Garden-Based Learning Facilitator Internship

Garden-based Learning Facilitator Position Description I Olbrich Botanical Gardens I 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI, 53704 OLBRICH BOTANICAL SOCIETY Updated December 2023 Job Title: Garden-based Learning Facilitator Internship Duration: 3 months (mid-May to mid-August) Hours: 30-35 hours per week Compensation: $15.
00 per hour Purpose: The position of Garden-based Learning Facilitator fulfills the Olbrich Botanical Gardens vision of being a locally treasured and globally renowned source of beauty and education celebrating the importance of plants in a sustainable world.
The Garden-based Learning Facilitator internship aids the Education Department staff in the implementation of plant-based or environmentally focused educational programs for children & their parents, teachers, and other caregivers.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Direct instruction & facilitation – Facilitate activities and manage all materials related to the drop-in Discovery Cart program and facilitate the weekly set-up, guest interactions, and take down.
Assist in the facilitation of summer camp activities (ages 7-12), coordinate supplies, curricula, and class preparation for youth and family classes, set up/take down of class materials with the help of volunteers, and assist with program facilitation with direction from staff.
• General garden maintenance – Assist in garden design, planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting in Olbrich’s outdoor learning space, the Children’s Kitchen Garden, on a daily schedule.
• Volunteer management – Assist in the supervision of Discovery Cart volunteers and Children’s Kitchen Garden gardener volunteers, per assigned program.
• General office duties – Administrative tasks; prepare, maintain and organize education materials, such as teaching aids, education supplies, and resource files; assist with planning for future classes and programs.
• Assist with additional education department projects and programs – Assist with additional projects and special programs assigned based on departmental needs, including the Blooming Butterflies exhibit, scout programs, or summer school programs.
Qualifications • Interest in garden-based learning and working knowledge of non-formal education practices • Enthusiasm for sharing the wonders of plants and the natural world with people of all ages • Working knowledge of gardening, plants, and horticulture • Interest and experience engaging audiences of all ages in meaningful learning experiences, providing instruction in an age-appropriate manner, managing groups of children, and working professionally with participating teachers, adult caregivers, and volunteers • Strong interpersonal skills; adept in communication, attentive listening, and presentation skills • Displays emotional intelligence, personal integrity, positive demeanor, and self-awareness • Good leadership skills; experience leading people to accomplish specific goals • Commitment to teamwork and exemplary standards and services across all levels of the organization for our patrons and partners • Able to position oneself to retrieve items from the ground or low shelves and interact with persons under 4 feet in height.
Able to move on uneven terrain, work with items overhead, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds • Ability and willingness to submit personal information for a criminal background check, as well as the ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.
Garden-based Learning Facilitator Position Description I Olbrich Botanical Gardens I 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI, 53704 OLBRICH BOTANICAL SOCIETY (OBS) Job Title: Garden-based Learning Facilitator Internship Working Conditions The successful applicant will have the ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including in direct sun, and in the tropical conservatory in hot, humid conditions for up to three hours at a time on a regular basis.
Physical Requirements The successful applicant will constantly position oneself to retrieve items from the ground or low shelves and interact with children/persons under four feet in height.
Also able to move on uneven terrain, work with items overhead, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Time Commitment: This is an hourly (approximately 30-35 hours per week) limited-term employment position during mid-May through mid-August.
The work schedule is variable and program dependent.
Some weekend and evening work may be required.
Inclusion Statement: Olbrich Botanical Gardens aspires to be a destination where all visitors, volunteers, and staff are valued and feel they belong.
With conscious intent and continuous learning, Olbrich Botanical Gardens' staff, volunteers, and board will address barriers to inclusion through education, operational changes, and partnerships with the community.
Olbrich Botanical Society is an equal opportunity employer.
To Apply: No telephone inquiries, please.
Submit cover letter, resume, and internship application to: Ariel Christian, School & Out-of-School Programs Specialist achristian@cityofmadison.
com Olbrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Avenue Madison, WI 53704 FAX: 608-246-4719 Deadline: Friday, February 9, 2024 Application Materials: Resume Cover Letter Application Form (PDF) Updated: December 2023