Education Specialist
2 days ago
Des Moines
Job Description Education Specialist Job Description Reports to: Education Manager Status: Exempt Schedule: Full time; includes program-specific evening, weekend, and holiday hours based on program and event needs Position Summary The Education Specialist delivers high-quality, mission-driven educational programming that engages learners of all ages in the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s mission. This position focuses on direct instruction and program delivery across a wide range of educational initiatives, including camps, school field trips, guided tours, workshops, lectures, community outreach, booths, and garden interpretation. Working collaboratively with other team members, volunteers, and community partners, this role inspires curiosity and learning through engaging, inclusive, and discovery-based experiences. The ideal candidate brings enthusiasm for horticulture and the natural world, along with experience teaching diverse audiences in both traditional and non-traditional educational settings. Primary Responsibilities To perform this role successfully, the individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily and perform other duties as assigned. • Deliver formal and informal educational programs both onsite and at offsite community locations for audiences of all ages and abilities., • Serve as a primary instructor for camps, including school break camps, in-service day programs, and summer camps; support daily activities and coordinate visiting instructors as needed., • Collaborate with team members to develop, update, and refine lesson plans, program materials, tour scripts, talking points, and instructional resources to ensure high-quality program delivery., • Create engaging, inclusive learning environments by establishing positive relationships with program participants and guests., • Demonstrate enthusiasm, adaptability, and professionalism while teaching and interacting with learners, staff, volunteers, and the public., • Maintain program spaces and storage areas, including setup, inventory, and organization of educational supplies and materials., • Recruit, train, and support volunteers who assist with educational programming. In addition to job-specific skills, the successful candidate will: • Collaborate effectively with Botanical Garden staff to deliver high-quality educational programming while sharing space, resources, and collections., • Serve as part of a cross-departmental team that delivers exceptional visitor experiences and promotes the Botanical Garden’s mission and offerings., • Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with staff, volunteers, partners, and the public., • Communicate clearly, respectfully, and enthusiastically with learners, families, educators, and colleagues., • Demonstrate a strong commitment to lifelong learning and the ability to convey the Botanical Garden’s mission with genuine passion., • Bachelor’s degree preferred in science education, botany, biology, horticulture, environmental education, or a related field; or equivalent training and/or experience., • Experience teaching, facilitating programs, leading tours, or public speaking required., • Experience with curriculum or program development for diverse audiences highly desirable., • Experience working with or training volunteers or docents preferred., • Bilingual or multilingual skills highly desirable., • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with comfort speaking to groups and audiences of varying sizes., • Ability to engage learners of all ages in inclusive, age-appropriate educational experiences., • Understanding of varied learning styles, behavior management strategies, and nontraditional education techniques., • Strong organizational, time management, and adaptability skills in dynamic program environments., • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team., • Foundational knowledge of plant science, gardening, horticulture, and the natural world preferred., • Valid State of Iowa driver’s license required (or ability to obtain within one month of hire)., • CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required (or willingness to obtain)., • Frequent interaction with staff, volunteers, visitors, and program participants., • Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays to support programs and events., • Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, crouching, and lifting (up to 50 pounds)., • Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and delivering programs in varied environments., • Requires hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and visual acuity to operate equipment and read technical materials. Qualifications The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform this position successfully. Education & Experience: • Bachelor’s degree preferred in science education, botany, biology, horticulture, environmental education, or a related field; or equivalent training and/or experience., • Experience teaching, facilitating programs, leading tours, or public speaking required., • Experience with curriculum or program development for diverse audiences highly desirable., • Experience working with or training volunteers or docents preferred., • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with comfort speaking to groups and audiences of varying sizes., • Ability to engage learners of all ages in inclusive, age-appropriate educational experiences., • Understanding of varied learning styles, behavior management strategies, and nontraditional education techniques., • Strong organizational, time management, and adaptability skills in dynamic program environments., • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team., • Valid State of Iowa driver’s license required (or ability to obtain within one month of hire). The work environment and physical demands described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. • Frequent interaction with staff, volunteers, visitors, and program participants., • Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays to support programs and events., • Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, crouching, and lifting (up to 50 pounds)., • Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and delivering programs in varied environments. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) privately governed, nonprofit public garden located on 17 acres in the heart of downtown Des Moines. Our mission is exploring, explaining, and celebrating the world of plants. Through progressive garden design, innovative programming, and signature experiences, we create meaningful connections between people and plants. Education, community engagement, and partnerships are central to our work as we cultivate a welcoming space for learning, inspiration, and growth. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Values We are a community of growers who are curious, committed, and kind. • We are a community of people welcoming all to join us in caring for one another and the plant communities that make up our Garden., • We are growers who, with many hands, cultivate and nurture a thriving ecosystem filled with plants and people., • We are curious and passionate about the natural world, and we are dedicated to doing our part to sustain and protect it for future generations., • We are committed to creating and tending gardens where joy is experienced, curiosity is cultivated, and lifelong memories are made and cherished., • We lead with kindness in all that we do to create an environment that promotes growth of our plants, our people, and our community.