Instructor, Education Programs, Part-Time

Summary:

Serves as an instructor for all aspects of the public programs, which includes youth and family programming, scout groups (at MBG, SNR and off-site), therapeutic horticulture, and adult education. Occasionally supports instructional needs of other departments, such as school programs and interpretation. Participates in advancing the Garden's mission through capacity building for effective outdoor learning and nature-based learning experiences, including design, development, and delivery of learning experiences aimed at increasing wonder, curiosity and interest in the natural world.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops, prepares and delivers quality, engaging environmental educational for learners across the Education Division. Provides lessons and activities that stimulate curiosity and appreciation of the natural world, exploration, and problem-solving.
• Participates in team planning sessions with staff to ensure well-coordinated and effective delivery of instruction to meet learning goals and objectives.
• Assists with creating, procuring, maintaining, and organizing programs and instructional resource supplies.
• Assists with professional development workshops and sessions for educators.
• Coordinates teaching schedule with Garden staff, informal science colleagues, and teachers as needed for educational programming.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/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.
• Collaborates with Public Programs Manager for development, creation, and implementation of new youth programming initiatives.
• Supports the maintenance and purchasing of materials needed for programming.
• Promotes a department culture of teamwork and mutual support; maintains an open line of communication with the Public Programs Team, and other Garden divisions.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision-making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.

Qualifications and/or Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years working on developing and delivering effective instruction (e.g. adult, youth, family education; outdoor education)
• Prior experience working in a cultural institution preferred.
• Scheduling flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed is required.
• Ability to travel occasionally (local and/or domestic) as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal team members and external organizations for the purposes of creating a commitment to common goals, prioritizing, minimizing obstacles, and executing realistic priorities in a sophisticated environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently with little instruction; coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner.
• Exceptional ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. 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.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in education, science education, ecology, environmental science required.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Communication and Language Skills:

• Ability to effectively communicate in English (oral and written).
• Accurately communicates in oral and written language.

Mathematical Skills:

• Proficient H.S. basic math aptitude: requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals; etc.

Computer Skills:

• 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.
• Familiarity with use of smart boards or digital learning tools.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.

Physical Demands:

• 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.
• Ability to bend on ground in damp conditions.
• Ability to stand for 100% of the two three-hour program and preparation times.
• Able to carry up to 30 lbs.
• Able to pitch a tent and use craft tools.

Work Environment:

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding horticulture collection.
• Required Saturday and late afternoon/evening schedule required.

Supervisor: Manager, Public Programs