Graduate Assistant for Biodiversity Outreach (GABO)

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

The KU Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum seeks a graduate student assistant to develop and present activities about BI/NHM research for museum visitors, oversee planning and sharing of resources, and participate in professional development and evaluation. A valid drivers license is required for offsite travel.

Graduate enrollments and bachelor's degree in a related field preferred; summer work may include recruitment of volunteers and collaboration with other GA positions.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in relevant field (biology, geology, etc.).
• Science teaching or facilitation experience evident from materials and interview.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver1s license required to travel/offsite materials.

Responsibilities

• 60%: Create engaging science experiences for visitors.
• 20%: Program coordination, recruit volunteers and support other GA positions.
• 10%: Participate in professional development and evaluation.
• 10%: Assist with other education/outreach projects and duties as assigned.

Skills

Science teaching

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Independent work

Valid driver1s license

Education

Bachelors degree

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

• 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).

Employment Conditions

• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
• 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