School Program Instructor, On Call

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS INC•Aurora, CO

About The Position

This position teaches or supports Education programs, primarily at the Plains Conservation Center in Aurora, as well as other Denver Botanic Gardens locations. Program Instructors work alongside volunteers and staff to implement interactive, hands-on, plant-based curriculum to PreK-12th grade students. Programs include but are not limited to school field trip visits, guided tours, online lessons, programs at schools, Cultivation Cruisers and special events. Additionally, this position assists with coordinating program staff, maintains materials, keeps accurate records, and supports other program efforts. Variable schedule, 0-20 hours per week, Tuesday-Saturday availability desired.

Requirements

Flexibility in changing circumstances and high energy required.
Must be capable of moving and communicating for a long period of time.
Must be capable of working independently and in a team environment.
Must be available to work flexible hours during work week and occasional weekends.
Must currently possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Colorado State driver’s license, plus an acceptable driving record. Reliable access to a dependable, insured, and privately-owned vehicle is necessary.
Familiarity with Microsoft Windows based systems and the Microsoft office-based software (Word, Excel, Outlook, and scheduling software) required.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving.
Must be capable of working independently and in a team environment.
Must be available to work flexible hours during work week and occasional weekends.
Must have proven excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills in dealing with the public.
Ability to maintain stability under pressure and able to deal well with stressful situations.
Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans, when necessary, throughout the day.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook and Teams.
Ability to work overtime as necessary.
Must be a positive representative of the Gardens both internally and externally at all times.
Must work with respect and cooperation at all times with fellow employees and the public.
Must be committed to working safely at all times.
Bachelors degree from four-year college or university in biology or education or a related field is required.
Minimum of 3 months of experience in teaching and managing a group of students (preK-12) in a formal or informal environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Position requires a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience in teaching a variety of age levels and diverse populations using a hands-on, constructivist philosophy is desirable.
Spanish-speaking desirable.
Previous experience in a school setting or as a licensed teacher is desirable.
Experience teaching biological, botanical, or environmental topics is desirable.

Responsibilities

Leads guided programs to groups of school-age students.
Greets arriving students and touch base with teachers and chaperones regarding planned activities.
Provides program introduction to groups of school-age students, teachers and parent chaperones.
Leads groups of students through program activities, following established curriculum.
Teaches Cultivation Cruiser programs to groups of PreK-12th grade students at area schools and other locations.
Prepares materials and equipment for assigned programs.
Works in coordination with horticulture staff with care of living plants used in programs.
Maintains a safe environment for class and program participants and address first aid issues.
Communicates with teachers, parents and others in regard to their child’s or children’s presence.
Assists in developing and revising program curriculum.
Assists with other children’s programs as needed.
Supervises students eating lunch or taking a break as needed.
Teaches assigned online programs to groups of PreK-12th grade students.
Follows established protocols to coordinate programs and volunteers as needed.
Keeps accurate records of attendance, programs, confirmations, or other matters as needed.
Works to assure the highest quality experience for all DBG visitors.
Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers, and others.
Maintains a positive, helpful, and solution-oriented demeanor when responding to or serving members and visitors.
Regular attendance at the worksite may be required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.
All Gardens employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.