Enchanted Garden Instructor

Howard County Library System•Ellicott City, MD

6d•$49,760 - $87,254•Onsite

About The Position

HCLS is seeking a highly motivated Enchanted Garden Instructor to oversee its sustainable, community-based teaching garden adjacent to the Miller Branch and Historical Center. The garden features vegetables, herbs, and flowers in raised beds and along its perimeter; its food is donated to the Howard County Food Bank. The instructor turns the garden into an outdoor classroom, providing hands-on learning about food, nutrition, sustainable gardening, ecology, and wildlife for students of all ages. The role works with volunteers and community partners to grow and maintain the garden and contributes to an inclusive environment aligned with HCLS racial and social equity goals. The position combines garden oversight and instruction with broader library and customer-service work. Duties include creating and teaching classes and events, collaborating with instructors and community organizations, supervising garden maintenance staff, managing supplies and the garden budget, and supporting customers at library service desks. The position is currently located at the Miller Branch and reports to the Miller Branch Manager. It is full-time at 37.5 hours per week, with a schedule Monday through Saturday that includes two nights per week, alternating Fridays and Saturdays, and up to two Sundays per month. Evening and weekend work is required for HCLS signature events. Some driving may be required, and participation in LATI may be required. The salary range is $49,760–$87,254 per year.

Requirements

Four-year college degree.
Demonstrated garden-related knowledge and experience.
Professional experience in local food, agriculture, gardening, or community gardening.
Ability to work effectively with others to plan and implement curriculum and services.
Exceptional customer service skills.
Ability to develop positive working relationships with stakeholders, including partner agencies and organizations, elected officials, community supporters, staff, and volunteers.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Technology proficiency, including internet, electronic databases, office applications, and other library-related programs.
Current valid driver’s license.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, reach, and push or pull a cart.
Ability to perform strenuous activities, such as carrying bags or boxes of books and arranging rooms for classes and events.

Nice To Haves

A four-year degree in biology, botany, horticulture, environmental science, earth science, or a related subject.
Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, Ecological Gardener, or Permaculture Design certification.

Responsibilities

Oversee the design, production, maintenance, and preservation of the Enchanted Garden.
Plan, design, and teach garden classes on gardening, environmental education, and nutritional literacy for children, teens, and adults.
Collaborate with HCLS instructors to plan, design, and teach gardening, environmental education, and nutritional literacy classes in branches and online.
Coordinate educational opportunities with community groups, clubs, agencies, and garden volunteers.
Direct and oversee the work of garden maintenance staff.
Ensure environmentally sound horticultural practices are applied.
Train volunteers and staff in garden use, safety, and maintenance procedures.
Coordinate with landscape design and installation firms when garden features require their consultation or services.
Work with staff to identify and place memorial donation items in the garden.
Contribute to planning the annual budget, manage the budget, and order supplies, tools, and equipment.
Maintain attractive, plentiful, and current displays; participate in collection maintenance and shelf-reading assignments.
Assist customers with basic computer skills, internet searching, e-book downloads, e-resources, and copy/fax center equipment.
Recommend reading, viewing, or listening materials and provide expert reference assistance and customer service.
Work at any HCLS Research Desk as needed.
Serve as a passport acceptance agent when required.
Host HCLS Branch tours showcasing services, events, and products.
Conduct community outreach through events that raise awareness of HCLS services, including e-resources and loanable technology.
Plan, teach, and facilitate participatory public events, seminars, and workshops.
Visit schools to teach A+ Partners in Education classes, promote books, and provide instructional resources for students and staff.
Support and collaborate with other instructors and the customer service team.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Participate in professional training and development and special community events.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance and adhere to policies and procedures.