Summer Education Program Associate in Huntsville, Alabama at 132460 - Huntsville Madison Cty Botanical Garden

Job Title: Summer Education Program Associate

Department: Learning & Public Engagement

Supervisor: Learning Programs Manager

Supervises: None

FLSA Salary Classification: Non-exempt

Last Update: April

Availability: Summer season only. Minimum of 20 hours is required during regular garden hours. Some weekend and evening assignments are available.

Position Summary:

Implement nature discovery programs for youth and families in the summer by using the Garden as a living classroom. Help children discover the basic botanical science concepts related to plant and animal life, interrelationships among species, and human influences on the environment, through engaging interpretive techniques and by following the education program curriculum.

Essential Functions:

• Assist teaching Summer STEM Camps for students ages 4-12, STEM Field Trips, family programs and Pre-K programs. Work with the STEM Youth Volunteer Program assisting with programs and hands-on learning.
• Guide campers on a variety of Garden trails, being alert to weather conditions, students’ level of understanding, and physical capabilities.
• Present concepts related to the Garden’s natural and horticultural areas, special exhibits and events, and plant collections by using engaging interpretive and inquiry-based teaching techniques.
• Understand and communicate the Garden’s mission, vision, strategic plan, programs, and structure in a positive, constructive, and effective manner.
• 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 and performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in college coursework OR 1 year of experience in environmental education that provides the knowledge and ability to successfully support youth programming and camp operations.
• Must be at least 19 years of age and pass a background check
• Availability for a consistent schedule throughout the summer camp season (mid-May to mid-August)
• Must complete required training related to camp procedures, child safety, emergency protocols, and communication tools

Success Factors:

• A commitment to, and ability to effectively convey, the Garden’s mission of connecting people with plants with a genuine passion that also embraces and exemplifies the Garden’s core values.
• Understand and communicate the Garden’s mission, vision, strategic plan, programs, and structure in a positive, constructive, and effective manner.
• 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 staff.
• Sense of responsibility in the area of safety, including appropriate radio use and basic safety measures.
• Willingness and ability to check email and Basecamp regularly for communication with supervisors and other staff.
• Stamina and ability to lead and deliver programs outdoors in various weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in education, environmental science, biology, STEM, child development, recreation, nonprofit studies, or a related field with coursework or experience in ecology, botany, horticulture, biology, environmental science, general science.
• 2 years experience working or volunteering in the environmental education field (after-school programs, camps, museum, nature centers, or other youth-focused settings).
• Familiarity with informal learning environments, including outdoor education, public gardens, museums, or science centers

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.

• Physical Demands: Requires physical activity specifically working with youth programs continually walking outdoors on uneven terrain while teaching, travel over one mile in a day. Occasional lifting and carrying (up to 30 lbs.), and occasional periods of sitting and operating a computer or other office equipment.
• Work Environment: Work is performed in a combined indoors and outdoors setting. Outdoor settings include leading groups of children and adults in walking, hiking, and other physical activities, in all weather conditions throughout the four seasons. Indoor work is frequently stationary working behind a computer. Use of general office equipment, tablets, audio-visual equipment, microscopes, basic garden tools, specialized field monitoring equipment, two-way radio, and Garden van are required.

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize essential functions and responsibilities of a job, and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At Huntsville Botanical Garden job descriptions are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 20% of your duties may change annually.

Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden supports a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Garden is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.