Job Listings

Family & Youth Engagement

Cleveland Botanical Garden / Posted March 05, 2025

Opportunity:

The Education department seeks a team member to assist with education programming efforts at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The Family & Youth Engagement seasonal will support the education department with a focus on maintaining the gardening and programming features of the Hershey Children’s Garden and providing educational programming. Primary duties include general grounds maintenance, plant care, guest engagement, and supporting program development and delivery for our seasonal youth & family activities in the Hershey Children’s Garden (HCG) and the Ron & Lydia Harrington Perennial Playspace (PPS). This position is based at the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, OH with possible travel to the Holden Arboretum campus in Kirtland, OH. We are seeking an individual who takes initiative and self-motivated. 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. By joining HF&G, you will not only have the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, but you will also have the opportunity to contribute to our fulfilling and groundbreaking work.

Position Details:

• A great position for anyone looking for summer work to gain experience in education, environmental education, environmental science, horticulture, agriculture, museum studies, or social sciences
• Reports to Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator
• Seasonal Position available from April – September, flexibility in start date
• Approximately 40 hours per week
  • Wednesday – Sunday:  9:00 am -5:30 pm, some evenings required
• $15.00/hour

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Family & Youth Engagement seasonal include but are not limited to:

• Lead educational programming
• Assist with the maintenance and horticultural upkeep for the pond and flower beds, including planting, watering, raking, weeding, mulching, plant pruning, and some plant removal.
• Ensure all interactive areas of the Hershey Children’s Garden (HCG) and the Ron & Lydia Harrington Perennial Playspace (PPS) are in guest-ready condition
• Deliver inquiry-based family and youth programming
• Ensure handouts and interpretation are well stocked and ready for guest use
• Serve as a point of contact for Hershey Children Garden volunteers as needed
• Collaborate with Hershey Children Garden volunteers to complete projects as assigned
• Co-lead youth summer camp groups
• Assist the Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator with preparations for camp
• Assist with camper supervision as needed
• Assist with other responsibilities, programs and events as needed within the Education Department
• Work closely with contract instructors, volunteers, other seasonals, interns, and other department staff as needed
• Opportunity to assist with events and programs at the Holden Arboretum campus
• Other relevant duties as assigned 

Qualifications and Skills:

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
• Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
• High school diploma or equivalent, required
• Pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate degree in Education, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Agriculture, Museum Studies, Social Sciences, or related field, a plus
• Experience in youth education, leadership, or camp counselor roles, a plus
• Experience with or strong interest in plant care and gardening, preferred
• Experience working with volunteers, a plus
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive or willing to learn
• Effective communication skills
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required
• Must pass criminal background check

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 15-100°F Working primarily outdoors where temperature extremes exist
• Effective vision and hearing
• Hand and arm dexterity
• Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery, or rocky terrain
• Kneel, bend, stoop, grab, and reach
• Regular lifting and carrying of up to 30 pounds, occasionally 50 pounds
• Walk the equivalent of about 5,000-10,000 steps daily, several times per week
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs

Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

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!

Apply: Holden Forests & Gardens values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Qualified applicants should submit résumé, a cover letter explaining why they want to work at Holden Forests & Gardens & how they see this role as part of their career path along with 3 professional references by Monday, February 24, 2025.

Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a talented workforce who contributes to our mission through each individual’s unique perspective. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country’s foremost public gardens.

Apply here