Environmental Educator: Seasonal

Holden Forests & Gardens is seeking a Seasonal Environmental Educator for its Education department at the Holden Arboretum in Ohio. The role involves designing and leading programs for youth and families, supporting summer camps, and assisting with special events. Candidates should be passionate about the outdoors and education. The position requires approximately 40 hours per week from April to October, with a pay of $15.00/hour.
Environmental Educator

Holden Arboretum

Opportunity: The Education department seeks a team member to assist with public programming efforts at Holden Arboretum. The Environmental Educator will have an opportunity to assist with designing and leading drop-in programs for youth and families, support academic and scout programming, aid in preparing and facilitating activities for summer camps, and assist with special events. The Environmental Educator should be passionate about the outdoors, wanting to share information with the public. This position is based at the Holden Arboretum campus in Kirtland, OH with occasional travel to the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, OH. We are seeking an individual who takes initiative and self-motivated. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio’s communities through our mission-driven programs. By joining HF&G, you will not only have the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, but you will also have the opportunity to contribute to our fulfilling and groundbreaking work.

Position Details:
• A great position for anyone looking for summer work to gain experience in early childhood education, environmental education, ecology, horticulture, museum studies, or social sciences
• Reports to Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator
• Seasonal Position available from April – October, flexibility in start and end date for applicants returning to work or school
• Approximately 40 hours per week
• Availability to work weekends and some evenings required
• $15.00/hour

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Environmental Educator include but are not limited to:

Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods:
• Assist with maintenance of Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods natural play area, including grounds, structures, and displays
• Ensure all interactive structures and activities at Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods are in good working condition for safety of guests and collections and report all damages
• Design and deliver educational youth & family programming for Buckeye Bud’s on weekends and assist with other educational programs as needed with guidance and support from Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator
• Assist with maintenance of Habitat Hut and Roberta’s Bird Blind
• Design interpretive handouts and materials for guests use at Buckeye Bud’s, Habitat Hut, and Roberta’s Bird Blind with guidance and support from Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator while ensuring all locations are well-stocked with supplies
• Serve as point of contact for volunteers as needed and work with volunteers to complete assigned projects

Arboretum Summer Camp and Public Programming:
• Assist Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator with preparation and facilitation for summer camps
• Aid with public programming drop-in activities during the week and weekend
• Occasionally facilitate instructor-led classes and hikes at Holden Arboretum, helping guests find the right location and making sure instructors have what they need

General Education Duties:
• Assist with other projects, programs, and events as necessary in the Education department
• Work closely with AmeriCorps Education Specialist, contract instructors, volunteers, seasonals, interns, and other department staff as needed
• Opportunity to assist with events and programs at Cleveland Botanical Garden campus
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor
• Maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:
• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
• Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
• High school graduate
• Interest or experience in early childhood education, environmental education, ecology, horticulture, museum studies, social sciences, or related fields
• Availability to work weekends and some evenings required
• Experience in youth and family programming, leadership, or camp counselor roles
• Experience working with volunteers
• Good communication and customer service skills
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required
• Must pass criminal background check

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:
• Stand and sit for extended periods of time
• Sitting, standing, kneeling, and bending on uneven surfaces
• Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery or rocky terrain
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs

Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!

Apply:

Holden Forests & Gardens values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G also strives to create a welcoming and accessible environment.

Qualified applicants should submit résumé, a cover letter explaining why they want to work at Holden Forests & Gardens & how they see this role as part of their career path along with 3 professional references by Monday, February 24, 2025.

Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a talented work force who contributes to our mission through each individual’s unique perspective. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country’s foremost public gardens.