Public Programs Educator

Holden Forests & Gardens Education department seeks a friendly team member to assist with public programming efforts at Holden Arboretum. Public Programs seasonal will assist with public programming efforts at Holden Arboretum. The Public Programs seasonal will design and lead drop-in programs for youth and families, which will include supporting children’s birthday parties, preparing activities for summer camps, and assisting with special events. This position is based at the Holden Arboretum campus in Kirtland, Ohio with occasional travel to the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, Ohio. We are seeking an individual who takes initiative, self-motivated, and can demonstrate strategic thinking.

Position Details:

• A great position for anyone looking for summer work to gain experience toward a degree or certification in early childhood education, environmental education, ecology, horticulture, museum studies, or the social sciences 
• Seasonal, non-exempt position
• Approximately 40 hours a week
• Availability to work weekends and some evenings, required
• Training provided
• Season April – October, flexibility in start and end date for applicants returning to work or school 
• Discounts in our stores & cafes
• Free parking at both campuses and admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums
• Reports to Public Program Coordinator in Education Department

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Public Programs Seasonal include but are not limited to: 

• Support Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, values, and core commitment to the visitor experience and community engagement

Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods

• Assist with maintenance of Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods natural play area, including grounds, structures, and displays  
• Ensure all interactive structures and activities at Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods are in good working condition for safety of guests and collections and report all damages    
• Design and deliver educational youth & family programming for Buckeye Bud’s on weekends and assist with other educational programs as needed with guidance and support from Family & Youth Engagement Educator 
•  Design interpretive handouts and materials for guest use at Buckeye Bud’s and ensure they are well-stocked with guidance and support from staff 
• Serve as point of contact for volunteers as needed and work with volunteers to complete assigned projects  

Arboretum Summer Camp and Public Programming:

• Assist with preparation for summer camps and children’s birthday parties  
• Fill in as children’s birthday party guide on weekends, leading a nature activity and assisting with room rental, as needed 
• Aid with public programming drop-in activities during the weekends and at summer events (may include evenings)  
• Facilitate instructor-led classes and hikes at Holden Arboretum, helping guests find the right location and supporting instructor needs, as needed 

General Education Duties:

• Assist with other projects, programs, and events as necessary in the Education Department
• Work closely with contract instructors, volunteers, seasonals, interns, and other department staff as needed
• Opportunity to assist with events and programs at Cleveland Botanical Garden campus

Qualifications and Skills:

• High school degree or equivalent, required
• Interest or experience in early childhood education, environmental education, ecology, horticulture, museum studies, social sciences, or related fields, preferred
• Experience in youth and family programming, leadership, or camp counselor roles, preferred
• Experience working with volunteers, a plus
• Good communication and customer service skills
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Stand and sit for extended periods of time
• Sitting, standing, kneeling, and bending on uneven surfaces
• Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery or rocky terrain
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs                                
• Performs other duties as assigned