Children's Garden Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

The Children’s Garden Assistant engages, inspires, and educates the visitors of the Children’s Garden utilizing educational objectives. The Assistant delivers programming to the public on a variety of topics, including gardening, nature, art, plants, interactions between living organisms, environmental awareness, water, and more. This is a part-time seasonal position working between 10-25 hours per week during the program season, which runs late April to early October 2023.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Children’s Garden Supervisor:

• Delivers creative and fun, mission-based Children’s Garden activities to Conservatory patrons.

• Organizes and maintains all Children’s Garden areas, including equipment and supplies.

• Serves as a role model and monitors the health, safety, and welfare of children and adults.

• Documents all injuries, complaints, and incidents that occur within the Children’s Garden, escalating incidents to the Security department when necessary. Provides basic first aid to children and patrons as required.

• Works cooperatively with other Children’s Garden staff and the Children’s Garden Supervisor.

• Performs other duties as assigned and demonstrates a focus on serving the visitors and guests of the Conservatory, maintaining the highest standards of customer service.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required; 1 year of Higher Education (college) with focus in horticulture, natural resources, environmental education, interpretive education, or early childhood development or equivalent experience is preferred.  

• 6 months related work experience.

• Availability to work a flexible schedule (weekends and holiday scheduling are required).

• Ability to provide own transportation.

SKILLS REQUIRED AND RESULTS TYPICALLY ACHIEVED

• Knowledge of informal learning techniques and a keen interest in sharing knowledge with visitors.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to lead presentations and engage guests.

• A professional demeanor with highly developed interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and function as part of a team.

• Ability to walk up to 5 miles/day, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.

• Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.

• Current child First Aid/CPR training is a plus.

• Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting.

EEO Statement:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.