Education Program Guide

Inspiring and engaging future tree champions of all ages is an integral part of The Morton Arboretum's mission and is a focus area for its education department. We are seeking 2-3 education program guides to join the existing team of staff. Successful candidates in this role will lead students on field trip programs across the arboretum's expansive ecosystems, connect with teachers and students around science and nature-related content, and assist with virtual and in-classroom programs. You will be working with youth of all ages, to inspire them to care for and conserve trees.

Position Summary :   Facilitate nature education programs for schools, scouts, and families by using the Arboretum’s natural landscapes. Help children discover the basic science concepts related to plant and animal life, interrelationships among species, and human influences on the environment, through engaging interpretive techniques and by following education program outlines.

Essential Functions :

• Facilitate tours / programs, outreach, and other activities to Preschool – 12th grade students, scout groups, family audiences, and other informal youth groups by following program goals or outlines.
• Present concepts related to the Arboretum’s natural and horticultural areas, special exhibits and events, and plant collections by using engaging interpretive and inquiry based teaching techniques, both on-site and off-site, in person and virtually. May be offered opportunities to work with specialized audiences to present program content, as opportunities present themselves.
• Guide groups on a variety of Arboretum trails, being alert to weather conditions, students’ level of understanding, and physical capabilities. Follow Arboretum safety guidelines to ensure the group is safe throughout their program or tour.
• Understand and communicate the Arboretum’s mission, vision, strategic plan, programs, and structure in a positive, constructive, and effective manner.
• May serve as a point of contact with teachers and scout leaders for assigned school and scout programs.
• Participate in required training sessions, mentoring assignments, staff meetings, planning sessions, and guide meetings.
• Assist in the daily clean up and set up of programs as needed.
• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred. 1+ years experience teaching / interpreting to children in formal or informal programs required. Coursework and / or experience in areas such as ecology, botany, biology, environmental science, general science, child development, interpretation or teaching methods preferred. Excellent oral presentation skills and the ability to engage and project enthusiasm about learning and nature to youth audiences required. Experience with English Language Learners or special needs students a plus. Must present professional image to the public by following the Arboretum / Education Program Guide dress code. Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Must become certified and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR (classes provided). Proficiency with Google applications preferred.

Success Factors : Public service attitude and genuine enthusiasm for working with students and the public. Maintain a flexible, constructive, courteous approach to teachers, parents, children, and other guides. Sense of responsibility in the area of safety, including appropriate radio use and basic safety measures. Ability to check email and program content regularly for communication with supervisors and other staff. Stamina and ability to lead and deliver programs outdoors in various weather conditions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment : The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Schedule Expectations :

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume.

The hourly rate is $21.00 / hour . This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package.

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success.  The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status.  To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.   The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.