Community Outreach Specialist

Job Purpose: The Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University seeks a part-time (20 hours/week) Community Outreach Specialist to advance the department mission by providing engaging experiences that connect our community to our outreach and research initiatives through effective interpretation, supporting the operations and programming for Department of Entomology’s United Titanium Bug Zoo. Position will be a 12 month term and may be extended based on budget and performance for to three years.

Job Description

This position requires commitment to learn all content and skills needed to provide quality Bug Zoo interpretation and programming and animal husbandry. As a part of the outreach team and under the supervision of the United Titanium Program Manager, the Community Outreach Specialist is primarily responsible for conducting informal and formal interpretive programs focused on the disciplines of STEM for delivery to a diverse audience of all ages, creating interactive and educational display enclosures, and conducting arthropod husbandry to care for bug zoo animals, following established standard operating procedures to ensure the proper handling of arthropods and their waste. Interpretive programs will utilize the United Titanium Bug Zoo to deliver in-person and virtual educational activities, while conducting programs at local and remote locations requiring flexibility in scheduling for some evenings or weekends. May recruit and informally train volunteers and students, assist with the maintenance of federal and state permits and the host plant facility, and perform other duties as assigned.

Position located in Wooster, Ohio

Education
Minimum Education Required: Bachelor’s degree majoring in Education, Communication, Interpretation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or equivalent relevant experience.

Additional Education Desired: Certified Interpretive Guide Certification (CIG) from the National Association for Interpretation

Qualifications
Required: minimum of 6 months experience with interpretation, public speaking, formal or informal education in a zoological, museum, camp, school, non-profit or related setting. Must be comfortable near arthropod species, including insects, spiders, as well as amphibians, and reptiles both exotic and native; strong oral and written communication skills; organizational skills and attention to detail; proficiency with Microsoft Office; flexible schedule. Must be able to lift and carry 40 pounds; willing to work outside and must be able to stand and walk for extended lengths of time.

Desired: Knowledge of the U.S.D.A. APHIS recordkeeping and permitting requirements

Commitment to Diversity

The Ohio State University is committed to establishing a culturally and intellectually diverse environment; and encouraging all members of our learning community to reach their full potential. CFAES Principles of Community listed below affirm our conviction that discrimination has no place in CFAES.

We affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person and strive to maintain a climate for work and learning based on mutual respect and understanding.

We affirm the right of each person to express thoughts and opinions freely. We encourage open expression within a climate of civility, sensitivity, and mutual respect.

We affirm the value of human diversity because it enriches our lives and the university. We acknowledge and respect our differences while affirming our common humanity.

We reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including those based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status. We take individual and collective responsibility for helping to eliminate bias and discrimination and for increasing our own understanding of these issues through education, training, and interaction with others.

We pledge our collective commitment to these principles in the spirit of the CFAES mission: We sustain life.

Required Application Materials

Resume Cover letter addressing how you will contribute to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment in the Department of Entomology and CFAES.

Ohio State is focused on enhancing the health and safety of our community. Therefore, the university is requiring every student, faculty and staff member to be compliant with Ohio State’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement.

By the start of employment, all newly hired employees must receive at least the first dose of a two-dose series or a single dose of a one-dose series COVID-19 vaccination. Individuals who choose a two-dose series vaccination must receive the second dose within 45 days of their start date. Proof of vaccination will be required at time of hire.

Candidates may request a medical or religious exemption from the vaccination requirement. Campus employees may also request an exemption for personal reasons. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine or OSUP Employees are not eligible for personal exemptions. All exemptions are subject to Ohio State’s approval and subject to change, including revocation, due to legal and regulatory requirements.