School Program Instructor, On Call

About the role

Denver Botanic Gardens is a 24-acre urban oasis dedicated to bringing plants to people, fostering sustainability, diversity, relevance, and transformation. Founded in 1951, it's accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and offers a rich array of educational, artistic, and conservation programs.

Responsibilities

• Teach or support Education programs at Denver Botanic Gardens locations.
• Implement interactive, hands-on, plant-based curriculum to PreK-12th grade students.
• Lead guided programs to groups of school-age students.
• Greet arriving students and communicate with teachers and chaperones about planned activities.
• Provide program introductions to groups of school-age students, teachers, and parent chaperones.
• Lead groups of students through program activities, following established curriculum.
• Teach Cultivation Cruiser programs to groups of PreK-12th grade students at area schools and other locations.
• Prepare materials and equipment for assigned programs.
• Work in coordination with horticulture staff to care for living plants used in programs.
• Maintain a safe environment for class and program participants and address first aid issues.
• Communicate with teachers, parents, and others regarding their child’s or children’s presence.
• Assist in developing and revising program curriculum.
• Assist with other children’s programs as needed.
• Supervise students eating lunch or taking a break as needed.
• Teach assigned online programs to groups of PreK-12th grade students.
• Follow established protocols to coordinate programs and volunteers as needed.
• Keep accurate records of attendance, programs, confirmations, or other matters as needed.
• Affirm the highest quality experience for all Denver Botanic Gardens visitors.
• Maintain satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers, and others.
• Maintain a positive, helpful, and solution-oriented demeanor when responding to or serving members and visitors.
• Regular attendance at the worksite may be required.

Requirements

• Flexibility in changing circumstances and high energy required.
• Capable of moving and communicating for a long period of time.
• Capable of working independently and in a team environment.
• Available to work flexible hours during work week and occasional weekends.
• Must currently possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Colorado State driver’s license, plus an acceptable driving record.
• Reliable access to a dependable, insured, and privately-owned vehicle is necessary.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Windows based systems and the Microsoft office-based software (Word, Excel, Outlook, and scheduling software) required.
• Knowledge and experience in teaching a variety of age levels and diverse populations using a hands-on, constructivist philosophy is desirable.
• Spanish-speaking desirable.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving.
• Previous experience in a school setting or as a licensed teacher is desirable.
• Experience teaching biological, botanical, or environmental topics is desirable.
• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in biology or education or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 3 months of experience in teaching and managing a group of students (preK-12) in a formal or informal environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Position requires a valid driver’s license.
• Up to 50% travel required. Requires the ability to travel to remote locations (or other Garden locations) where environment may vary significantly.