Instructor, Butterfly House

Missouri Botanical Garden • Chesterfield, MO

26d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Education Program Instructor's primary responsibility is to develop, prepare and deliver insect-themed programs for Butterfly House visitors, including birthday parties. The Instructor will facilitate programs at the Butterfly House as well as programs offsite at schools or community events. The target population for this position is families with elementary and preschool children, Scout groups, and school groups.

Requirements

• Minimum of one (1) year instructional experience working or assisting with the target population.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly comfortable working with and handling invertebrate animals.
• Exhibits genuine interest in the outdoors, ecology, sustainability, natural history.
• Demonstrated knowledgebase or experience in natural sciences, including entomology, botany, and ecology.
• Completes tasks with minor guidance to coordinate meetings and programs, set deadlines, and promptly set up, deliver and complete projects/presentations in a timely manner.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends, late afternoons/evenings, and occasional holidays is required.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English (oral and written).
• Proficient H.S. basic math aptitude: requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals; etc.
• Proficient in navigating through the Internet, and various PC applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word) or a similar application.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification if hired.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.
• Ability to walk long distances in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions in daylight and evening hours, and in hilly wilderness and structured areas.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e. step stools, stooping, etc.).
• Able to lift up to (30) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment).
• Ability to stand and move about entire facility for extended periods of time - 50% or more of the workday is standing on feet (e.g., extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).
• Able to pitch a tent and use craft tools.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with interpretation, outdoor education, camping, scouting, student teaching or teaching preferred.
• Experience working in a cultural institution preferred.
• Prior experience working in an informal education setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans, prepares, delivers or oversees delivery of engaging, structured educational programs for students, adults and families.
• Participates in all aspects of program development including curriculum development, program set-up, delivery and clean-up.
• Delivers programs primarily at The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House.
• May deliver programs at The Missouri Botanical Garden, Shaw Nature Reserve, or a designated off-site location (Schools, Scout events and community events).
• Prepares and leads engaging activities for birthday parties hosted by Butterfly House.
• Assists with seasonal insect-themed education events such as Summer Festivals and Scout Nights, including gathering rosters, greeting guests, and delivering educational programming components.
• Assists in program delivery for community-based outreach initiatives and grant-funded programs.
• Assists with creating and maintaining program supplies; advises supervisor or manager of supplies to be ordered in a timely manner.
• Assists in the recruitment, selection, training, supervision and recognition of volunteers.
• Provides information about programming at community events, Scout functions, and family opportunity fairs.
• Provides assistance in scheduling and booking outreach and school programming.
• Assists in maintaining invertebrate animal collection and plant collection, including opening duties, fruit/nectar trays preparation, entomology lab duties, watering Tropical Conservatory, and butterfly releases.
• Perform point of sale (POS) transactions to assist in programs, admissions, sand art, butterfly releases, etc.
• Collaborates with Education Division colleagues, Garden staff and area informal educators on best practices in teaching and learning.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed (i.e., informs students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.).
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Behave & communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date.
• The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines.
• When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level