Learning and Engagement Specialist - Plant Information Systems

Learning and Engagement Specialist - Plant Information Systems

Location: JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER

The Learning and Engagement Specialist - Plant Information Systems plays a vital role in connecting the public with native plant knowledge through the management of key digital resources, including the Native Plants of North America (NPONA) database, Mr. Smarty Plants, and the plant image databases. This position supports the Center's mission by maintaining accurate and accessible plant information, responding to public inquiries, and enhancing user experience across platforms.

Through collaboration, volunteer coordination, and content development, the Specialist fosters meaningful engagement with native plants and ecosystems while supporting the educational goals of the Learning and Engagement team.

• Public Engagement and Resource Sharing. Respond to public requests for native plant information, images, and related resources through email, phone, and in-person inquiries. Ensure timely, accurate, and engaging communication that supports the Center's mission.
• Digital Innovation and User Experience. Drive innovation of NPONA and related resources to enhance public access and use of native plant information across desktop and mobile platforms. Collaborate with internal teams to improve usability, accessibility, and engagement with plant databases and image libraries.
• Database and Image Library Management. Maintain and update the NPONA database and native plant image library. Ensure data accuracy, metadata consistency, and alignment with current taxonomic standards. Coordinate with IT and content teams to support system functionality and user experience.
• Volunteer Coordination and Program Support. Recruit, train, and manage volunteers who support plant information programs. Develop engagement activities such as training sessions, festival participation, and special events that align with Learning and Engagement goals.
• Content Development and Editorial Support. Contribute to Wildflower Center communications by writing blog posts, educational content, and plant features for the website and other media. Provide editorial support for plant-related publications and outreach materials.
• Other Duties as Assigned. Support mission-related events, including occasional evening and weekend hours. Participate in cross-departmental initiatives and contribute to the continuous improvement of Learning and Engagement programs.

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing a database, preferably related to natural sciences, education, or public engagement.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in customer service, education, or public programming.
• Undergraduate degree in one of the following fields (or related):
  Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Information Science, Museum Studies, Education.
• Experience in digital asset management systems, including organizing, tagging, and maintaining image and document libraries.

• Working knowledge of plant taxonomy and classification systems.
• Familiarity with native plants and ecosystems, especially those relevant to Texas and the southern U.S.
• Understanding of AI technologies and their potential applications in public engagement and database accessibility.

$55,000+ depending on qualifications

• May work around standard office conditions, including repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Ability to work outside in all types of weather, including extreme temperatures.
• Evening and weekend work will be required for events.
• May stand for long periods of time.

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, some flexibility is available
• Occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays for mission-related events.

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information including email address; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
• Letter of interest

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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