Educator
Employment Type
Job (Part-time)Job Categories
Education
Job Description
The Educator provides a remarkable experience for students and guests by enthusiastically generating interest, understanding, and appreciation of native plants, ecological gardening, systems-thinking, and Mt. Cuba Center’s mission. The Educator inspires guests to become conservators of natural habitats through the delivery of personal interpretation and relevant public programming.
Duties & Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
The following outlines key responsibilities of the role, though not exhaustive. Suggested percentages indicate the approximate time and capacity to be devoted to each area:
Program Execution [80%]
– Support on-, off-site, and virtual events and programming (including but not limited to classes, group tours, special events, outreach, speaking engagements) to deliver informational and inspiring content
– Support the transport, set up, and break down of programming and events supplies
– Deliver engaging and educational tours and activities in accordance with interpretive and visitor guidelines
– Engage with guests in a friendly and enthusiastic way, answer questions, and attend to guest needs to ensure a positive experience while visiting Mt. Cuba Center
– Deliver eco-gardening consultations
Support Guest & Organizational Programs Related to the Guest Experience [20%]
– Support organizational diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion efforts
– Provide knowledge and guidance to support guest and organizational initiatives related to profession
– Support departmental evaluation and surveying efforts
– Lead, guide, and train employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work
Abilities:
– Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with staff and the public
– Must possess strong enthusiasm and interest in ecological gardening and the ability to learn plant identification and horticultural principles; existing familiarity with or knowledge of native plants preferred
– Must communicate in a positive, engaging, and enthusiastic way
– Ability and willingness to regularly access scheduling and training materials electronically
– Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
– Ability and willingness to engage with a variety of audiences, including children
– Ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
– Ability and willingness to work up to 20 hours a week with flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed
– Multilingual applicants preferred
Education and Experience
Qualifications:
– 1-3 years of teaching and/or customer-service experience preferred
Physical Requirements:
– Active mobility: Frequently walks and stands for extended periods (5-6 hours/day), with occasional seated work (2-3 hours/day)
– Communication: Regularly interacts with visitors, guests, and coworkers in person and via electronic devices
– Physical requirements: Maintains stamina for long periods of walking and talking; occasionally lifts items up to 20 lbs
– Environmental adaptability: Works in various indoor and outdoor campus areas, adapting to different weather conditions
– Technical skills: Uses computers and mobile devices for scheduling, information lookup, and communication (1-2 hours/day)
– Visual and spatial awareness: Observes and describes campus features, reads maps, and identifies potential safety hazards
Additional Information
FLSA Designation:
– Non-exempt
About the Role: Compensation, Benefits, and Perks:
– Hourly rate of $19 per hour
– This is a part-time W-2 role requiring up to 20 hours a week (April-Nov.) with flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed; 6-10 hours a week during the offseason
– Candidates must hold residency and unrestricted right to work in the U.S. without sponsorship at the start of employment.
– Competitive benefits package including:
– 401(k) plan with up to 8% employer contribution
– Free garden admission
– Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
– Professional development opportunities
Application Instructions
Application and Hiring Process:
To apply, please submit
– Resume
– Cover letter (optional)
Interview Process
– Initial Interview
– In-person interview
Timing:
– Application review begins the week of December 6, 2024. We recommend interested applicants submit prior to this date.
– Mt. Cuba is targeting a start date for the final candidate in mid to late January 2025.
– All candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed.