Job No: 541077
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Libraries/Museums, Facilities Operations/Skilled Trades, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support
Department: 56030300 - NH-EDUCATION
Job Description
Classification Title: Museum Operations Coordinator II
Classification Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in an appropriate area; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience.
Science Up Close! Program Coordination and Implementation
- Serves as the primary coordinator for the Science Up Close! program in the Inspire Gallery.
- Manages planning and logistics for rotating cohorts of participating scientists.
- Coordinates schedules to ensure consistent Science Up Close! experiences in the gallery during operating hours.
- Works directly with scientists to support the development of engaging demonstrations, hands-on activities, and informal discussion approaches appropriate for public audiences.
- Provides orientation, training, and ongoing support to participating scientists related to gallery facilitation, visitor interaction, and Museum expectations.
- Supports the development and delivery of Science Up Close! experiences that highlight active research, Museum collections, and the process of scientific discovery in ways that are accessible and engaging to visitors.
- Cultivates partnerships with UF units across campus, including academic departments, research centers, and interdisciplinary initiatives to identify participating scientists, support rotating research cohorts, and strengthen connections between university research and public engagement in the Inspire Gallery.
- Monitors program quality and visitor experience during live Science Up Close! interactions and provides feedback and support as needed.
Gallery Operations and Program Support
- Coordinates daily educational operations within the Inspire Gallery, ensuring program readiness, activity setup, and appropriate staffing support.
- Develops and maintains systems for organizing, stocking, and maintain Science Up Close! materials, equipment, and hands-on components.
- Assists with scheduling gallery use for programs, scientist rotations, trainings, and special events.
- Serves as an on-site point of contact during assigned shifts for gallery-related questions, operational issues, or visitor needs.
- Identifies operational or maintenance issues within the gallery and communicates concerns to appropriate Museum staff.
- Supports the Education Department by assisting with the planning, development, and delivery of Museum summer camps, including curriculum support, facilitation, and staff coverage as needed, particularly for Inspire Gallery summer programming.
- Provides on-floor coverage and program support during peak visitation periods or special events as needed.
Evaluation and Administration
- Maintains tracking systems for Science Up Close! and other Inspire Gallery programs, including attendance counts, program schedules, and basic participation data.
- Assists with evaluation efforts by collecting visitor feedback, observational data, and input from participating scientists.
- Helps maintain documentation, internal records, and reports related to Inspire Gallery programming and scientist participation.
- Responds to informational requests related to Inspire Gallery and Science Up Close! via email and telephone in a professional and timely manner.
Collaboration and Communication
- Acts as a liaison between Education Programs staff, Exhibits staff, researchers, and Visitor Services to support effective delivery of Science Up Close! experiences.
- Coordinates with PR/Marketing and Graphics staff as needed to support communication and promotion of Science Up Close! rotations and gallery programming.
- Represents the Inspire Gallery and Science Up Close! program in internal meetings and cross-departmental projects, as assigned
- Performs other duties as assigned in support of the Inspire Gallery, Exhibits and Public Programs Department, and the broader mission of the Florida Museum as requested by the Director of Education.
Expected Salary: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00, Commensurate with education and experience.
Required Qualifications:
- Master's degree in an appropriate area; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience.
- Valid driver's license
Preferred:
- Experience working with children, families, schools, or public audiences
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in an appropriate area; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of informal science education best practices
- At least 5 years of natural history museum program development experience
- Experience developing and implementing innovative outreach education
- Experience delivering community science based programs
- Administrative and supervisory skills
- Experience in effectively working with complex teams and managing projects
- Must be an excellent communicator and facilitator
- Experience creating and editing video content
- Fully Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- The strongest candidates for this position will have experience with and passion for innovation, a strong teamwork orientation, extensive knowledge of and passion for natural history, knowledge of current trends/opportunities in informal science education, and the ability to envision/fund/implement strategic goals.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
- Occasional lifting (< 50 lbs) is necessary.
- Regular program delivery in outdoor settings.
- Valid Florida Driver License
To be considered, applicants must upload:
- Cover Letter
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- List of three references
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required: Yes
Applications Close: 14 September 2026
To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/541077
Our Commitment: The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.
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