Outreach Program Specialist

Ohio State University; Columbus, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio State University is seeking an Outreach Program Specialist to coordinate entomology outreach at the Columbus campus. The role will deliver educational programs using live arthropods, coordinate volunteers, and manage event logistics.

Responsibilities include developing workshops, engaging diverse audiences, and supporting faculty and Extension partners in education and outreach initiatives. Travel within the city and region may be required to support programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of arthropod outreach programming experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with diverse audiences.
• Experience with scheduling, logistics, and coordinating volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver outreach operations and programming at the Columbus campus.
• Develop and run entomology-based outreach activities for youth and the public.
• Manage logistics, schedules, staff and volunteer rosters for events.
• Support content creation for outreach programs and assist with fundraising/grants.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Teams

Outlook

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title

Outreach Program Specialist

Department: FAES | Entomology

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Department of Entomology Manager of Community Outreach, the Outreach Program Specialist will coordinate and deliver entomology-related outreach operations and programming based out of the Columbus campus.

Outreach and Engagement Provide entomology-based outreach programs and activities to a diverse audience. Work with outreach team to deliver youth programs that align with Ohio state science education standards, interpretive programs to the public of all ages, and outreach services to key partners and stakeholders (Ohio State Extension, Master Gardener Volunteers, community groups, etc.). Utilize live arthropods provided by the Ohio State Insectary for both small-scale outreach programs and larger mobile bug zoo (BUGmobile) events. Engage entomology students in outreach activities and support the recruiting and training of students, interns and volunteer “Insect Ambassadors” to deliver outreach to the public. Support and work collaboratively with Entomology faculty and Extension personnel to develop and/or coordinate workshops, seminars, or webinars that support entomology’s Extension and research missions, including pollinator education and pest management focused programs.

Logistics and Coordination Serve as the primary operational point of contact and coordinate end-to-end logistical lifecycle for all Columbus-based outreach programs. Responsible for managing schedules, timelines, organizing staff and volunteer shift rosters, and overseeing on-site setup and teardown. Oversee operations and maintenance of the BUGmobile ensuring compliance with all safety protocols and policies. Assist with creation of relevant outreach program digital content for the department’s communications. Find and apply for applicable funds to support programming. Provide regular feedback to the Department of Entomology Manager of Community Outreach for continuous improvement of programming, and ensure sufficient data is gathered to record the impact of outreach and for annual reporting and planning.

Entomology Diagnostics and Public Inquiries Field entomology-related public inquiries and respond to questions from the public and stakeholders. Work with the Ohio State Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic to confirm and disseminate diagnostic information related to arthropods.

Arthropod Care Follows established standard operating procedures to ensure proper care of the animals used in outreach activities.

Location

Position based in entomology space on the Columbus Campus. Travel and schedule flexibility are required, position requires driving a large vehicle with a trailer both within city limits and on highways.

Education and Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field or equivalent experience. 2 years of relevant experience required. 2 years of experience providing arthropod outreach programming or interpretation and working with live arthropods, including insects, spiders and other invertebrates; 2 years of experience developing, coordinating, and delivering outreach activities; must be highly organized with attention to detail and experience with scheduling and logistics; excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to communicate with diverse clientele; proficient in Microsoft office suite applications, including Teams and Outlook; able to lift and carry 40 pounds; must be able to work a flexible schedule to deliver outreach programs on nights and weekends; hold a valid driver's license and have experience driving a large vehicle and hauling a trailer within city limits and on highways.

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field and 2-4 years of experience providing arthropod outreach programming or interpretation and working with live arthropods, including insects, spiders and other invertebrates; 2-4 years of experience developing, coordinating, and delivering outreach activities; demonstrated organizational skills with attention to detail and experience with scheduling and logistics; fluent in Microsoft office suite applications, including Teams and Outlook documented track record of excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to communicate with diverse clientele; able to lift and carry 40 pounds; must be able to work a flexible schedule to deliver outreach programs on nights and weekends; hold a valid driver's license and be comfortable driving a large vehicle and hauling a trailer within city limits and on highways.

Salary and Benefits

This job profile is a Community Outreach Analysis 2 (S2 level) on the career roadmap. The offer for this position will fall within the positions pay range based on internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications

• Location: Waterman - Rothenbuhler Honey Bee Lab (0384)
• Position Type: Regular
• Scheduled Hours: 40
• Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you.

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care.

Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit.

We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers.

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