Graduate Assistant for Biodiversity Outreach (GABO)

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kansas is seeking a Graduate Student Assistant for the Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum (BI/NHM). You will develop and present activities for museum visitors, coordinate programs, and engage in professional development and evaluation.

A valid driver’s license is required to transport materials and travel to offsite programs. Responsibilities include creating engaging science experiences (60%), coordinating logistics and volunteers (20%), plus professional

Qualifications

• Admitted to a KU graduate degree program and enrolled in at least six graduate hours.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, geology, biological anthropology, biology education or related field.
• Science teaching or facilitation experience.
• Excellent communication skills as evidenced by materials and interview.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; able to work independently.
• Valid driver’s license to pick up materials and travel.

Responsibilities

• 60%: Create engaging science experiences for visitors to the BI/NHM.
• 20%: Program coordination, scheduling, setup, and volunteer recruitment.
• 10%: Professional development activities and evaluation.
• 10%: Assist with other education/outreach projects and duties.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Ability to work independently

Valid driver’s license

Science teaching/facilitation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology/geology/biological anthropology/education or related field

KU graduate degree enrollment (6+ hours)

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Position Overview

The KU Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum (BI/NHM) seeks a graduate student assistant to: (1) develop and present activities and create other resources about BI/NHM research for museum visitors; (2) oversee the planning and coordination to facilitate/share these activities and resources; and (3) participate in professional development training activities and evaluation. A valid driver’s license is required to pick up program materials and travel to offsite programs.

Job Description

• 60% - Create engaging science experiences for visitors to the Biodiversity Institute/Natural History Museum.
• 20% - Program related coordination (e.g., schedule, set up); could include recruitment of graduate student volunteers, community volunteers, and potentially support/collaborate with other graduate assistant positions during the summer.
• 10% - Participate in professional development/training activities and evaluation.
• 10% - Assist with other education/outreach projects, and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

1. Is admitted in a KU graduate degree program, enrolled in no less than six graduate hours (or hours required by the degree), and is in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress toward degree.
2. Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (e.g., biology, geology, biological anthropology, biology education, or closely a related field).
3. Science teaching or facilitation experience, as evidenced by application materials.
4. Demonstrated excellent communication skills, as evidenced by application materials and interview process.
5. Demonstrated strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, and ability to work independently, as evidenced by application materials.
6. Valid driver’s license is required to pick up program materials and travel to offsite programs.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in relevant related field (e.g., biology, geology, biological anthropology, biology education, or closely a related field).
2. 2+ years professional science teaching/facilitation experience, as evidenced by application materials.
3. Experience with activity or program development, as evidenced by application materials.
4. Experience teaching/facilitating in an informal science education setting (e.g., museum, science center, zoo), as evidenced by application materials.
5. Experience working with different aged groups and program formats in an educational setting, as evidenced by application materials.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).
Valid driver’s license is required to pick up program materials and travel to offsite programs.

Employment Conditions

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Contact Information to Applicants

Tracey Funk
[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$26.25 per hour plus tuition sponsorship up to 9 credits fall and spring

Anticipated Start Date

Tuesday January 19, 2027