Colorado Nonprofit Association

Family and Children’s Program Instructor

About Denver Botanic Gardens: Green inside and out, Denver Botanic Gardens was founded in 1951 and is considered one of the top botanical gardens in the United States and a pioneer in water conservation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, The Gardens has a robust living plant collection, natural history collection and art collection along with temporary art exhibitions. The Gardens is a dynamic, 24-acre urban oasis in the heart of the city, offering unforgettable opportunities to flourish with unique garden experiences for the whole family – as well as world-class exhibitions, education, and plant conservation research programs. 

For more information, visit us online at www.botanicgardens.org.

Denver Botanic Gardens is currently seeking a Part Time / Seasonal Family and Children’s Program Instructor in our Education Department! Read below to see if the requirements might be a good fit for you:

Position Summary

This position facilitates and supports educational experiences and programming that connects children and their caregivers with plants and the natural world. Working alongside staff and volunteers, Family and Children’s Program Instructors implement interactive and hands-on experiences in a variety of program formats for families with children ranging in age from toddlers to tweens. Program and activity content includes plant and environmental themes, cultural connections and process-based art exploration. Additionally, this position also assists in supporting the day-to-day play-based experiences in the Mordecai Children’s Garden.

This position works a variable schedule as assigned, mostly on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Hours vary monthly and include weekend days. Schedule equivalent to several days a month.

Requirements

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares for and implements assigned schedule of programs, including:
• Reviews and learns program content and curriculum
• Adapts pre-existing curriculum and activities to meet the needs of individual groups and logistical circumstances
• Communicates important program logistics with program registrants
• Leads children and families through hands-on, interactive programs and activities
• Keeps accurate record of attendance numbers and other matters
• Creates a safe and positive learning environment for all participants that supports a constructivist learning culture 
• Maintains a safe environment for class and program participants and address first aid issues as they arise
• Works collaboratively with other departments to care for and preserve living and non-living collections used in programs
• Develops new developmentally appropriate family program content in alignment with the Family and Children’s Program Learning Framework as needed, including:
• Writes lesson plans and activity directions that can be followed by others
• Brainstorms activity ideas and researches content background information
• Prepares, gathers and or purchases appropriate supporting materials
• Assists with the upkeep and maintenance of educational materials within Mordecai Children’s Garden.
• Opens and Closes digging area when assigned
• Redistributes loose parts and play materials throughout the Children’s Garden
• Washes and replenishes materials as needed
• Communicates safety concerns with Security and Operations teams as they arise
• Works to ensure the highest quality experience for all DBG visitors.
• Maintains a satisfactory working relationship with managers, co-workers, and others.
• Maintains a positive, helpful, and solution-oriented demeanor when responding to or serving members and visitors.
• Regular attendance at the worksite may be required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.
• All Gardens’ employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.

Position Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Flexibility in changing circumstances and high energy is required.
• Capable of moving and communicating for a long period of time.
• Must be capable of working independently and in a team environment. 
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Must have proven excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills in dealing with the public.
• Ability to maintain stability under pressure and able to deal well with stressful situations.
• Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans, when necessary, throughout the day.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook and Teams.  
• Ability to work overtime as necessary.
• Must be a positive representative of the Gardens both internally and externally at all times.
• Must work with respect and cooperation at all times with fellow employees and the public.
• Must be committed to working safely at all times.

Experience/Education:

• High school diploma / GED and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. 
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in delivering high quality programs in a formal or informal learning environment is required.
• More extensive teaching experience is preferred, including previous experience in classroom settings, or informal education at gardens or museums working with mixed age levels. 
• Knowledge and experience in teaching a variety of age levels and diverse populations using hands-on, constructivist philosophy is desirable. 
• Experience teaching botanical, natural or environmental topics is desirable. 

Travel:

Up to 10% travel required. Requires the ability to travel to remote locations (or other Garden locations) where environment may vary significantly.