Specialist, Learning and Engagement, Temporary

South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation•Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

South Coast Botanic Garden’s mission is to connect ALL to the wonders of nature and create offbeat experiences that inspire stewardship and sustainability. The 87-acre destination is an oasis of curated gardens and natural landscapes built atop a reclaimed landfill—serving as a powerful example of environmental renewal. From the Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden to the Living Wall and immersive seasonal exhibits, the Garden offers guests unique opportunities to engage with nature. With continued growth and exciting new developments ahead, this is an exciting time to join a dynamic and evolving organization. South Coast Botanic Garden fosters a workplace culture where strategic focus and cultural health go hand in hand. Team members are collaborative, adaptable, and committed to supporting the Garden’s mission and guest experience.

Requirements

One or more years of experience working as a tour guide, instructor, educator, or in a similar interpretive or facilitation role
Experience providing welcoming, guest-centered experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal staff across departments and with external audiences, including guests and volunteers
Ability to follow established frameworks for workshops and programs
Strong verbal communication skills (experience with improvisation preferred)
Excellent communication and customer service skills; facilitation or improvisational experience preferred.
Ability to learn, memorize, and accurately deliver scripts and interpretive content
Comfortable working in close proximity to insects and other wildlife commonly found in a garden environment
Commitment to contributing to a respectful, inclusive, and professional work environment.
Ability to travel between work areas on Garden property and perform job-related duties, with or without reasonable accommodation
Availability to work a regular schedule that includes weekends (especially Saturdays), with occasional evenings and holidays based on program and operational needs.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Valid driver’s license or the ability to use an alternative form of transportation necessary to perform job-related essential functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience facilitating programs, workshops, tours, presentations, performing arts, public speaking, or other audience-facing activities preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement and lead seasonal workshops. Implementation includes helping to train volunteers, leading material collection, tracking supply inventory, and assisting with set up and tear down for all scheduled workshops.
Lead interpretive tours and guided experiences, including the tours of our temporary exhibits and all sections of the Guided Group Visit curriculum, connecting exhibits to the Garden’s land reclamation story and plant collections.
Assist with exhibit installation and preparation, including distributing and packaging exhibit materials, cleaning and stocking exhibit areas, and collaborating with the Operations Department on installation-related tasks.
Support daily operations of the SOAR Tropical Butterfly Pavilion, including ensuring USDA compliance, receiving and inventorying shipments, cleaning and engaging with guests and volunteers.
Provide a high-quality, safe, welcoming, and professional experience for guests of all ages and backgrounds, while demonstrating strong customer service skills and collaborating effectively with staff and volunteers across the organization.
Other duties as assigned