Instructor, Therapeutic Horticulture Programs

Missouri-Botanical-Garden; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Botanical Garden seeks an Instructor for Therapeutic Horticulture Programs to develop, prepare and facilitate community-based therapeutic horticulture offerings. The role focuses on adults and children in healthcare, senior living, and social service settings, with programs delivered primarily in the St.

Louis area and at the Garden. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of experience, strong organizational and educational skills, and knowledge of plants and horticultural practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Horticultural Therapy, or related field.
• An Associate’s Degree in Horticulture or related area is acceptable; Certification in Horticulture Therapy preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English; strong organizational and instructional skills.

Responsibilities

• Develops and delivers quality therapeutic horticulture programs.
• Provides nature-focused activities aligned with client goals.
• Delivers programs in the St. Louis area and at the Garden.
• Assists with creating and maintaining program supplies.
• Collaborates with staff to plan and evaluate program objectives and safety.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Horticultural knowledge

Therapeutic skills

Education skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture

Horticultural Therapy certification preferred

Associate’s degree in Horticulture or related

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PowerPoint

Excel

Word

Job description

Instructor, Therapeutic Horticulture Programs

Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Job Title : Instructor , Therapeutic Horticulture Programs

D ivision : Education

Departmen t: Public Programs

FLSA Statu s: Non- Exempt

Prepared by and Dat e : Jennifer Smith-Simms 12.1.2022

Approved By Hiring Manager and Date: Jennifer Smith-Simms 12.1.2022

Approved by Division Head and Date: Sean Doherty

Accepted by HR and Date: Sarah Starr 7.31.2025

Summary:

The Therapeutic Horticulture Program Instructor 's p rimary responsibility is to develop , prepare and facilitate therapeutic horticulture programs in the community and at the Garden. The target population s for this position are adults and children in the healthcare community, the senior living community, and social service agencies .

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops , prepares and delivers quality, engaging therapeutic horticulture programs that focus on the process and not the end result .
• Provides nature- focused activities that coordinate with the organization or facilities’ client goals.
• Delivers programs primarily in the St Louis community with some deliver y of programs at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
• Assists with creating, procuring and maintaining program supplies .
• Creates in partner with the organization’s staff, client goals and evaluation notes post-session (s) Participate s in team planning sessions with staff to ensure a well-coordinated and effective session and that program objectives /goals will be met .
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Travels through the use of personal vehicle to organizations and facilities in Missouri and Illinois .
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

• Communication : Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of three to five years’ experience working with a variety of populations facilitating nature-based programs.
• Strong organizational, therapeutic, educational and horticultural skills with demonstrated knowledge of plants and plant management practices and the ability to successfully adapt to diverse conditions and participant abilities.
• Prior e xperience working in a cultural institution preferred .
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinatio ns as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines . When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required .
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Horticultural Therapy , or related degree OR Associate’s Degree in Horticulture or related area required ; Certification in Horticultur e Therapy preferred.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Other Skills and Abilities: N /A .

Language Ability : Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Reasoning Ability: Completes tasks with minor guidance to coordinate meeting times, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner .

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in navigating through the Internet, and various PC applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite 2003 (i.e., PowerPoint, Excel and Word) or a similar application.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must be able to obtain and maint ain First Aid/CPR certification .
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.
• Must be willing to submit to testing and background checks required by the state of Missouri in order to enter classrooms and/or work with children at MBG sites .

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand and move about MBG facilities or classrooms for extended periods of time , 50 - 80% or more of a typical workday is standing on feet (e.g., extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).
• Able to lift up to (30) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment).
• Ability to work exposed to outside weather conditions often and as needed .
• Must be able to work in high heat/humidity .
• Classroom and o utside instruction in the Garden.
• L ocal travel required .
• Flexibility in scheduling as needed, for weekend, evening or holiday work .
• Climate controlled buildings .
• Shared office space .
• Work outdoors in temperatures of (100°F or more), humid conditions, as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions and some uncomfortable conditions (i.e. wet, mosquitoes ) as needed .

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Client s/ students .
• Education Division colleagues .
• Emp loyees throughout the Garden.
• Diverse slate of visitors to the Garden, both children and adults .

Supervisor: Supervisor, Therapeutic Horticulture

Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America