Youth Education On-Call Instructor

Job

Location:

All Other
-See Job Description

Job Family:
Supplemental Employee

Full/Part Time:
Part-Time

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Job Code: 0006

Employee Class:
Civil Service

Lead engaging, hands-on plant science programs for children in a variety of settings, including Arboretum field trips, Plantmobile outreach visits to schools and community sites, and, if interested, optional summer day camp instruction.

• Deliver engaging, hands-on plant science field trip programs for school and community groups visiting the Arboretum.
• Drive the Plantmobile to schools and community sites and deliver high-quality, one-hour plant science outreach programs for groups of up to 30 children.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all participants.
• Communicate positively and professionally with teachers, parents, volunteers, and other program partners.
• Prepare, transport, set up, maintain, and restock program materials and supplies.
• Delegate tasks and provide guidance to volunteers when appropriate.
• Serve in both lead instructor and assistant instructor roles, depending on program needs.
• Provide feedback and suggestions to support continuous program improvement.

Commitment:
On-call/as needed

Hours:

Flexible; schedules vary seasonally and from week to week. Most instructors work approximately 1-3 days per week, with fewer opportunities during the winter and increased demand during the spring and fall. Positions are limited to 67 workdays per calendar year. Early morning availability is occasionally required. Summer day camp work is available but optional.

Mid-September 2026

• Bachelor's degree in education, horticulture, natural sciences, or a related field.
• Experience teaching in a classroom or informal education setting.
• Ability to teach with energy, clarity, and flexibility.
• Enthusiasm for working with children, including patience, creativity, and a sense of humor.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, and lift up to 20 pounds while working both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.

• Willingness to play games, use puppets, sing songs, and embrace messy, hands-on learning experiences.
• Knowledge of plants, gardening, environmental education, and child development.

• Pay Range: $19.00 -$21.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State ). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.