Public Program Educator

~ The mission of the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens is to provide a sanctuary to explore, enjoy, and learn about the habitats of the natural world. ~

We accomplish this by:

• Preserving a 93-acre sanctuary of southwest New England natural ecosystems for generations to explore and enjoy
• Providing comprehensive environmental, horticulture and plant science educational programs for children and adults
• Providing opportunities for recreation, enjoyment and exploration of the natural world for all ages
• Maintaining a diverse collection of trees, gardens and plants that celebrate biodiversity and reflect the ecology and character of our region
• Promoting conservation and principles of sustainable landscape management

Position Overview

This is a part-time, 24-hour per week outreach and community engagement position at the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens in Stamford, CT. The Public Program Educator will create an outreach and engagement strategy for the Bartlett “Growmobile” programs in the community and be responsible for executing on that strategy.

The Public Program Educator will be responsible for identifying opportunities at organizations and events for offsite programming and for making contact with such organizations and event organizers to schedule and implement GrowMobile programming. It is anticipated that the educator will work with organizations such as assisted living residences, libraries, schools, and corporations and plan for programs at farmer’s markets, fairs, and festivals. The Public Program Educator will also be responsible for arranging and implementing weekend outreach programming.

This is a hybrid position in which the ideal candidate will need to be comfortable both in teaching/developing environmental educational programming and performing outreach duties. The ideal candidate will possess a working knowledge of gardening and environmental education topics and be willing to add to their base of horticulture and botanical knowledge over time as well as have experience in community outreach or marketing. The Public Program Educator should be comfortable with public speaking in a wide variety of settings to diverse populations in an urban and suburban setting.

Responsibilities

Specific Duties:

• Create an outreach and engagement strategy for the Bartlett “Growmobile” programs in the community
• Implement the Growmobile strategy by reaching out to organizations and event coordinators to arrange for Growmobile presence and programming
• Deliver Growmobile programming in the community directly and in coordination with Bartlett educators and volunteers
• Solicit Bartlett volunteers to participate in Growmobile programming, as appropriate
• Develop programming modules and educational materials for such programming in coordination with the Bartlett educators and volunteers
• Track and report to the Education Director and the CEO all program scheduling, attendance and response to the programming
• Work with the marketing committee and social media staff to assure promotion of the Growmobile programming as appropriate
• Arrange for/Provide on-site weekend programming based on Growmobile modules
• Maintain Growmobile portable exhibits and educational materials in organized fashion, assure the Growmobile is cleaned out as appropriate after program use

General Duties:

• Provide back-up for on-site activities, including public school programs and camps as needed
• Participate in Bartlett signature events such as Plant Sale, ArborEarthFest and Fundraising Gala

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. in relevant field
• Experience as an educator in formal or informal settings
• Knowledge of environmental topics, gardening or horticulture
• Enthusiasm for the natural world and a desire to share that enthusiasm
• Experience and comfort in public speaking
• Must be a self-starter able to work independently
• Outgoing with an ability to engage diverse audiences
• Marketing or Outreach experience preferred
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and ability to drive a van a must

Other Job requirements:

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including some weekends and evenings as needed in order to implement the Growmobile program, schedule may vary on weekly basis
• Must be able to lift at least 50lbs, be comfortable loading and unloading program exhibits and materials and comfortable driving a van

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Mike Belletzkie, director of education.
• Please mention how you learned of this opening.