Program Assistant at UD Botanic Gardens in Newark, Delaware at University of Delaware

University of Delaware
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html
Job No: 503366
Work Type: Staff, Part-Time
Location: Newark, DE
Categories: Part Time, Adminstrative Support

Department: UD Botanic Gardens (UDBG)

Position Title: Program Assistant

Anticipated Start Date: September 8, 2026

Estimated Pay: $18.00 - $20.00/hour based on experience

Schedule: On average, 8 hours weekly (not to exceed 420 hours annually). Flexible weekly schedule depending on the season and business needs.

Location: Hybrid position, on-site location is the UDBG Office located in South Greenhouse, Room 102, 211 Roger Martin Lane.

About the Department:
As a living laboratory and outdoor classroom covering 15 acres of the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources campus, the University of Delaware Botanic Garden (UDBG) promotes an understanding and appreciation of plants through education, extension, research, and engagement within our campus, community, and horticulture industry.

Role Description:

The Program Assistant supports the Program Manager to deliver high-quality programs, enhance visitor and volunteer experiences, and further the UDBG mission. This includes coordinating educational programs, plant sales, volunteer engagement, marketing, and supporting daily administrative operations for the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens. In addition, the position assists with event logistics, volunteer communications, website updates, promotional materials, and office administration.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

Educational Programs & Outreach

• Assist with logistics for lectures, workshops, and on-site events.
• Book group guided tours.

• Draft, edit, or format educational handouts and presentation materials.

Plant Sales

• Help organize inventory, pricing, signage, etc. for plant sales.
• Support sale setup, staffing, and breakdown.

Volunteer Program

• Support current volunteer communications and help onboard new volunteers.
• Track volunteer hours and assist with recognition efforts.

Marketing & Communications

• Contribute to the creation of newsletters, flyers, signage, and event promotions.
• Help distribute promotional materials on campus and in the community.
• Help maintain the UDBG website by updating calendar events, plant lists, and educational content.

Administrative Tasks

• Monitor UDBG’s general office email address and support responses.
• Assist with ordering office and event supplies.
• Other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally across a diverse audience, including volunteers, visitors, faculty, students, staff, and community members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and assist with event and plant sale setup and breakdown.
• Flexibility to occasionally work evenings or weekends for special events.
• Interest in horticulture, public gardens, or environmental education.

Preferred:

• Experience with event planning, program coordination, or customer service.
• Familiarity with website content management systems and social media platforms is a plus.

Hiring Timeline:

Application Review: July 13, 2026 through August 2, 2026

Interviews: August 3, 2026 through August 14, 2026

Offers Extended: August 17, 2026 through August 21, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: September 8, 2026

Please note that dates are subject to change depending on the needs of the department.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.