UNC-Chapel Hill
Position Summary
The North Carolina Botanical Garden ( NCBG ) offers a wide range of hands-on environmental education programs for children and families, designed to spark meaningful connections with nature and place. From preschool classes and school field trips to seasonal camps, our programs aim to foster environmental appreciation, inspire a sense of place and wonder, and cultivate a lasting love of science and discovery. Utilizing NCBG’s native plant gardens and nature trails, we create dynamic and engaging educational experiences. We are seeking a creative, self-motivated educator who is passionate about nature-based learning to join our Youth Education Program team. Under the supervision of the Youth Education Program Manager, this position will help prepare for and lead high-quality environmental education programs for children (PreK-5) and families. Programs include teacher workday and summer camps; early childhood classes; family workshops; and school field trips. The educator will also help develop and maintain teaching resources, educational exhibits, and self-guided interpretive activities, as well as support program administration. This is a 30-hour-per-week position, typically scheduled Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. The position requires flexibility to adjust hours as needed based on program schedules, including one weekend program per month. During the summer camp season, hours increase to 40 hours per week. Primary Duties: * Prepare for and teach engaging, age-appropriate nature-based programs for children (PreK-5) and families * Adapt lessons to meet the needs of all learners while supporting overall program objectives * Use a variety of teaching methods to foster hands-on, inquiry-based learning * Ensure the safety and well-being of participants by following established health and safety protocols * Communicate clearly and professionally with participants, parents/caregivers, and stakeholders * Maintain program supplies and equipment, ensuring they remain organized and in good working condition * Keep accurate records of programs, attendance, and evaluations as required * Contribute to the development of educational exhibits, self-guided activities, and related learning materials * Assist with upkeep of the children’s garden (nature play space, bird feeding station, etc.) and the family discovery room * Participate in required trainings and staff meetings
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience * Commitment to the mission of the North Carolina Botanical Garden * Demonstrated ability to lead engaging, developmentally appropriate, and scientifically accurate nature-based programs for children (preschool – 5th grade) in outdoor, non-formal settings (e.g., botanical gardens, nature centers, parks, or museums) * Strong knowledge of local flora and fauna and ecosystems * Working knowledge of environmental education and interpretive best practices * Experience creating teaching materials * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work productively and respectfully with participants of all ages and backgrounds * Strong customer service orientation; patient, kind, and professional * Creative, adaptable, energetic, and self-motivated, with good judgment * Detail-oriented with strong time and task management skills * Demonstrated success working both independently and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and program participants * Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and ability to learn new platforms * CPR , AED , and First Aid certification (training provided upon employment) * Ability to work occasional weekends (1 per month) * Must successfully complete a background check prior to employment
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience * Experience and enthusiasm for leading nature-based programs for early childhood audiences (ages 4-7) * Experience creating educational/interpretive displays and activities * North Carolina Environmental Education Certification
Work Schedule Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Occasional weekends | 2-3 hours per shift
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Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience * Commitment to the mission of the North Carolina Botanical Garden * Demonstrated ability to lead engaging, developmentally appropriate, and scientifically accurate nature-based programs for children (preschool – 5th grade) in outdoor, non-formal settings (e.g., botanical gardens, nature centers, parks, or museums) * Strong knowledge of local flora and fauna and ecosystems * Working knowledge of environmental education and interpretive best practices * Experience creating teaching materials * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work productively and respectfully with participants of all ages and backgrounds * Strong customer service orientation; patient, kind, and professional * Creative, adaptable, energetic, and self-motivated, with good judgment * Detail-oriented with strong time and task management skills * Demonstrated success working both independently and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and program participants * Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and ability to learn new platforms * CPR , AED , and First Aid certification (training provided upon employment) * Ability to work occasional weekends (1 per month) * Must successfully complete a background check prior to employment
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience * Experience and enthusiasm for leading nature-based programs for early childhood audiences (ages 4-7) * Experience creating educational/interpretive displays and activities * North Carolina Environmental Education Certification
Work Schedule Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Occasional weekends | 2-3 hours per shift
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