Youth Education On-Call Instructor

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 26,174 - 28,929; Part time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, invites applicants for a part-time Plant Science Instructor role at the Arboretum. You will lead hands-on field trip programs, drive the Plantmobile to schools, and support outreach to communities.

Flexible, on-call schedule with 1–3 days per week; up to 67 workdays per year; early mornings possible. Requires a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience; background check and driver’s license required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, horticulture, natural sciences, or a related field.
• Experience teaching in a classroom or informal education setting.
• Ability to teach with energy, clarity, and flexibility.
• Enthusiasm for working with children, including patience, creativity, and a sense of humor.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, hands-on plant science field trip programs for school and community groups visiting the Arboretum.
• Drive the Plantmobile to schools and deliver high-quality, one-hour plant science outreach programs for groups of up to 30 children.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all participants.
• Communicate positively and professionally with teachers, parents, volunteers, and other program partners.
• Prepare, transport, set up, maintain, and restock program materials and supplies.
• Delegate tasks and provide guidance to volunteers when appropriate.
• Serve in both lead instructor and assistant instructor roles, depending on program needs.
• Provide feedback and suggestions to support continuous program improvement.

Skills

Strong organizational

Interpersonal communication

Ability to lift up to 20 pounds

Flexible teaching

Enthusiasm for children

Education

Bachelor's degree in education, horticulture, natural sciences, or related field

Job description

Job ID: 375075

Location: All Other -See Job Description

Job Family: Supplemental Employee

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 0006

Employee Class: Civil Service

About the Job

Lead engaging, hands-on plant science programs for children in a variety of settings, including Arboretum field trips, Plantmobile outreach visits to schools and community sites, and, if interested, optional summer day camp instruction.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, hands-on plant science field trip programs for school and community groups visiting the Arboretum.
• Drive the Plantmobile to schools and community sites and deliver high-quality, one-hour plant science outreach programs for groups of up to 30 children.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all participants.
• Communicate positively and professionally with teachers, parents, volunteers, and other program partners.
• Prepare, transport, set up, maintain, and restock program materials and supplies.
• Delegate tasks and provide guidance to volunteers when appropriate.
• Serve in both lead instructor and assistant instructor roles, depending on program needs.
• Provide feedback and suggestions to support continuous program improvement.

Work Schedule

Commitment: On-call/as needed

Hours: Flexible; schedules vary seasonally and from week to week. Most instructors work approximately 1-3 days per week, with fewer opportunities during the winter and increased demand during the spring and fall. Positions are limited to 67 workdays per calendar year. Early morning availability is occasionally required. Summer day camp work is available but optional.

Anticipated Start Date

Mid-September 2026

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in education, horticulture, natural sciences, or a related field.
• Experience teaching in a classroom or informal education setting.
• Ability to teach with energy, clarity, and flexibility.
• Enthusiasm for working with children, including patience, creativity, and a sense of humor.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, and lift up to 20 pounds while working both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.

Desired

• Willingness to play games, use puppets, sing songs, and embrace messy, hands-on learning experiences.
• Knowledge of plants, gardening, environmental education, and child development.

Pay and Benefits

• Pay Range: $19.00 -$21.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.