Interpretation Assistant - Full-time

Missouri-Botanical-Garden; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Botanical Garden seeks an Educational Visitor Engagement Specialist to develop and deliver interpretive programs for diverse visitors. You will design and implement engaging learning experiences, guide tours, and collaborate with interpretive teams to maintain resources and safety.

Strong presentation, communication, and teamwork skills required; associates degree in education or related field with a preference for a bachelor's degree. Evening/weekend availability is expected.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in education, science education, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, public horticulture, interpretation, recreation or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred. College coursework in interpretation, early childhood education, botany, biology, history, museum studies or related subjects.
• Equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provides Educational Visitor Engagement through a wide range of interpretive programming.
• Ensures Positive Visitor Experiences by guiding and assisting visitors.
• Maintains Interpretation & Educational Resources, supplies, and safety checks.
• Adheres to Safety Guidelines and First Aid Provider standards.
• Performs opening and closing duties and supports department operations.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Writing skills

Teamwork

Education

Associates Degree in education or related field

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

College coursework in interpretation or related subjects

Tools

Microsoft Office

Publisher

Job description

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

Job Description

Posted Friday, August 14, 2026 at 6:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 5:59 AM

This is a Full-time Position. Must have the ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Summary:Responsible for developing and implementing a wide range of innovative,high qualityinterpretive 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,deepensknowledge, supports interest-driven learning,fostersdeeper connections with the Garden and its global work, and inspires more sustainable choices, lifestyles, and actions beyond their visit. Participates inmaintaininginterpretive displays and props. Provides visitor informationregarding,directions, venues, attractions,special events, classes, and other information, while working in designated interpretive areas.Assistsin ensuring safe, positive, and educational engaging visitors experiences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides Educational Visitor Engagement:Participatesindeveloping, researchingcreating, preparing, and implementing a wide range of 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 within special exhibit areas. Topics will include (but not limited to) nature, ecosystems, habitats, plant science, biodiversity, adaptations, native and invasive plants, adaptations, history, collections, sustainability, outdoor exploration, citizen science, and seasonal happenings. WorkscloselywithManager of Interpretation andInterpretation Supervisorson developing, researching, and implementing interpretive materials that may include 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 informationrelativeto visitor experiences, inquiries, and Garden opportunities. Creates a positive, healthy, and safe learning environment for visitors that is developmentally, culturally, and topicallyappropriate. Responds to and takesappropriate actionto resolve or report concerns and complaints from Garden visitors.Usesjudgment to analyze situations anddeterminesbestuse of resources and when to escape situations 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,submitsmaintenance requests,reportsconcernsand needs to management asappropriate.
• Adheres to Safety Guidelines and First Aid Provider:Communicates and enforces the Garden’s rules of etiquette to visitorsin an effort toorient visitors to interpretive venues. Monitors visitor behavior and ensures adherence to safety guidelines; responds to and administers First Aid/CPR asnecessary, reportsall incidents as well as any concerns to management.
• Perform administrative tasks related to departmental projects including tracking departmental statistics,submittinginternal requests,restockingvisitor informationmaterials, supporting volunteers,assistingwith training or orientation sessions,contributing tooperational updates,providing tours as needed,andrepresentingthe department at recurring meetings
• Performs Opening & Closing Duties:Activelyparticipatesinpre-season set-up operations and post-season closing operations; moving/cleaning equipment, setting up/removing props, stock/remove merchandise, etc.Assistswith other Garden events as requested.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres toestablishedpolicies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• 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,visitorsand employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• 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 adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes,troubleshootsand takesappropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.
• Problem Solving– Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking actionas necessary; Recommends solutions,demonstratescreativity and resourcefulness;Exhibitssound andaccuratejudgment in decision making process; Includesappropriate peoplein making decisions.
• Stewardship– Promotes and adheres to sustainability,safetyand security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect,diversityand inclusion;Demonstrateseffective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience:

• One to three yearsofexperienceworking developing, preparing, and delivering engaging educational opportunities with audiences of diverse ages, ethnicities, abilities, and backgroundsis strongly preferred.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills along with excellent communication, interpersonal, and writingskills;speaksclearly and persuasively in positive or negativesituations.
• 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 educationalbackgrounds.
• Proven ability to work in a successful, collaborative, team environment, is tactful and treats others withrespect,andlistens and gets clarification.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills. Must be able to quickly analyze inquiries anddeterminersteps for resolution.
• Process design and improvement skillstoleadcontinuous improvement.
• Ability to prioritize work and perform under pressure; strongtime managementandplanning/organizing skills.
• Work quality and dependability;demonstratesaccuracy and thoroughness; follows instructions; welcomes and applies feedback to improve performance.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows routinely working weekends,holidaysand some evenings.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion with minimum instructions and adhere toestablishedroutines and practices in a reasonable amount of time.Mustbe able to learn new skills quickly, be resourceful and self-reliant, as well as 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.
• Mustmaintain a positive attitude and professional appearance at all times.
• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines as well as Garden and departmental policies/procedures, uniformstandardsand requirements, etc.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees,volunteersand guests.All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommendedby your healthcare provider prior tohiredate.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 isrequired.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilitiesrequired.

Education:

• Associates 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 course work in interpretation, early childhood education, botany, biology, history,museumstudies, or other related subjects.
• An equivalent combination of skills,educationand experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient experience using a computer and keyboard isrequired.
• Proficient experience using Microsoft Officesuite(i.e., Windows XP, Outlook, Word Excel, and Publisher)
• Solid Internet and Library research skills.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written).

Mathematical Skills:

• H.S. basic mathskills:requiresability to perform addition, subtraction,multiplicationand division;calculatepercentages and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve conflicts in a fast-paced environment.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must be able to obtain andmaintainCIG (or equivalent) certification through the National Association for Interpretation.
• Must be able to obtain andmaintainFirst Aid/CPR certification,adultand child.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to effectivelyutilizecomputer keyboard and touch screen monitor.
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum weight of 20-40 pounds.
• May berequiredto perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.)
• Ability and willingness to work in varying temperatures andall weatherconditions.
• Requires standing, walking, bending,stoopingand reaching for extended periods of time – 85% or more of the work week is standing onfeettalking with and engaging visitors in activities.
• Ability to work infast-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 (i.e., in temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Works hands-on cooperatively withInterpretationTeam on plant maintenance and artifact care tasks as needed.
• Comfortable working in immediateproximity tothe public with diverse visitors, in a safe, friendly, and professional manner.
• Must wear Garden-provided uniformshirts,jackets, and adhere to all dress code requirements for theInterpretationDepartment.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Interacts with visitors of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, volunteers (adults, interns, teens), and Garden employeeson a daily basisin person, via telephone and through e-mail.

Supervisor (reports to):Supervisor,Interpretation

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