Interpretation Assistant

Missouri Botanical Garden•St. Louis, MO

5d•$16•Onsite

About The Position

The Interpretation Assistant develops and implements high-quality interpretive strategies and informal educational programming that support the Garden’s mission. The role engages visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities throughout the Garden, fostering personal experiences, learning, stronger connections with the Garden and its global work, and more sustainable choices and actions. The assistant also maintains interpretive displays and props, provides visitor information, and helps ensure safe, positive, and educational experiences. The position supports programming and interpretive materials across areas including the Children’s Garden, Tower Grove House, Brookings Exploration Center, PlantLab, and special exhibits. Responsibilities also include maintaining educational resources and facilities, responding to visitor concerns, administering First Aid/CPR as necessary, completing administrative and event-related tasks, and helping with seasonal setup and closing operations. The role is part-time, scheduled for 24 hours per week on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and reports to the Supervisor, Interpretation.

Requirements

One to three years of experience developing, preparing, and delivering educational opportunities for audiences of diverse ages, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds is strongly preferred.
Strong presentation and public-speaking skills and excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills.
Experience researching and developing interpretive programs and experiential learning opportunities.
Understanding of visitor-centered approaches and ability to respond helpfully to visitor inquiries and concerns.
Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in a team, listen, and seek clarification.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze inquiries and identify steps toward resolution.
Process design and improvement skills to support continuous improvement.
Ability to prioritize, manage time, plan and organize work, and perform under pressure.
Dependability, accuracy, thoroughness, ability to follow instructions, and willingness to apply feedback.
Scheduling flexibility to routinely work weekends, holidays, and some evenings.
Ability to work independently, complete assignments with minimal instruction, learn quickly, take initiative, and follow established routines.
Ability to serve visitors and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced public attraction and cultural institution.
Maintain a positive attitude and professional appearance and comply with health and safety guidelines, policies, procedures, and uniform requirements.
Associate degree in education, science education, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, public horticulture, interpretation, recreation, or equivalent; an equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience may be considered.
Completion of college-level coursework in interpretation, early childhood education, botany, biology, history, museum studies, or a related subject.
Proficient computer and keyboard skills, including experience with Microsoft Office; solid Internet and library research skills.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
Basic high-school math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and calculating percentages and decimals.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and apply facts and principles to resolve conflicts in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to obtain and maintain CIG (or equivalent) certification through the National Association for Interpretation.
Ability to obtain and maintain adult and child First Aid/CPR certification.
Ability to use a computer keyboard and touch-screen monitor; lift and carry 20–40 pounds; perform tasks at varying heights, including climbing ladders; and work in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach for extended periods; standing and engaging visitors on foot accounts for 85% or more of the work week.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, participate hands-on in informal programming and plant maintenance or artifact care, and work comfortably and professionally in close proximity to the public.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including temperatures above 100°F and below 0°F and rain, snow, or other inclement weather.
Wear Garden-provided uniform shirts and jackets and comply with departmental dress-code requirements.
When international travel is necessary for Garden business, ability to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for destination countries.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, research, prepare, and deliver informal interpretive programming and experiential learning opportunities throughout the Garden.
Work with the Manager of Interpretation and Interpretation Supervisors to develop interpretive materials, including signage, publications, tours, sensory-friendly resources, and audio, visual, or interactive digital media.
Engage visitors, provide information about Garden experiences and opportunities, and help create a safe, positive, and developmentally, culturally, and topically appropriate learning environment.
Respond to visitor concerns and complaints, take appropriate action, and escalate situations to management when needed.
Create, procure, maintain, store, and organize program supplies.
Monitor interpretive facilities, conduct routine safety checks, submit maintenance requests, and report concerns to management.
Communicate and enforce Garden etiquette and safety guidelines, monitor visitor behavior, and administer First Aid/CPR as necessary; report incidents and concerns.
Perform administrative tasks such as tracking departmental statistics, submitting internal requests, restocking visitor information, supporting volunteers, assisting with training or orientation, contributing to operational updates, providing tours as needed, and attending recurring meetings.
Participate in pre-season setup and post-season closing, including moving or cleaning equipment, setting up or removing props, and stocking or removing merchandise.
Assist with other Garden events as requested and perform other duties as assigned.
Meet attendance expectations and follow Garden policies, procedures, safety guidelines, and department requirements.
Promote teamwork and cooperation with coworkers, supervisors, volunteers, visitors, and other Garden employees.