Plant Science Educator

DONALD DANFORTH PLANT SCIENCE CENTER • Olivette, MO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Experience with after school or informal education preferred

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level