Environmental Educator

Ladew Topiary Gardens, Inc.•Jacksonville, MD

6d•$40,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Educator is a member of the Education team reporting to the Director of Education. The overall purpose of this position is to help promote Ladew Gardens’ mission-driven programming to attract and serve a multi-cultural and multi-generational audience providing all participants an opportunity to create memories and connect with nature. This position is primarily responsible for developing, planning and directly teaching hands-on environmental education to our audiences focused on quality experiences related to our gardens, historical house, Nature Walk trail, and other areas of display that may be developed at Ladew Gardens.

Requirements

Demonstrated passion for the environment and the natural world and for sharing it with others in a comprehensive and audience-focused manner
Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental studies, biology, horticulture or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience in these areas
Direct experience in teaching children and adults in a variety of programmatic delivery modalities
Excellent organizational, administrative and computer skills; proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Zoom, and proven aptitude to learn other software programs
Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing environmental education curricula and activities to meet learning objectives in an engaging manner
Approachable, adaptable, creative, self-motivated individual who collaborates well and utilizes excellent communication skills
Ability to transport oneself for up to two consecutive hours and lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
Ability to work in all weather conditions to include temperature variations and precipitation
Evening and weekend onsite work required (at least one weekend day per month, February through October and December)

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver programming applicable for school age groups spanning from preschool to high school
Develop, coordinate and lead twice a month preschool program, Little Explorers, to include curriculum and hands-on experiences
Develop and deliver summer nature camps ensuring age-appropriate materials and engaging hands-on experiences
Participate in coordinating, planning and teaching weekend and evening family programs and events including Maple Magic, Family Nature Explorers, Garden Glow, Christmas Open House and new programs
Participate in the delivery of training for college interns and volunteer program leaders
Participate in volunteer events, Garden Festival, Wild Walks, etc.
Develop and propose recommendations to enhance, expand, or otherwise continuously improve the educational programs to ensure relevant and engaging content and experiences
Provide support to the education and administrative staff with appropriate social media posts, answering phones, marketing/advertising programs, program registration, office management
Participate in the operation of Ladew’s native butterfly house and garden
Perform functions that include periodic trail and garden hands-on maintenance & direct care of animal ambassadors