K-12 Environmental Education Coordinator

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, one page or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skills. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file, due to system limitations.

Job Summary

University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) stewards over 840 acres of land and water across four properties in and around Ann Arbor, with Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens serving as its two anchor locations. With more than 500,000 annual visitors, MBGNA is committed to becoming a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the lands and waters we steward. Visit our website HERE.

This role is hybrid with on-site expectations in Ann Arbor, MI 4 days per week. Domestic travel is required. You will work during early mornings, nights, or weekends. For a full job description, see link here. For questions about this role, email [email protected].

What You'll Do

As the K-12 Environmental Education Coordinator you are an important part of our Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum Education team. You will oversee, develop and deliver Place-Based Educational programming to K-12 audiences, including logistics management, relationship development, and working with youth and other educators. You will also coordinate, train, and support recruitment of volunteer educators, help achieve MBGNA's mission and deliver nature-based education in the field. You will informally manage student employees and report to the Education Lead. This is a two-year term-limited position. This role is non-exempt and you will be paid hourly.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days)
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting, and eligible for the match after one year of employment 
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Flexible Work Program 

Responsibilities*

• Leadership and Management (25%)
  • Develop, improve, and ensure quality delivery of nature-focused programming for K-12 audiences
  • Ensure MBGNA educational practices promote innovation in nature-based and environmental educational spaces
  • Guide K-12 education strategy, both independently and in collaboration with Education Lead, aligned with MBGNA strategic goals

• Operations and Coordination (50%)
  • Collaborate with teachers and K-12 school curriculum specialists to develop long-term partnerships
  • Develop a new system to streamline processes for scheduling and coordination with all parties who participate in field trips and experimental learning
  • Ownership over administrative tasks to ensure compliance
  • Work cross-functionally with partners across UM
  • Coordinate and train volunteer educators (docents) to lead immersive field trip experiences

• Organizational Collaboration (25%)
  • Collaborate and communicate with MBGNA departments such as Horticulture, Facilities, Natural Areas, Communications, and others to co-create strategically impactful Education programs and initiatives
  • Ensure accessibility of MBGNA's programs, events, communications, and offerings by partnering with Communications and other MBGNA departments
  • Ensure K-12 learning materials and opportunities are clearly marketed across all platforms 

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Education, Museum Studies, Environmental Education, or related Natural Science or Natural Resource discipline), or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of teaching experience in formal or informal education, including development and delivery of interactive, nature-based education programs
• 2+ years of experience scheduling meetings, programs or events 

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Salary Information:

This is a two-year limited position. The role is non-exempt, meaning you will be paid hourly. The posting range is $48,000 - $52,000. This posting range reflects multiple factors involved in determining compensation, such as skills, experience, training, certifications, and other organizational needs.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.