Community Activities Guide

Holden Forests & Gardens; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Holden Forests & Gardens is seeking a part-time Education program assistant to support activities at community gardens across Cleveland. You will work with youth ages 6-13, helping deliver lessons, crafts, and STEM challenges in outdoor settings.

Responsibilities include coordinating with a diverse team, transporting supplies, and tracking engagement. The role requires reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and flexible availability on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate degree in Education, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field is a plus
• One year of experience guiding youth in an education setting is a plus
• Gardening experience is a plus
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required
• Applicants must have their own reliable transportation
• Criminal background check required

Responsibilities

• Support Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, values, and social-emotional learning through guided activities
• Assist with games, crafts, and STEM exploration in an informal outdoor setting
• Collaborate with a diverse team to implement community-building projects that activate gardens for youth
• Safely transport program supplies with your own vehicle
• Track and report engagement using a standardized system
• Participate in weekly check-ins with supervisor to meet goals
• Use provided digital tools to manage email, calendar, and files
• Perform additional duties as needed

Skills

Clear communication

Approachable customer service

Follow instructions

Microsoft Outlook

Driver's license

Patience

Flexibility

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Undergraduate degree in Education/Environmental Science/Horticulture/Agriculture or related

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Opportunity: Join the Education department in a rewarding role where you’ll nurture the love of gardening and nature in local communities! We’re looking for a friendly, energetic individual to support creative and interesting activities at community gardens across Cleveland. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with children, ages 6-13, supporting youth development activities in their neighborhoods while assisting with projects that build social skills and resilience. If you have a passion for plants, outdoor education, and working with kids in their communities, this is the perfect role for you!

• Variable Employee Position with a weekly schedule of 4-15 hours
• General Program Season: September 1 - November 1
• Work Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Compensation: $15/hour
• Locations: Multiple community center sites across Cleveland
• Reports To: Community Engagement Education Coordinator

Key Responsibilities:

• Support Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, vision, and values through guidingsocial emotional and problem-solving activities.
• Assist with providedgames, drop-in crafts and STEM exploration challenges in an informal outdoor setting.
• Collaborate with a diverse team to support implementation of community-building projects that activate and improve gardens for youth participants.
• Safely transport program supplies using your own vehicle.
• Track and report engagement according to a standardized system.
• Abide by weekly check-ins with supervisor to ensure project goals and priorities are met.
• Utilize provided digital tools to manage email, calendar, files, and scheduled shifts.
• Perform additional duties as needed.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate degree in, Education, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field, a plus
• One (1) year of experience guiding youth in education setting, a plus.
• Gardening experience a plus
• Clear communication and approachable customer service skills
• Ability to follow instructions, learn activities, and deliver lesson plans
• Valid drivers’ license and acceptable driving record required
• Applicants must have their own reliable transportation
• Applicant must be patient, hardworking, flexible, and able to work under pressure
• Applicant must use or learn to use provided Microsoft Outlook account routinely
• Must pass a criminal background check

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to lift 30 lbs and work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Sitting, standing, kneeling, and sometimes hiking on uneven surfaces
• Ability to adapt to dynamic outdoor situations
• Ability to occasionally set up and tear down folding tables, chairs, and pop-up tents

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