Community & Youth Garden Educator

Holden Forests & Gardens•Cleveland, OH

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community & Youth Garden Educator position is responsible for the presentation and development of engaging informal education programs (school field trips, Scouts badges, public programming, internship learning experiences) based on horticultural and environmental science concepts, skills, and activities. Based mostly at Cleveland Botanical Garden (CBG), the Community & Youth Garden Educator is a dynamic role which supports the Education Department with an array of K-12 th grade-focused initiatives throughout the year. This position is based at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus in Cleveland, OH and includes travel to offsite locations throughout the greater Cleveland Area, plus occasional travel to the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH. A flexible schedule is necessary to support programming, including maintaining a Tuesday through Saturday work schedule, plus occasional evenings and Sundays, and rarely, working on holidays during the summer.

Requirements

Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural sciences, horticultural studies, or related fields
Significant practical experience in a related field or type of work will be accepted in lieu of a degree
Two or more years of programming experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds
Must enjoy working with middle and high school age youth
Highly proficient with the use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook email and calendar
Effective and appropriate verbal and written communication
Ability to work within a team and be self-motivating when working independently
Ability to take the initiative and problem-solve
Valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record required
Criminal background check pass, required

Responsibilities

Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
Facilitate garden discovery in indoor and outdoor settings throughout Holden Forests & Gardens’ campuses, in addition to off- site locations like schools, recreation centers, and community-hosted events
Thoroughly prepare for and enthusiastically lead existing programs and events for PreK – 12th grade students and community members of all ages related- but not limited to- botany, ecology, phenology, endangered species, and more
Create positive work experiences for interns, variable instructors, and volunteers by leading trainings, coordinating schedules, outlining tasks, and preparing materials
Work in collaboration with the Horticulture & Collections staff and outside partners to facilitate intern garden learning experiences that include watering, weeding, mulching, pruning, propagating, etc.
Collaborate with other departments as needed to assist in developing new programs and activities
Ensure safety and build rapport by employing class/ group management techniques when working with the public, program participants, HF&G staff, and volunteers
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills: ability to interact with the public, parents/guardians, teachers, community partners and staff with tact, courtesy, and respect
Observe all safety protocols and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for positions and/or specific activities.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
Paid Time Off
8 Paid Holidays a year + 3 floating holidays
403(b)
Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability
Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland
Discounts in our stores & cafes
Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open
Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums
Free Employee Assistance Program