Instructor, Therapeutic Horticulture Programs

Summary:

The Therapeutic Horticulture Program Instructor’s primary responsibility is to develop, prepare and facilitate therapeutic horticulture programs in the community and at the Garden. The target populations for this position are adults and children in the healthcare community, the senior living community, and social service agencies.

Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the nation’s oldest botanical gardens in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark.

The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, historic architecture, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered flora.

For more than 167 years, the Garden has been an oasis in the city, a place of beauty and family fun—and also a center for education, science, and conservation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops, prepares and delivers quality, engaging therapeutic horticulture programs that focus on the process and not the end result.
• Provides nature-focused activities that coordinate with the organization or facilities’ client goals.
• Delivers programs primarily in the St Louis community with some delivery of programs at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
• Assists with creating, procuring and maintaining program supplies.
• Creates in partner with the organization’s staff, client goals and evaluation notes post-session (s) Participates in team planning sessions with staff to ensure a well-coordinated and effective session and that program objectives/goals will be met.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Travels through the use of personal vehicle to organizations and facilities in Missouri and Illinois.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of three to five years’ experience working with a variety of populations facilitating nature-based programs.
• Strong organizational, therapeutic, educational and horticultural skills with demonstrated knowledge of plants and plant management practices and the ability to successfully adapt to diverse conditions and participant abilities.
• Prior experience working in a cultural institution preferred.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Horticultural Therapy, or related degree OR Associate’s Degree in Horticulture or related area required; Certification in Horticulture Therapy preferred.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Other Skills and Abilities:

Language Ability: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Reasoning Ability: Completes tasks with minor guidance to coordinate meeting times, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner.

Computer Skills:
• Proficiency in navigating through the Internet, and various PC applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite 2003 (i.e., PowerPoint, Excel and Word) or a similar application.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
• Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.
• Must be willing to submit to testing and background checks required by the state of Missouri in order to enter classrooms and/or work with children at MBG sites.

To Apply: Go to our website. www.mobot.org. Requisition number #1109