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KU Field Station Education Program Coordinator

Employer
The University of Kansas
Location
Lawrence, KS

Job Details

Position OverviewThe Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research (KBS-CER) is seeking to hire an Education Program Coordinator who will help create and lead a vibrant new program of public education and outreach at the University of Kansas Field Station. The University of Kansas Field Station is administered by the Kansas Biological Survey and Center for Ecological Research and is a member of the international Organization of Biological Field Stations. The Field Station consists of over 3500 acres in northeastern Kansas and provides infrastructure for field-based research and education as well as a network of nature preserves used for research, public outreach and conservation. Field Station lands include a wide variety of terrestrial environments representative of the transition from eastern deciduous forest to tallgrass prairie in eastern Kansas. The field station also contains a variety of aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, and lake) that are accessible for research and education activities.

The Education Program Coordinator will develop and direct education activities at the field station that excite learners of all ages and backgrounds, educate diverse audiences about nature, and train volunteers to extend the reach of these activities. The position will increase the field station’s engagement within the University (in-reach) and in the broader public (outreach). The coordinator will present themselves as an outstanding representative of KBS-CER at local and regional events. This position will report to the director of the KU Field Station and work closely with field station staff. The primary location for this position is at the KU Field Station headquarters (350 Wild Horse Road, Lawrence, KS.) Job Description50% - Public education, outreach. Developing a public education and outreach program based at the KU Field Station. Example activities include coordinating and hosting tours of nature preserves and research experiments at the field station, developing field-based learning activities for visiting K-12 students and teachers, organizing and participating in special events for public groups at the field station, developing promotional materials for community events.

25% - Volunteer program development. Create and sustain a field station volunteer program to include developing program objectives, recruitment and training, and coordinating volunteers and activities.

15% - In-reach at KU. Working with KBS-CER researchers to incorporate field station education and outreach opportunities into research programs and proposals; engage with other departments and research centers across KU to promote field station activities within the University and broaden participation in field station activities.

10% - Administration. Maintain records of all educational and outreach activities. Work with KBS-CER communications staff to develop and maintain accessibility to outreach, education, and volunteer opportunities. Work closely with the field station director and staff to coordinate education activities in ways that are synergistic with the mission of the field station research, and other duties as assigned. Position Requirements
    This position is on-site at the KU Field Station headquarters (350 Wild Horse Road, Lawrence, KS).Availability to work occasionally on weekends and evenings to participate in special community and university events
Required Qualifications
    A bachelor’s degreeThree years of experience in an education and/or community outreach environmentAt least one year of professional supervisory experience including the recruitment and training of employees or volunteersExperience in MS Office skills (e.g., Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word) as demonstrated by application materials
Preferred Qualifications
    A bachelor’s degree or higher in the biological sciences, environmental studies, natural resource management, science education, or related fieldFour years of experience in an education and/or community outreach environmentExperience developing programs and managing volunteers/docents at a museum, field station or non-profit cultural organizationDemonstrated ability to create dynamic new programs with minimal supervision while collaborating with researchers and staffDemonstrated ability to thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment and be adept at managing many projects at onceExcellent communication skills; must be personable and diplomatic in working with diverse constituenciesDemonstrated ability to work well with researchers, staff, students, volunteers, and members of the publicDemonstrated strong interest in environmental education and public programsInterest in the natural history of the Great Plains, knowledge of the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of Kansas
Additional Candidate InstructionsOnly complete application packages submitted online will be considered. A complete application includes online application form, resume, cover letter, names and contact information for three professional references.

Application review begins June 1, 2022 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is received. To ensure priority consideration, apply before the review date.
Contact Information to ApplicantsSheena Parsons, sheenap@ku.edu Advertised Salary RangeStarting at $46,000, commensurate with experience Work ScheduleM-F, 8a-5p Application Review Begins01-Jun-2022 Anticipated Start Date11-Jul-2022

Organization

Working at the University of Kansas 

Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.

The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.  

The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.

KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 

The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.

We recognize there are inequalities and privileges generated by historical and persistent intersecting differences by race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, abilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. And we hold ourselves accountable for policies, processes and programs that appreciate these and other differences and create more fair, safe and just learning, working and living environments for KU students, faculty and staff.

Instruction 

KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.

Research 

The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.

Service 

The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.

International Dimension 

KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.

Values 

The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.

Our City and State 

KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.

Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.

Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.

Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.

Making KU Your Home 

Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.

At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.

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