Youth Education Programs Assistant

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Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring! 

Are you someone who is passionate about plants and our environment, loves working with children, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) goals? We’re looking for an education Programs Assistant excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine.  

The Youth Education Programs Assistant provides essential support to the youth educational programming at the Gardens, fulfilling both administrative and programmatic responsibilities that support sustainable operations for the education team. The ideal candidate will be a responsible, customer-service oriented, enthusiastic self-starter who has a love for nature and the outdoors and will enjoy working with a highly collaborative team to connect children and families with the natural world.  

This full-time, 40 hours/week seasonal position begins late April and continues through mid-September, with the possibility of continuing through December to assist with our holiday lights event. A later start date is possible. The workweek does include working one weekend day. Five days of mutually agreed-upon time off are available during the summer. The successful candidate is responsible for their own transportation to and from the workplace.  

Review of applications begins March 12th. 

Hourly, Seasonal, Non-exempt 

$18.75 – $20.00 

Primary Functions:

• Welcome and orient visiting school/youth groups.
• Assist with classroom lessons and field studies for school/youth groups.
• Assist with the implementation of summer camps and day programs for children.
• Lead guided garden walks for families.
• Educate garden guests on natural history topics through our Discovery Carts.
• Assist with the daily upkeep of the Alfond Children’s Garden play areas and structures.
• Assist with the daily care and maintenance of the Learning Garden and greenhouse.
• Supervise the Alfond Children’s Garden on the weekends and facilitate daily activities such as story time, puppet shows, and chicken feeding.
• Assist with staffing our Native Butterfly House.

Requirements

• The successful candidate should have college experience or at least two years of relevant experience.
• Must have experience working with children.
• A background in youth or environmental education is desired.
• Strong public speaking skills are required.
• Gardening knowledge or an interest in learning and doing gardening tasks.
• Must be comfortable interacting with guests, staff, board members, and the community; strive to exceed guest and program participant expectations; and create an exceptional experience for those visiting the Gardens.
• Must be motivated to work independently and to work well in a team.
• Must be enthusiastic about plants, conscientious of the environment, and willing to participate in the organization’s special events.
• Proficient in basic computer software such as Microsoft Office and capable of learning Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ internal software.
• Commitment to working across the organization to support the integration of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) principles into Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ internal operations and its relationships with visitors and guests.