Youth Education Program Seasonal Assistant

~ Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, on 295 spectacular shorefront acres in the midcoast town of Boothbay, is one of the nation’s newest, loveliest, and most dynamic public gardens. ~

The Gardens officially opened to the public in 2007. In 2018, we welcomed over 225,000 guests. TripAdvisor named Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens the #1 public garden in the United States. 

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Youth and Family Program Coordinator, the Youth Education Program Seasonal Assistant will be responsible for:

• Scheduling, orienting and hosting visiting school/youth groups.
• Leading classroom lessons, field studies and guided nature walks for school/youth groups.
• Carrying out daily informal educational activities in the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden such as storytime, puppet shows and chicken feeding.
• Facilitating Discovery Carts and Nature/Garden Investigations in the Native Butterfly House and Alfond Children’s Garden.
• Helping to create new educational programming for families and children.
• Assisting with the daily upkeep of the Alfond Children’s Garden play areas and structures.
• Assisting with the daily care and maintenance of the Learning Garden and greenhouse.
• Supervising the Alfond Children’s Garden on the weekends.
• Assisting with the implementation of gardening and nature themed camps and day programs for children.
• Planning and carrying out Fairy Friday activities in the Alfond Children’s Garden every Friday during July and August.
• Leading Cider Saturdays in the Alfond Children’s Garden during the fall.
• Assisting with the organization and implementation of The Great Pumpkin Hunt in October.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate should have some college experience at minimum. 
• Must have some experience in serving the public, working with children and a keen interest in serving the guests of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. 
• Strong public speaking skills are required.
• A background in youth or environmental education, horticulture, botany, agriculture or a related field is strongly desired. 
• Gardening knowledge/interest and general teaching and computer skills are also desirable.
• We’re seeking a responsible, customer-service oriented, creative, enthusiastic individual who has a love for nature and the outdoors and will enjoy working as part of our education staff team. 

Schedule

• This full-time seasonal, entry-level position begins mid-April and continues through October 31, with the possibility of continuing through December assisting with our holiday lights event. 
• This position will require working one or both weekend days throughout the term of employment.  
• Five days of mutually agreed on time off are available during the summer.  
• The successful candidate is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from the workplace. 
• Assistance finding housing is available. 

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter describing their interest in the position, a resume, and a list of three references to Erika Huber, Youth and Family Program Coordinator no later than February 19, 2019.