"Community Outreach Specialist"

The Community Outreach Specialist provides organizational and instructional support for outreach and engagement efforts of the Department of Molecular Genetics (MolGen) and the Museum of Biological Diversity (MBD). Major MolGen responsibilities are working with a lead instructor to implement a service-learning course, Molecular Genetics 4581S “BioEYES: Hands-on STEM learning with zebrafish in Columbus Public Elementary Schools” during Autumn semester and leading related public engagement activities in Spring and Summer semesters, including field trips with tours and hands-on activities on the Ohio State west campus and the MBD. The Community Outreach Specialist co-teaches the BioEYES curriculum in elementary classrooms with the lead instructor, prepares biological and classroom materials, interfaces with elementary school teachers and principals, interacts directly with elementary school students, and guides undergraduates enrolled in the course. During spring semester, the Community Outreach Specialist may also provide organizational and instructional support for another service-learning course, Molecular Genetics 4591S “DNA Fingerprinting Workshops in Columbus Public High Schools”. Major MBD responsibilities are working with curators to implement rotating exhibits that highlight MBD activities and projects, planning, organizing, and implementing the highly successful Spring Open House, and participating in legislative outreach. Major responsibilities for both units include organizing, coordinating, and participating in unit activities for community engagement events such as the OSU WestFest Science and Sustainability Festival (Autumn), the COSI Big Science Celebration (Spring), OSU State Science Day (Summer), Ohio Science Olympiad (Summer), and OSU STEAMM Rising (Summer), regularly updating outreach and engagement news activities on unit websites, creating newsletters highlighting unit activities, recruiting and training volunteers for various engagement activities, and assisting unit staff with alumni outreach and undergraduate recruitment.

Minimum Education Required Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Biology or Biology-related field.

Required Qualifications Must have strong organizational skills. Must enjoy working with children, youth, and adults. Must be able to lift 15 pounds.

Desired Qualifications 1 year of relevant experience in community outreach. A vehicle and Ohio Driver’s License is preferred.

Additional Information: The Department of Molecular Genetics and the Museum of Biological Diversity within the College of Arts and Sciences seeks a Community Outreach Specialist to join our teams. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college and the academic heart of the university. The College hosts 81 majors. With 38 departments, 20+ world-class research centers, and more than 2,000 faculty and staff members, students have the unique opportunity to study with the best artists, scholars, and scientists in their field. The pay range for this job profile is $19.28 - $25.19 per hour. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications. This is a 3 year term position. Location: Rightmire Hall (0308) Position Type: Term (Fixed Term) Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: First Shift