Botany Intern Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Community & Youth Garden Educator
Cleveland Botanical Gardens
Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio's communities through our mission-driven programs.
Opportunity:
The Community & Youth Garden Educator position is responsible for the presentation and development of engaging informal education programs (school field trips, Scouts badges, public programming, internship learning experiences) based on horticultural and environmental science concepts, skills, and activities.
Based mostly at Cleveland Botanical Garden (CBG), the Community & Youth Garden Educator is a dynamic role which supports the Education Department with an array of K-12th grade-focused initiatives throughout the year, including:

• Supporting Green Corps high school interns from April - November as they participate in nature-based experiences, plus college and career readiness workshops
• During the growing season, work under the direction of HF&G horticulturalists to maintain a small CBG garden
• Throughout the school year and summer, facilitate guided programs for school groups and families at CBG and in the community
• In the winter months, assist with the delivery of educational programming during the winter exhibition
• This position is based at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus in Cleveland, OH and includes travel to offsite locations throughout the greater Cleveland Area, plus occasional travel to the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH

A flexible schedule is necessary to support programming, including maintaining a Tuesday through Saturday work schedule, plus occasional evenings and Sundays, and rarely, working on holidays during the summer
Key Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Community & Youth Garden Educator include, but are not limited to:

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, vision, and values
• Facilitate garden discovery in indoor and outdoor settings throughout Holden Forests & Gardens' campuses, in addition to off- site locations like schools, recreation centers, and community-hosted events
• Thoroughly prepare for and enthusiastically lead existing programs and events for PreK - 12th grade students and community members of all ages related- but not limited to- botany, ecology, phenology, endangered species, and more
• Create positive work experiences for interns, variable instructors, and volunteers by leading trainings, coordinating schedules, outlining tasks, and preparing materials
• Work in collaboration with the Horticulture & Collections staff and outside partners to facilitate intern garden learning experiences that include watering, weeding, mulching, pruning, propagating, etc.
• Collaborate with other departments as needed to assist in developing new programs and activities
• Ensure safety and build rapport by employing class/ group management techniques when working with the public, program participants, HF&G staff, and volunteers
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills: ability to interact with the public, parents/guardians, teachers, community partners and staff with tact, courtesy, and respect
• Observe all safety protocols and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for positions and/or specific activities. Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills:

• Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
• Bachelor's degree in environmental education, natural sciences, horticultural studies, or related fields
• Significant practical experience in a related field or type of work will be accepted in lieu of a degree
• Two or more years of programming experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds
• Must enjoy working with middle and high school age youth
• Highly proficient with the use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook email and calendar
• Effective and appropriate verbal and written communication
• Ability to work within a team and be self-motivating when working independently
• Ability to take the initiative and problem-solve
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record required
• Criminal background check pass, required

Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Stand and sit for extended periods of time
• Perform tasks in all weather conditions; temperatures may range from 0-100 F
• Effective vision and hearing
• Hand and arm dexterity
• Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery terrain
• Kneel, bend, stoop, grab, and reach
• Regular lifting and carrying of up to 30 pounds, occasionally 45 pounds

Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!
We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year + 3 floating holidays | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!
How to Apply:
Qualified applicants should submit resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references. Candidates will start to be reviewed immediately and continue until the role is filled.
Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors.