University of Minnesota
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Garden Exhibit Coordinator
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Garden Exhibit Coordinator
Location: Chanhassen, Minnesota
12‑month 0.5 FTE recurring position. Reports to the Manager of Interpretation and Visitor Learning.
Job Description The Garden Exhibit Coordinator coordinates two co‑curated, interpretive "story garden" exhibits at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Through the Story Garden program, the Arboretum works with community partners to develop living garden exhibits focused on stories of plant‑people connections that are historically underrepresented in botanical gardens. The Coordinator is involved in each exhibit for its entire 1–2 year lifespan from ideation to completion. Main tasks include managing exhibit logistics, maintaining relationships with co‑curators, collaborating across Arboretum departments to complete time‑sensitive deliverables, drafting interpretive text, leading tours, and planning small educational events.
The position is half‑time (20 hr/week), year‑round.
Responsibilities Exhibit development and execution (50%)
Assist in identifying and building relationships with potential exhibit co‑curators
Communicate regularly with co‑curators and internal Arboretum staff; involving a mix of in‑person meetings, phone, video, and email communication
Serve as a main point of contact with co‑curators throughout each exhibit
Maintain strong familiarity with subject matter related to each exhibit; utilizing library archives, peer‑reviewed literature, cultural institutions, and other resources as needed
Assist in writing exhibit project plans
Under direction from Manager of Interpretation, draft interpretive text for signage
Schedule and co‑facilitate oral history interviews with co‑curators
Work with a team to help plan and implement the garden exhibit designs based on co‑curators’ vision and guidance from Arboretum horticulture staff
Order and install interpretive signage and labels
Project management (25%)
Use collaborative project management tools (e.g., Asana) to track exhibit progress and task completion
Ensure all tasks are completed on schedule with high quality outcomes
Document exhibit progress through record‑keeping, written reports, post‑program evaluations, and photographs
Resolve issues in a timely and respectful manner
Identify and communicate with external vendors (e.g., graphic designers, sign fabricators, and language translation services)
Interpretative programs (25%)
Lead exhibit tours to groups representing a diversity of organizations, ages, and cultural backgrounds, based on guidance from co‑curators and the Manager of Interpretation
Collaborate with the Youth Education Manager to plan and execute custom field trips associated with exhibits
Collaborate with Adult Education Manager and Culinary Instructor to plan classes associated with exhibits
Qualifications Required qualifications
BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years, in an applicable field such as museum studies, ethnobotany, sociology, history, or horticulture
A cover letter and writing sample are required to be considered for this position
Excellent writing and speaking skills; experience developing educational content for a general audience
Two years of documented experience collaborating with people from various cultures
Project management experience; including project planning, monitoring task completion, and communicating among team members
Willingness to work independently and as part of a team
Must be able to provide own transportation to and from partner sites
Desired qualifications
Formal training in horticulture; or at least 1 year experience working in a farm, urban garden, or botanic garden setting
Experience developing interpretive displays in a museum, garden, zoo, or nature center setting
Experience researching and teaching about horticulture and/or cultural uses of plants
Deep familiarity with cultural communities and local food systems in the Upper Midwest
Interpretive guide training, and experience delivering tours and hands‑on activities
Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and/or other language(s) and willingness to translate exhibit materials
Most work will occur Monday‑Friday, with occasional limited weekend hours; some remote work is supported, while other tasks require on‑site presence at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Physical Demands The work takes place in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, at the Arboretum and partner sites. There will be occasional standing and walking, as well as speaking to the public, staff, and program participants.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $23.00 – $25.00 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 50% (Full‑time equivalent)
Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented 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
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
How to Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be uploaded through your "My Job Applications" page in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To apply, please include a resume, cover letter, and writing sample with your application.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Diversity 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
Employment Requirements 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.
About the U of M 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).
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12‑month 0.5 FTE recurring position. Reports to the Manager of Interpretation and Visitor Learning.
Job Description The Garden Exhibit Coordinator coordinates two co‑curated, interpretive "story garden" exhibits at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Through the Story Garden program, the Arboretum works with community partners to develop living garden exhibits focused on stories of plant‑people connections that are historically underrepresented in botanical gardens. The Coordinator is involved in each exhibit for its entire 1–2 year lifespan from ideation to completion. Main tasks include managing exhibit logistics, maintaining relationships with co‑curators, collaborating across Arboretum departments to complete time‑sensitive deliverables, drafting interpretive text, leading tours, and planning small educational events.
The position is half‑time (20 hr/week), year‑round.
Responsibilities Exhibit development and execution (50%)
Assist in identifying and building relationships with potential exhibit co‑curators
Communicate regularly with co‑curators and internal Arboretum staff; involving a mix of in‑person meetings, phone, video, and email communication
Serve as a main point of contact with co‑curators throughout each exhibit
Maintain strong familiarity with subject matter related to each exhibit; utilizing library archives, peer‑reviewed literature, cultural institutions, and other resources as needed
Assist in writing exhibit project plans
Under direction from Manager of Interpretation, draft interpretive text for signage
Schedule and co‑facilitate oral history interviews with co‑curators
Work with a team to help plan and implement the garden exhibit designs based on co‑curators’ vision and guidance from Arboretum horticulture staff
Order and install interpretive signage and labels
Project management (25%)
Use collaborative project management tools (e.g., Asana) to track exhibit progress and task completion
Ensure all tasks are completed on schedule with high quality outcomes
Document exhibit progress through record‑keeping, written reports, post‑program evaluations, and photographs
Resolve issues in a timely and respectful manner
Identify and communicate with external vendors (e.g., graphic designers, sign fabricators, and language translation services)
Interpretative programs (25%)
Lead exhibit tours to groups representing a diversity of organizations, ages, and cultural backgrounds, based on guidance from co‑curators and the Manager of Interpretation
Collaborate with the Youth Education Manager to plan and execute custom field trips associated with exhibits
Collaborate with Adult Education Manager and Culinary Instructor to plan classes associated with exhibits
Qualifications Required qualifications
BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years, in an applicable field such as museum studies, ethnobotany, sociology, history, or horticulture
A cover letter and writing sample are required to be considered for this position
Excellent writing and speaking skills; experience developing educational content for a general audience
Two years of documented experience collaborating with people from various cultures
Project management experience; including project planning, monitoring task completion, and communicating among team members
Willingness to work independently and as part of a team
Must be able to provide own transportation to and from partner sites
Desired qualifications
Formal training in horticulture; or at least 1 year experience working in a farm, urban garden, or botanic garden setting
Experience developing interpretive displays in a museum, garden, zoo, or nature center setting
Experience researching and teaching about horticulture and/or cultural uses of plants
Deep familiarity with cultural communities and local food systems in the Upper Midwest
Interpretive guide training, and experience delivering tours and hands‑on activities
Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and/or other language(s) and willingness to translate exhibit materials
Most work will occur Monday‑Friday, with occasional limited weekend hours; some remote work is supported, while other tasks require on‑site presence at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Physical Demands The work takes place in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, at the Arboretum and partner sites. There will be occasional standing and walking, as well as speaking to the public, staff, and program participants.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $23.00 – $25.00 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 50% (Full‑time equivalent)
Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented 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
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
How to Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be uploaded through your "My Job Applications" page in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To apply, please include a resume, cover letter, and writing sample with your application.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Diversity 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
Employment Requirements 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.
About the U of M 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).
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