Landscape and Tree Planting Educator - Horticulture

This position will be housed in Alderman Hall on the UMN Twin Cities - Saint Paul campus, but will regularly travel throughout the metro, including the Horticultural Research Center.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

In-person Explain the work environment.

Primary Duties

This position contributes to outreach and research work at the University of Minnesota related to improving landscape resiliency through tree diversity in managed landscapes within the Twin Cities metro, especially within communities which are traditionally underserved. The position will also have a role in contributing to the design, implementation, and management of the Learning Garden for Horticultural Science to develop exemplary demonstration landscapes for use in outreach, including overseeing undergraduate employees. The candidate will coordinate, participate in, and lead outreach and demonstration programs related to resilient landscape horticulture and tree planting throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Projects will include but are not limited to: tree selection for establishing resilient landscapes, proper tree planting, and aftercare techniques for developing a healthy canopy. The candidate will be expected to manage and coordinate demonstration projects, supervise the implementation and execution of those projects, and support management of those sites if aftercare is necessary. The candidate may also be required to create and lead other arboriculture or horticulture related programming, which may include tree identification, pruning techniques, pest and disease management and, pollinator lawn establishment and management.
This position is reappointed on an annual basis and is expected to last for an initial period of three years, pending performance. Initial support is reliant on funding through federal and state grants from the U.S. Forest Service and the State of Minnesota. This position requires frequent travel within the Twin Cities metro region and occasional overnight travel. A flexible schedule to accommodate public outreach is needed. The successful candidate will be expected to seek out and contribute to extramural funding proposals to support the work of the position.

40% curriculum and resource development
30% conducting workshops, educational experiences
20% management and horticultural input for the Learning Garden for Horticultural Science and public planting sites
10% direct project management and proposal writing

The Resilient Landscape Horticulture (RLH) program is housed within the Department of Horticultural Science and works closely with the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The program seeks to advance knowledge around resilient landscape horticulture practices by conducting research in four main focus areas: 1) responding to emerging pests, 2) characterizing plant stress tolerance to inform plant selection, 3) facilitating problem-solving in the plant production pipeline, and 4) innovation with tree planting and aftercare. The program comprises graduate and professional researchers and partners with University of Minnesota Extension to translate research findings into outreach materials. The RLH program oversees the Learning Garden for Horticultural Science and uses the space as an outdoor teaching laboratory and demonstration garden. Funding from the U.S. Forest Service actively supports outreach and workforce development work centered on landscape resiliency through species diversification and proper horticultural practices.
For more information about this position, please contact Brandon Miller, Assistant Professor (ph: 612-624-0782; bmmiller@umn.edu).

Minimum Qualifications

* B.Sc. in plant science or related discipline with at least 5 of relevant experience or a Master's degree plus at least 3 years of relevant experience
* Landscape-horticulture experience
* Documented evidence of developing and/or delivering credit or non-credit curriculum
* Demonstrated knowledge of modern tree planting techniques, aftercare, and long-term management (including in urban landscapes)
* Class D Driver's License (to drive project vehicle)

Preferred Qualifications

* M.Sc. in plant science or related discipline
* Experience maintaining and planting quality nursery stock
* Experience engaging effectively with nursery, landscape, and urban forestry professionals, homeowners, and a variety of groups with diverse backgrounds
* Experience with turfgrass establishment, management, and maintenance particularly involving low-input lawns.
* Experience demonstrating best practices for tree species selection, siting, and efforts to develop diverse plantings
* Documented evidence of ability to write and contribute to outreach resources
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team with diverse perspectives
* Ability to translate scientific principles of tree planting and related topics to lay audiences, including youth audiences
* Experience managing employees

Desired competencies

* Organized and detail-oriented
* Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
* Ability to communicate well with a variety of audiences including homeowners, public employees, green industry professionals, university researchers, and personnel at non-governmental organizations
* Aptitude to become the go-to expert on urban tree planting for broader Twin Cities metro area
* Networking skills to find opportunities to collaborate with community organizations to disseminate message on diverse tree planting practices and to seek partners in research and outreach

Pay Range: $69,000 - $71,200; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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

This position will remain open until filled.

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).