Graduate Assistant for Biodiversity Outreach (GABO)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition sponsorship up to 9 credits

Job summary

The University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum (BI/NHM) seeks a Graduate Assistant for Biodiversity Outreach to develop engaging activities for museum visitors and coordinate resources. A valid driver’s license is required for travel to offsite programs.

The GA will assist with professional development and evaluation, and may support other education/outreach projects during the summer. KU graduate enrollment is required.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a KU graduate degree program with at least six graduate hours.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (biology, geology, biological anthropology, biology education, or related).
• Science teaching or facilitation experience as evidenced by materials.
• Excellent communication skills as evidenced by materials and interview.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently.
• Valid driver’s license required to travel to offsite programs.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging science experiences for visitors to the BI/NHM.
• Coordinate program logistics, setup, and recruit volunteers where needed.
• Participate in professional development and evaluation activities.
• Assist with other education/outreach projects and duties as assigned.

Skills

Teaching experience

Communication

Organizational skills

Independent work

Valid driver’s license

Education

Graduate degree program enrollment

Bachelor’s degree in biology/geology/anthropology/related field

Job description

Graduate Assistant for Biodiversity Outreach (GABO)

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

• 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.
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (e.g., biology, geology, biological anthropology, biology education, or closely a related field).
• Science teaching or facilitation experience, as evidenced by application materials.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills, as evidenced by application materials and interview process.
• Demonstrated strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, and ability to work independently, as evidenced by application materials.
• Valid driver’s license is required to pick up program materials and travel to offsite programs.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
• Current CV/resume
• Contact Information for three professional references

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

• Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus