Children's Garden Assistant

ABOUT US

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY
The Children’s Garden Assistant works closely with the Children’s Garden Supervisor to complete daily
operational tasks and deliver educational programming in the Scotts Miracle Grow Foundation Children’s
Garden. Children’s Garden Assistant acts as a representative of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical
Gardens by engaging, inspiring, and educating all visitors of the Children’s Garden. This is a flexible, part-time, year-round position.

Additional Information: This is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position. Part-Time staff will receive accrued sick time and complimentary Conservatory membership and participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

Compensation: $17/hr

During the programming season (April - September) the Children’s Garden Assistant can expect to work up to 40 hours per week. During the off-season (October - March) the Children’s Garden Assistant can expect to work up to 20 hours per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the Children’s Garden Supervisor:
• Organizes and maintains all equipment, supplies, and Children’s Garden areas.
• Delivers creative and fun mission based Children’s Garden (CG) activities and programming.
• Updates and maintains records for the CG.
• Effectively communicates with CG Supervisor and CG Team Members to maintain CG operations and Conservatory policies.
• Serves as the primary point of communication for the CG on weekends and other days as needed.
• Assists with seasonal training of CG Team Members and volunteers.
• Maintains living things within the CG including tadpoles, butterflies, carnivorous plants and our Let’s Grow vegetable garden.
• Serves as a role model and maintains the health, safety, and welfare of children and adults.
• Works cooperatively with volunteers, education staff, community partners and horticulture staff.
• Demonstrates a focus on serving the guests of the Children’s Garden, maintaining the highest standards of customer service.
• Assists with other programs within the Community Outreach and Education Department as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High School Diploma or G.E.D required; completion of at least 1 year towards an Associate or bachelor’s degree in Education, Natural Resources, Environmental or other Sciences, Fine Arts, or similar field preferred.
• 1 year of related work experience preferred, including informal education and/or customer service.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, weekends and holidays required.
• Ability to provide reliable transportation for occasional trips to pick up programming supplies and visit community partner sites.

SKILLS REQUIRED AND RESULTS TYPICALLY ACHIEVED

• Effective verbal communication skills with the ability to lead presentations and engage guests.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in a variety of conditions, including hot and cold temperatures, high humidity and wet weather.
• Ability to work in a team setting.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and remain on an exact schedule of events.
• Ability to deliver educational content that follows written lessons and departmental goals.
• Ability to move about for up to 5 miles/day, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting.

EEO Statement:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Salary : $17