Summer Education Instructor
Employment Type
Paid Internship (Full-Time)Job Categories
Education
Job Description
With support from the education team, the Summer Education Instructor organizes and leads day-to-day activities of the Botanical Garden Summer Camp Program. This position may also assists the education team in delivering youth tours and other education programs during the summer. Check out our Summer Camp Programs here!
About Us
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) privately governed, not-for-profit public garden situated on 17-acres in the heart of downtown Des Moines. At the Botanical Garden, we are passionate about exploring, explaining and celebrating the world of plants. Beyond the beauty and inspiration of our urban setting, we are dedicated to creating signature, memorable experiences through progressive garden design and innovative programming. People, plants and passion are the focus of what we do. By educating and enriching the lives of our guests, we provide a valuable resource for our community and forge partnerships stronger than the sum of our individual parts.
Duties & Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and perform other duties as assigned.
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Lead camp activities and lessons for summer camps in partnership with the education team.
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Take primary responsibility for the supervision and safety of campers during camp weeks.
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Effectively monitor camper behavior and demonstrate the ability to use appropriate decision-making skills.
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Establish a positive relationship with all program participants and serve as a role model for campers.
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Greet and engage with families and campers to provide meaningful and positive experiences.
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Comply with all safety policies and procedures of the Botanical Garden.
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Oversee and communicate with volunteer camp assistants
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Work in collaboration with the education team to update and/or develop camp curriculum and lesson plans.
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Demonstrate the ability to work with youth of different ages and skill levels.
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Maintain summer camp program spaces, set-up, storage, and inventory of supplies and materials.
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Demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude for teaching.
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Communicate effectively and respectfully with program participants, staff, volunteers, and the general public.
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Support and assist the education team in the development and delivery of other youth education programming, such as guided and unguided field trips.
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Support the education team in other program areas as needed.
Education and Experience
Education and Experience
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Bachelor’s degree or in pursuit of a degree in science education, botany, biology, horticulture, or related field of study is preferred.
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Minimum one year of experience working with youth.
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Experience teaching and delivering programs, public tours, and/or public speaking.
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Experience in curriculum and/or program development for multi-age audiences is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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High level of organization, time management, flexibility, and ability to handle situations in a professional manner.
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Comfortable engaging and working with youth of different ages.
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Ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team.
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Knowledge of youth development, different learning styles, and behavior management.
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Ability to interact in an appropriate and professional manner with the general public, staff, and volunteers.
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Knowledge of rudimentary plant science, gardening, horticulture, and the natural world.
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Ability to lead groups of youth and work independently.
Licenses and Certifications
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Must possess a valid driver’s license.
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Must possess current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, or be willing to obtain.
Application Instructions
Qualified candidates should submit a resume to bghr@dmbotanicalgarden.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
