Holden Forests and Gardens seeks a Hershey Children’s Garden Educator (seasonal).

The Education Department seeks a friendly team member to work within the Hershey Children’s Garden to provide educational programming.  The Hershey Children’s Garden seasonal employee will support the education department and work to maintain the Hershey Children’s Garden. Primary duties include general grounds maintenance, guest engagement, and supporting program development and delivery for our seasonal youth and family activities along with summer camps. This position will work closely with the Environmental Educator and the Public Program Coordinator along with volunteers and collaborates with other departments as needed. We are seeking a creative individual, who is passionate about the outdoors, and who enjoys sharing information with the public.

Position Details:

• Full-time, seasonal, non-exempt position
• Schedule includes weekends and occasional evenings
  • Availability to work Wednesday through Sunday or Tuesday through Saturday
• Training provided
• Season approximately late March - September
• $13/hr
• Reports to the Hershey Children’s Garden Coordinator

Key Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities of the Hershey Children’s Garden seasonal employee include but are not limited to: 

Hershey Children’s Garden:

• Assist with the maintenance and horticultural upkeep, including planting, watering, racking, weeding, mulching, plant pruning, and some plant removal from a pond and flower beds
• Ensure all interactive areas of the Hershey Children’s Garden are in guest ready condition
• Make sure handouts and interpretation materials are stocked and ready for guest use
• Serve as a point of contact for Hershey Children’s Garden volunteers on weekdays and Saturdays
• Collaborate with volunteers to complete assigned projects

Camp Programming & Garden Outreach:

• Help the Public Programs Coordinator with preparations for camp and assist with co-leading camps as needed
• Deliver inquiry-based family programming
• Assist with other educational and outreach events at University Circle as needed

General Education:

• Aid in programs and events as needed in the Education Department
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:

• High school diploma, or equivalent, required
• Availability to work weekends and some evenings, required
• Interest or experience in education, environmental science, horticulture, agriculture, museum studies, social sciences, or related fields, preferred
• Ability to understand basic instructions is required. Bilingual individuals are highly desired.
• Experience in youth education, leadership, or camp counselor roles, preferred
• Experience working with volunteers, a plus
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Experience with or strong interest in plant care and gardening, preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Stand and sit for extended periods of time
• Perform tasks in all weather conditions; temperatures may range from 15-100°F
• Working primarily outdoors where temperature extremes exist
• Effective vision and hearing
• Hand and arm dexterity
• Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery, or rocky terrain
• Kneel, bend, stoop, grab, and reach
• Regular lifting and carrying of up to 30 pounds, occasionally 50 pounds
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs                                      
• Criminal background check pass required

Salary range: $13 an hour

Job classification: Full-time, seasonal

To apply: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Qualified applicants should submit résumé, cover letter and 3 professional references. Apply at https://holdenfg.org/career-and-internships.

Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country’s foremost public gardens.

Posted: March 8, 2022