Plant Science Educator

ROME GROUP; Missouri; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Outreach Educator at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis serves as the full-time educator delivering hands-on, series-based plant science education that connects K-12 students with scientists, real-world research, and career pathways.

This role collaborates with schools, community organizations, and Danforth researchers to develop and deliver engaging learning experiences, coordinate field and laboratory experiences, and help evaluate program outcomes while expanding

Qualifications

• BS/BA in science, environmental science, agricultural education, or a related STEM field.
• Experience with after school or informal education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop hands-on curricula and activities for K-12 plant science programs.
• Deliver educational content to K-12 youth in schools and community sites.
• Build and sustain partnerships with schools, youth organizations, and community leaders.
• Coordinate scientist interactions, field experiences, and career-connected learning.
• Adapt curriculum to meet community needs while aligning with the Danforth outreach and educational model.
• Track participation and collect and analyze program data, prepare written reports, and contribute to quarterly impact reporting.
• Represent the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center at community outreach events, school and partner activities, and public engagement opportunities, including periodic evening and weekend programs.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Curriculum development

Program delivery

Partnership development

Communication skills

Adaptability

Time management

Event coordination

Physical stamina

Education

BS/BA in science, environmental science, agricultural education, or related STEM field

Experience with after school or informal education

Job description

Plant Science Educator

The Outreach Educator serves as the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center’s full-time educator for St. Louis, delivering hands-on, series-based plant science education that connects K-12 students with scientists, real-world research, and career pathways. Working closely with schools, community organizations, and Danforth researchers, this position develops and delivers engaging learning experiences, coordinates field and laboratory experiences, builds long-term community partnerships, and helps evaluate program outcomes. The educator plays a key role in expanding equitable access to high-quality STEM experiences while inspiring students to see themselves as future scientists.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the Educator Program Manager to develop hands-on curricula and activities for K-12 plant science programming in schools and community settings.
• Deliver educational content to K-12 youth within target schools and community-based sites.
• Build and sustain partnerships with target schools, youth-serving organizations, and community leaders.
• Coordinate scientist interactions, field experiences, and career-connected learning opportunities.
• Adapt and implement curriculum to meet the needs of the community while aligning with the Danforth outreach and educational model.
• Track participation, collect and analyze program data, prepare written reports, and contribute to quarterly impact reporting to support continuous program improvement.
• Represent the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center at community outreach events, school and partner activities, and public engagement opportunities, including periodic evening and weekend programs.
• Other duties as assigned

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to deliver high-impact programs to diverse audiences utilizing a selection of innovative communication mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment in terms of daily schedules, lessons, students, etc.
• Candidates must be able to accommodate after-school program hours, during the school year with some work required during evenings and/or weekends
• Experience working with schools, youth, and community organizations, particularly in historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Ability to work in a variety of environmental factors including, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and outdoor allergens, and uneven ground
• Ability to lift and move items frequently weighing up to twenty (20) pounds, that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds, ability to perform twisting, pushing, and pulling movements
• Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship

Qualifications:

• BS/BA in science, environmental science, agricultural education, or a related STEM field.
• Experience with after school or informal education preferred
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the St. Louis region; flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Candidates familiar with St Louis City schools and youth-based sites