Education Program Guide

Position Summary: Facilitate nature education programs for schools, scouts, and families by using the Arboretum’s natural landscapes. Help children discover the basic science concepts related to plant and animal life, interrelationships among species, and human influences on the environment, through engaging interpretive techniques and by following education program outlines. 

Essential Functions: 

• Facilitate tours/programs, outreach, and other activities to Preschool – 12^th grade students, scout groups, family audiences, and other informal youth groups by following program goals or outlines. 
• Present concepts related to the Arboretum’s natural and horticultural areas, special exhibits and events, and plant collections by using engaging interpretive and inquiry based teaching techniques, both on-site and off-site, in person and virtually. May be offered opportunities to work with specialized audiences to present program content, as opportunities present themselves.
• Guide groups on a variety of Arboretum trails, being alert to weather conditions, students’ level of understanding, and physical capabilities. Follow Arboretum safety guidelines to ensure the group is safe throughout their program or tour.
• Understand and communicate the Arboretum’s mission, vision, strategic plan, programs, and structure in a positive, constructive, and effective manner.
• May serve as a point of contact with teachers and scout leaders for assigned school and scout programs.
• Participate in required training sessions, mentoring assignments, staff meetings, planning sessions, and guide meetings. 
• Assist in the daily clean up and set up of programs as needed.
• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred. 1 years experience teaching/interpreting to children in formal or informal programs required. Coursework and/or experience in areas such as ecology, botany, biology, environmental science, general science, child development, interpretation or teaching methods preferred. Excellent oral presentation skills and the ability to engage and project enthusiasm about learning and nature to youth audiences required. Experience with English Language Learners or special needs students a plus. Must present professional image to the public by following the Arboretum/Education Program Guide dress code. Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Must become certified and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR (classes provided). Proficiency with Google applications preferred. 

Success Factors:Public service attitude and genuine enthusiasm for working with students and the public. Maintain a flexible, constructive, courteous approach to teachers, parents, children, and other guides. Sense of responsibility in the area of safety, including appropriate radio use and basic safety measures. Ability to check email and program content regularly for communication with supervisors and other staff. Stamina and ability to lead and deliver programs outdoors in various weather conditions. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity:  limited lifting and carrying (up to 30 lbs.), ability to travel two or more miles on paved, wood-chipped, and dirt paths over varied and uneven terrain.
• Work Environment: Work is performed primarily outdoors in various weather conditions throughout the four seasons. This position requires regular on-site presence.
• Other considerations: Ability to learn and retain education and logistical information to ensure a safe and successful program.
• Equipment: General office equipment, microscopes, two-way radio, assorted science equipment, individual backpacks with necessary materials and equipment are provided for Guides to use during programs.
• Schedule Expectations:
  • A typical shift for an Education Program Guide is between 2.5 and 5 hours. 
  • Position requires availability up to four days per week during spring and fall, and up to one or two days per week in the summer and winter. 
  • Availability requirements may change due to need. Availability is provided prior to the start of each season, but assignment to tours depends on audience demand. Amount of actual work is based on registration levels from season to season and year to year. Capacity for programs is often met, but is not a guarantee. 
  • May require evenings and weekends, up to once per month. 
  • This position is eligible to be a Summer Science Camp Instructor in the summer months, as well as support other education programs.