Little Trees Program Assistant (2 positions)

Position Summary:  Assist in the delivery of curriculum for Little Trees Early Childhood Program, the Arboretum’s 32-week nature-based play program for children ages 3-5, teaching sections of the schedule as assigned. Work with staff and volunteers who assist with these programs. 

Essential Functions: 

• Assist in the delivery of a fun, nature-based curriculum for preschool aged participants using elements of the Arboretum’s grounds and collection for a unique, formative experience.

• Help with maintaining inventory of program supplies.

• Interact with parents and guardians of program participants in a professional, courteous, and responsive manner. 

• Serve as lead instructor when necessary.

• Become familiar/comfortable with hiking a variety of trails on the Arboretum grounds, as well as the Arboretum’s mission, history, programs, and structure. 

• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree preferred, or pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, Recreation, or related field required. Experience working with children, preferably in a formal or informal teaching capacity. Strong oral communication skills required, with prior experience presenting in front of an audience a plus. Strong interpersonal skills and genuine enthusiasm for working with children required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications beneficial. Must become certified and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR (classes provided). 

Success Factors: Ability to work well as part of a team. Highly organized individual with the ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to detail. Stamina and ability to lead and deliver programs indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions. Ability to embrace and align with the organization’s employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity:  limited lifting and carrying (up to 30 lbs.). 

• Work Environment: Work is performed in a combined indoors and setting, which includes leading groups of children in activities over uneven terrain in various weather conditions throughout the fall, winter, and spring. This position requires regular on-site presence.

• Equipment: General office equipment, basic gardening tools, two-way radio, materials to start and manage a fire.

• Schedule: Half-day sessions of the program as assigned. Will require additional evening hours for parent-teacher conferences, open house, and promotional events. 

For full consideration, please include resume and cover letter with application. 

The Morton Arboretum is a champion of diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.  

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.