations several hours from the metro area. May involve some overnight stays to be able to spend long enough at remote schools to accomplish classroom activities.

Position hours will increase July 1, 2026 to 36 hours a week.

• The standard schedule before July 1st, 2026 will be 20hrs a Week, Monday - Friday, 1pm - 5pm with some flexibility as needed.
• On or after July 1st, 2026 the schedule changes to 36hrs a week, Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm with some flexibility as needed.
• Overtime and consecutive Sunday work is not a condition of employment in this position.

Required

• Combination of teaching/education experience and lab experience, preferably with orchid propagation.
• Minimum of two years of college in studio arts and natural sciences plus two years of exhibit or related experience or a combination of education and/or relevant experience to total four years.
• Experience in lab settings and teaching/education experience

Preferred

• Experience with volunteers and data management
• Working with orchid propagation would be beneficial
• Master's Degree

Plant Conservation Program at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Engaged in applied and basic research in rare and native plant conservation.

Pay Range: $23.43 per hour

Time Appointment: 50% 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
• 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

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