Adult Education Instructor (temporary/casual)

Required Qualifications

• Expertise or significant experience in the subject area
• Ability to engage diverse audiences in an inclusive, accessible manner
• Strong organizational skills, reliability, and ability to manage scheduled commitments (including evenings/weekends)
• Comfort working in indoor and outdoor environments in varying conditions
• Successful completion of a background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with experience leading group learning experiences
• Experience teaching or facilitating adult education or informal learning environments (e.g. museums, nature centers, public gardens)
• Familiarity with the Arboretum’s mission, collections, or similar organizations
• Experience working with volunteers and supporting diverse participants groups, including intergenerational audiences

Adult Education Instructor (temporary/casual)

Overview:

Adult Education Instructor Adult Education Manager Temporary (not to exceed 67 days in a calendar year) or Casual (not to exceed 14 hours per week)

The Adult Education Instructor delivers engaging, high-quality educational experiences for adult learners at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Programs span a wide range of topics and formats, including classes, workshops, guided experiences, and facilitated discussions.

Offerings may include (but are not limited to):

• Arts, crafts, and literary programs (e.g., botanical art, writing, book discussions)
• Gardening, horticulture, and environmental education
• Guided outdoor experiences (e.g., birding, naturalist-led walks, seasonal tours)
• Wellness and mindfulness in nature
• Culinary and hands-on learning experiences
• Nature-based photography and observational skills

This role contributes to the Arboretum’s mission by fostering meaningful connections between people, plants, and the natural world. Instructors serve as ambassadors of the Arboretum and help create a welcoming, inclusive, and educational environment for all participants.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Adult Education team to plan, develop , and deliver programs aligned with seasonal offerings and audience needs.
• Design and facilitate engaging inclusive, and well-structured learning experiences, creating a welcoming and respectful environment for diverse participants.
• Integrate Arboretum resources (gardens, landscapes, collections) into programming when appropriate and as it contributes to the Arboretum’s mission.
• Support session logistics including materials, set-up/clean-up, timing, and participant flow, adapting as needed based on weather, group size, and accessibility needs.
• Engage professionally with Arboretum visitors, members, and the public in a highly visible, public-facing environment.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (e.g. Horticulture, Guest Services, Facilities) and work effectively with volunteers or program support staff.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).