Education Program Guide

Job Description

Position Summary: Implement nature education programs for schools, scouts, and families by using the Arboretum’s natural resources. Help children discover the basic science concepts related to plant and animal life, interrelationships among species, and human influences on the environment, through engaging interpretive techniques and by following education program outlines.

About Us

Inspiring and engaging future tree champions of all ages is an integral part of The Morton Arboretum’s mission and is a focus area for its education department. We are seeking 4-5 education program guides to join the existing team of staff. Successful candidates in this role will lead students on field trip programs across the arboretum’s expansive ecosystems, connect with teachers and students around science and nature-related content, and assist with virtual and in-classroom programs. You will be working with youth of all ages, to inspire them to care for and conserve trees.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

—-Present tours/programs, outreach, and other activities to Preschool – 12th grade students, scout groups, family audiences, and other informal youth groups by following program goals or outlines.
—-Present concepts related to the Arboretum’s natural and horticultural areas, special exhibits and events, and plant collections by using engaging interpretive and inquiry based teaching techniques, both on-site and off-site, in person and virtually. May be offered opportunities to work with specialized audiences to present program content, as opportunities present themselves.
—-Guide groups on a variety of Arboretum trails, being alert to weather conditions, students’ level of understanding, and physical capabilities.
—-Understand and communicate the Arboretum’s mission, vision, strategic plan, programs, and structure in a positive, constructive, and effective manner.
—-May serve as a point of contact with teachers and scout leaders for assigned school and scout programs.
—-Participate in required training sessions, mentoring assignments, staff meetings, planning sessions, and guide meetings.
—-Assist in the daily clean up and set up of programs as needed.
—-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.

Education and Experience

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred. 1+ years experience teaching/interpreting to children in formal or informal programs required. Coursework and/or experience in areas such as ecology, botany, biology, environmental science, general science, child development, interpretation or teaching methods preferred. Excellent oral presentation skills and the ability to engage and project enthusiasm about learning and nature to youth audiences required. Experience with English Language Learners or special needs students a plus. Must present professional image to the public by following the Arboretum/Education Program Guide dress code. Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Must become certified and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR (classes provided). Proficiency with Google applications preferred.

Additional Information

The expected hiring rate of this position is $21.00/ hour. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package.

Application Instructions

Apply via The Morton Arboretum website: https://careers.hireology.com/themortonarboretum/2144899/description