Youth Educator II

Job Description

Term, Year-Round Position. Non-exempt under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The Youth Educator II teaches educational programming and performs any & all functions relating to the World of Wonders (WOW) Children’s Garden. Average weekly hours vary throughout the year, and depend on the needs of the Youth Education Department – spring, summer, and fall terms average 20-25 hours per week. Regular weekend and some evening work required.

About Us

Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) is a non-profit 501(c) 3 and named #3 BEST Botanical Garden across the United States 2023-Fodor’s Travel. NBG is part of the Coastal Virginia community and is currently undergoing the largest renovation in the Garden’s history with The Garden of Tomorrow. NBG employees are passionate about furthering the mission, which is to immerse visitors in a world of beauty, lead through environmental action, and inspire through education and connection to nature.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Functions:
• Facilitate school, scout, family, and birthday programs for children and students of all ages.
• Teach onsite and offsite (outreach) programs for public and private school students, lead Scout programs, birthday parties, and weekly free programs, assist with specialty family programs, and interpret the collections in the WOW Children’s Garden.
• Develop and implement weekly NBG Member exclusive programs.
• Set-up, clean, and organize stations, classrooms, and play areas in the WOW Children’s Garden.
• Present “discovery” programs to Garden visitors, and help ensure overall safety, cleanliness, and customer satisfaction in the 3-acre WOW Children’s Garden.
• Assist with research, curriculum development, and activity planning, along with family activities and evening Garden programs and special events.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as requested or assigned, including but not limited to overseeing and testing the splash fountain water feature in the WOW Children’s Garden.
• Encourage positive interactions between visitors and the Garden’s collections and wildlife.

Education and Experience

• Some college education preferred but not required.
• Required teaching (formal or informal) experience. Average audience age range is 2-12 years old, with increasing program offerings for teens ages 13-18.
• Experience in the field of horticulture, biology, gardening, natural science, or a like subject preferred.
• Willingness and ability to learn educational curriculum and implement the purpose, goals, and objective of each program.

Additional Information

Essential Physical Functions:
• Operate company vehicles such as golf carts, outreach (passenger) van, and pickup trucks.
• Ability to lift, push, pull up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to continuously walk, stand, bend, reach, twist and/or stoop throughout duration of shift.
• At times staff may be asked to work at an office space to conduct research and prepare program materials.
• Applicant must be able to sit at a desk, utilize a computer, answer phones, and have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, email, and internet use.
• Ability to communicate via a hand-held radio.

Requirements:
• State background check, valid driver’s license, and proof of car insurance required.
• Enthusiasm for environmental education and teaching & flexibility in daily job tasks.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and sunny and shaded areas within the natural setting of the Garden.
• Ability to work outdoors on variable terrain such as grass, crush and rocks, asphalt, and concrete.
• Willingness and availability to work irregular hours, weekdays, and weekends.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team with minimal supervision.

Benefits:
• Staff discounts on educational programming and in the NBG Gift Shop.
• NBG logo wear for work provided.
• EAP services for all employees.

Reports To: Youth Education Manager

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement: NBG is committed to the principles and ideals of equal employment opportunity. It is, and shall continue to be, the policy and practice throughout NBG to foster equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for applicants, employees, and volunteers without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, status as a veteran, or other protected status, if qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Application Instructions

Send resume and application to hr@nbgs.org