Garden-Based Learning Facilitator

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct instruction & facilitation – Facilitate activities and manage all materials related to the drop-in Discovery Cart program and facilitate the weekly set-up, guest interactions, and take down. Assist in the facilitation of summer camp activities (ages 7-12), coordinate supplies, curricula, and class preparation for youth and family classes, set up/take down of class materials with the help of volunteers, and assist with program facilitation with direction from staff.
• General garden maintenance – Assist in garden design, planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting in Olbrich’s outdoor learning space, the Children’s Kitchen Garden, on a daily schedule.
• Volunteer management – Assist in the supervision of Discovery Cart volunteers and Children’s Kitchen Garden gardener volunteers, per assigned program.
• General office duties – Administrative tasks; prepare, maintain and organize education materials, such as teaching aids, education supplies, and resource files; assist with planning for future classes and programs.
• Assist with additional education department projects and programs – Assist with additional projects and special programs assigned based on departmental needs, including the Blooming Butterflies exhibit, scout programs, or summer school programs.

Qualifications

• Interest in garden-based learning and working knowledge of non-formal education practices
• Enthusiasm for sharing the wonders of plants and the natural world with people of all ages
• Working knowledge of gardening, plants, and horticulture
• Interest and experience engaging audiences of all ages in meaningful learning experiences, providing instruction in an age-appropriate manner, managing groups of children, and working professionally with participating teachers, adult caregivers, and volunteers
• Strong interpersonal skills; adept in communication, attentive listening, and presentation skills
• Displays emotional intelligence, personal integrity, positive demeanor, and self-awareness
• Good leadership skills; experience leading people to accomplish specific goals
• Commitment to teamwork and exemplary standards and services across all levels of the organization for our patrons and partners
• Able to position oneself to retrieve items from the ground or low shelves and interact with persons under 4 feet in height. Able to move on uneven terrain, work with items overhead, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds
• Ability and willingness to submit personal information for a criminal background check, as well as the ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.

Working Conditions

The successful applicant will have the ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including in direct sun, and in the tropical conservatory in hot, humid conditions for up to three hours at a time on a regular basis.

Physical Requirements

The successful applicant will constantly position oneself to retrieve items from the ground or low shelves and interact with children/persons under four feet in height. Also able to move on uneven terrain, work with items overhead, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Time Commitment: This is an hourly (approximately 30-35 hours per week) limited-term employment position during mid-May through mid-August. The work schedule is variable and program dependent. Some weekend and evening work may be required.   

Olbrich Botanical Society is an equal opportunity employer.

To Apply: No telephone inquiries, please. Submit cover letter, resume, and internship application to:

Ariel Christian, School & Out-of-School Programs Specialist

achristian@cityofmadison.com

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Avenue

Madison, WI 53704

FAX: 608-246-4719

Deadline: Friday, February 9, 2024

Application Materials:

Resume

Cover Letter                                                                                                                                         

Application Form (PDF