Specialist, Learning and Engagement, Temporary

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 formal garden collections and natural walking trails founded atop the most unlikely of beginnings — a sanitary landfill. Today, South Coast Botanic Garden (SCBG) stands as a testament to the regenerative power of nature and the possibilities for land reclamation as it continues to transition from landfill to landmark.

The stunning Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden is a signature experience, along with the show-stopping Living Wall, a long-term exhibit of eight remarkable large-scale works of fine art sculpture, a seasonal butterfly pavilion, annual public programs and rotating traveling exhibitions. Programs invite guests to interact with nature through music, craft, science, and wellness activities. Even more excitement is ahead with the creation of a 3.5-acre Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden scheduled for completion in the coming years.

There has never been a better time to join this dynamic team.

SCBG fosters an environment where strategic focus and cultural health work hand-in-hand, ensuring alignment and resilience. The ideal candidate displays a grateful and positive outlook, wholeheartedly supports SCBG’s mission to connect ALL to the wonders of nature, and has the grit necessary to grow with the Garden. Candidates should be excited to collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to the organization’s strategic goals..

POSITION TITLE

Specialist, Learning & Engagement (Temporary)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Reports to Manager, Learning & Engagement

JOB SUMMARY:

The Learning & Engagement (L&E) Specialist supports the implementation of existing and future Garden exhibits and programs. Exhibits and programs include, but are not limited to, the traveling exhibit Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: A Field Study (March – October), workshops (March – September), Guided Group Visits (April – September), and the SOAR Tropical Butterfly Pavilion.

Specialists also act as volunteer liaisons, assist with exhibit installation, and track workshop supply inventory. This is a fast-paced, evolving environment, and we seek a candidate eager to support the Garden’s continued growth as a welcoming place for all to enjoy.

This is a temporary assignment expected to run from March through October 2026. Temporary employment does not guarantee continued employment beyond the assignment period.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement and lead workshops, including but not limited to: Parent & Me: Pollination Exploration, “Get Knotty” Macramé, and Botanical Keepsakes: Pressed Flower Frames.
• Lead interpretive tours and guided experiences, including the Troll Trek Tour 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 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 exhibit areas, 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• One or more years of experience working as a tour guide, instructor, educator, or in a similar interpretive or facilitation role.
• One or more years of experience working in a nonprofit, corporate, or related organization.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to learn and present scripted and interpretive content effectively.
• Comfortable working in close proximity to insects and other wildlife commonly found in a garden environment.
• Contributes to a respectful, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Ability to travel between work areas on Garden property and perform job-related duties.
• Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.
• Ability to stand, walk, and bend for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat and rain.
• The physical requirements described above are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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
• Ability to follow established frameworks for workshops and programs
• Strong verbal communication skills (experience with improvisation preferred

POSITION DETAILS

This is a temporary, part-time, non-exempt position (up to 28 hours per week). The position is eligible for overtime in accordance with California law.

The hourly pay range for this position is $20.00 – $22.00 per hour. The final hourly rate offered will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Schedule includes Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with some evenings and holidays as needed. Candidates should anticipate availability for the duration of the temporary appointment. SCBG will consider requests for reasonable accommodation consistent with applicable law.

Temporary part-time employees are not eligible for benefits except as required by law.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received. Candidates are encouraged to apply early for full consideration. Deadline to apply is March 21st, 2026.

Salary : $20 - $22