Education Specialist

The Holden Arboretum

Seasonal, Part-Time

Opportunity:

The Education Specialist will assist with public programming and academic efforts at the Holden Arboretum. The Education Specialist will design and lead drop-in programs for youth and families, support academic and scout programming, aid in preparing and facilitating activities for summer camps, and assist with special events.

This position is based at the Holden Arboretum campus in Kirtland, OH, with occasional travel to the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, OH.

Position Details:

• Term: This is a temporary, seasonal position beginning in August and ending in mid-November 2025. A successful candidate may have the opportunity to return in mid-January for the next seasonal cycle, which continues through the following November.
• Hours: Approximately 24 hours per week
• Schedule: Availability to work weekends and some evenings required
• Pay: $15.00/hour
• A great position for anyone looking to gain experience in early childhood education, environmental education, ecology, horticulture, museum studies, or social sciences
  
  
  

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Environmental Educator include but are not limited to:

Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods:

• Assist with maintenance of Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods natural play area, including grounds, structures, and displays
• Ensure all interactive structures and activities at Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods are in good working condition for safety of guests and collections, and report all damages
• Design and deliver educational youth & family programming for Buckeye Bud’s on weekends and assist with other educational programs as needed with guidance and support from Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator
• Assist with maintenance of Habitat Hut and Roberta’s Bird Blind
• Design interpretive handouts and materials for guests use at Buckeye Bud’s, Habitat Hut, and Roberta’s Bird Blind with guidance and support from Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator while ensuring all locations are well-stocked with supplies with guidance and support from staff 
• Serve as point of contact for volunteers as needed, and work with volunteers to complete assigned projects
  
  
  

Arboretum Academic Programs:

• Facilitate academic programs
• Assists with the development of new programs and activities
• Provide support for curriculum planning and material preparation
• Engage with community partners to enhance educational offerings
  
  
  

General Education Duties: 

• Assist with other projects, programs, and events as necessary in the Education Department  
• Work closely with contract instructors, volunteers, seasonals, interns, and other department staff as needed 
• Opportunity to assist with events and programs at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned
  
  
  

Qualifications and Skills:

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
• Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
• High school graduate
• Pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, Environmental Science, Ecology, Horticulture, Museum Studies, Social Sciences, or related field, preferred
• Experience in academic programming, youth and family programming, leadership, or camp counselor roles is preferred
• Experience working with volunteers, a plus
• Good communication and customer service skills
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required
• Must pass criminal background check
• Availability to work weekends and some evenings required
  
  
  

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Stand and sit for extended periods of time
• Sitting, standing, kneeling, and bending on uneven surfaces
• Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery or rocky terrain
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs
  
  
  

Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!

Apply:

Qualified applicants should submit résumé, a cover letter explaining why they want to work at Holden Forests & Gardens & how they see this role as part of their career path along with 3 professional references. Applications will be reviewed on Monday, July 14, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in Board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.