Interpretation Assistant Part-Time

This is a part-time position scheduled to work 24 hours per week. Must have the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

About the Role

Responsible for developing and implementing a wide range of innovative, high-quality interpretive strategies that support the Garden’s mission. Engages visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities through interpretive programming throughout the Garden in ways that cultivate personal experiences, deepen knowledge, support interest-driven learning, foster deeper connections with the Garden and its global work, and inspire more sustainable choices, lifestyles, and actions beyond their visit.

Responsibilities

• Provides Educational Visitor Engagement:
  • Develops, researches, creates, prepares, and implements non-structured interpretive programming and experiential learning opportunities throughout the Garden, particularly within the Children’s Garden, Tower Grove House, Brookings Exploration Center, PlantLab, and special exhibit areas.
  • Topics include nature, ecosystems, habitats, plant science, biodiversity, adaptations, native and invasive plants, history, collections, sustainability, outdoor exploration, citizen science, and seasonal happenings.
  • Works closely with Manager of Interpretation and Interpretation Supervisors to develop interpretive materials such as signage, print or online publications, guided or self-guided tours, sensory-friendly, audio, visual, interactive digital media, and other interpretive opportunities.
• Ensures Positive Visitor Experiences:
  • Engages visitors and provides general information regarding visitor experiences, inquiries, and Garden opportunities.
  • Creates a positive, healthy, and safe learning environment that is developmentally, culturally, and topically appropriate.
  • Responds to and takes appropriate action to resolve or report concerns and complaints from Garden visitors.
  • Uses judgment to analyze situations and determine best use of resources and when to escalate to management.
• Maintains Interpretation & Educational Resources:
  • Assists with creating, procuring, maintaining, storing, and organizing program supplies.
  • Monitors and assesses interpretive facilities, conducts routine safety checks, submits maintenance requests, and reports concerns to management.
• Adheres to Safety Guidelines and First Aid Provider:
  • Communicates and enforces the Garden’s rules of etiquette to orient visitors to interpretive venues.
  • Monitors visitor behavior and ensures adherence to safety guidelines; responds to and administers First Aid/CPR as necessary and reports all incidents to management.
• Performs administrative tasks related to departmental projects including tracking statistics, submitting internal requests, restocking visitor information materials, supporting volunteers, assisting with training or orientation sessions, contributing to operational updates, providing tours, and representing the department at meetings.
• Performs Opening & Closing Duties:
  • Actively participates in pre-season set-up and post-season closing operations; moving/cleaning equipment, setting up/removing props, stocking/removing merchandise.
  • Assists with other Garden events as requested.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines and follows established policies and procedures.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; writes clearly and presents information accurately; speaks professionally and responds well to questions; supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration: Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; engages in problem solving and group initiatives; cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability: Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptability to changes; effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots, and takes appropriate actions; follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; proactively addresses visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems; includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision-making; includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship: Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety, and security protocols; fosters a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion; demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications

• One to three years of experience developing, preparing, and delivering engaging educational opportunities with audiences of diverse ages, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds is strongly preferred.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills along with excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills.
• Experience researching and developing interpretive programs and experiential learning opportunities.
• Demonstrated strength, experience, and understanding of visitor-centric approaches; responds in a friendly and helpful manner to visitor inquiries and concerns.
• Experience working with audiences of diverse ages, ethnicities, experiences, and educational backgrounds.
• Proven ability to work in a successful, collaborative, team environment; is tactful and treats others with respect.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to quickly analyze inquiries and determine steps for resolution.
• Process design and improvement skills to lead continuous improvement.
• Ability to prioritize work and perform under pressure; strong time management and planning/organizing skills.
• Work quality and dependability; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; follows instructions; welcomes and applies feedback to improve performance.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows routinely working weekends, holidays, and some evenings.
• Ability to work independently and carry out assignments to completion with minimal instructions.
• Ability to learn new skills quickly, be resourceful and self-reliant, and take initiative.
• Ability to provide visitor experiences and services as well as work on multiple projects within a fast-paced, mission-based public attraction and cultural institution.
• Must maintain a positive attitude and professional appearance at all times.
• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines as well as Garden and departmental policies/procedures, uniform standards, and requirements.

Education

• Associate’s Degree in education, science education, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, public horticulture, interpretation, recreation, or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Must have completed college-level coursework in interpretation, early childhood education, botany, biology, history, museum studies, or other related subjects. An equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience may be considered.

Skills

• Computer Skills: Proficient experience using a computer and keyboard; Microsoft Office suite (Windows XP, Outlook, Word, Excel, Publisher); solid Internet and library research skills.
• Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written).
• Mathematical Skills: High school-level basic math skills: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division; ability to calculate percentages and decimals.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve conflicts in a fast-paced environment.

Certifications

• Must be able to obtain and maintain CIG (or equivalent) certification through the National Association for Interpretation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification, adult and child.

Physical Demands

• Ability to effectively utilize a computer keyboard and touch screen monitor.
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum weight of 20-40 pounds.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (e.g., climb ladders).
• Ability and willingness to work in varying temperatures and all weather conditions.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching for extended periods of time—85% or more of the workweek is spent standing on feet while engaging visitors in activities.

Work Environment

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Actively engages in hands-on participation with visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities when delivering informal interpretive programming to a non-captive audience.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (e.g., temperatures over 100°F or below 0°F, rain, snow, and other inclement weather).
• Works cooperatively with the Interpretation Team on plant maintenance and artifact care tasks as needed.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to the public with diverse visitors in a safe, friendly, and professional manner.
• Must wear Garden-provided uniform shirts, jackets, and adhere to all dress code requirements for the Interpretation Department.

Schedule

Part-time position scheduled to work 24 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.