Education Programs Assistant

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring! 

Are you someone who is passionate about plants and our environment, loves working with children, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) goals? We're looking for an Education Programs Assistant excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine.  

The Education Programs Assistant provides essential support to both youth and adult educational programming online and at the Gardens, fulfilling both administrative and programmatic responsibilities that support sustainable operations for the education team. The ideal candidate will be a responsible, customer-service oriented, enthusiastic self-starter who has a love for nature and the outdoors and will enjoy working with a highly collaborative team to inspire visitors and students about horticulture and nature.   

Full-time, seasonal employment. This position begins mid-April and continues through October, with the possibility of continuing through December assisting with our holiday lights event. The workweek will be Tuesday-Saturday from 8:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m. each day. 

Hourly, Non-exempt 
$18.30 - $20.50 

Qualifications: 

• The successful candidate should have college experience or at least two years of relevant experience. 
• Must have experience working with children.  

• A background in youth or environmental education is desired.   
• Strong public speaking skills are required. 
• Gardening knowledge or an interest in learning and doing sustainable gardening. 
• Must be comfortable interacting with guests, staff, board members, and the community; strive to exceed guest and program participant expectations; and create an exceptional experience for those visiting the Gardens. 
• Must be motivated to work independently and to work well in a team. 

• Must be enthusiastic about plants, conscientious of the environment, and willing to participate in the organization’s special events.  
• Proficient in basic computer software such as Microsoft Office and capable of learning CMBG’s internal software.  
• Commitment to working across the organization to support the integration of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) principles into CMBG’s internal operations and its relationships with visitors and guests. 

Primary Functions: 

Youth Education (70%):   

• Welcome and orient visiting school/youth groups. 
• Lead classroom lessons and field studies for school/youth groups. 
• Lead guided nature walks for families and children. 
• Assist with the daily upkeep of the Alfond Children’s Garden play areas and structures. 
• Assist with the daily care and maintenance of the Learning Garden and greenhouse. 

• Supervise the Alfond Children’s Garden on the weekends and facilitate daily activities such as story time, puppet shows, and chicken feeding. 
• Assist with the implementation of summer camps and day programs for children. 
• Lead Cider Saturdays in the Alfond Children’s Garden during the fall. 

Adult Education (30%):   

• Assist with course registration and student management, including the Certificate in Native Plants and Ecological Horticulture. 

• Correspond with and support students before, during, and after educational programs.  
• Correspond with and support instructors before and during educational programs. 
• Support education by entering data from program surveys.  
• Moderate and provide key support during online and in-person classes.  
• Learn the art and science of live interpretation while supporting the development of the Native Butterfly House, Learning Apiary, and Discovery Cart.   

• Assist with the care and maintenance of the Horticultural Therapy program space within the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses. 

 Application Deadline: Sunday, March 12, 2023

To apply, please visit: https://mainegardens.clearcompany.com/careers/jobs/b16a092b-336c-a528-90f7-09763462c375/apply?source=2391087-CS-51612