Part-time Educational Program Assistant - Greenhouse

Mhs PA; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Milton Hershey School is seeking a Part-Time Horticulture Program Assistant to support the Agricultural and Environmental Education program, greenhouses, and student learning experiences. The role emphasizes hands-on learning, garden and greenhouse operations, and floral design to support school events.

The position includes engagement with students, supervision of student work, and maintaining plant stock, with a flexible schedule averaging 29 hours per week in Hershey, PA.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; degree or coursework in horticulture, agriculture, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated success in greenhouse, garden, or horticultural operations.
• Knowledge of greenhouse management, plant production, and gardening practices preferred.
• IPM knowledge; PA Pesticide Applicator License a plus.
• Experience with hydroponic systems preferred.
• Experience providing agricultural/horticultural education opportunities for youth, especially from underserved backgrounds.
• Proficiency with education technology; strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, hands-on learning experiences involving greenhouse production, hydroponics, aquaponics, and outdoor growing.
• Facilitate after-school clubs and horticultural programs to inspire student interest in horticulture.
• Supervise and coordinate work assignments for middle and senior division students.
• Maintain tropical plants, houseplants, and greenhouse collections; monitor plant health and pest management.
• Propagate, divide, transplant, and maintain plant stock for future production; produce high-quality, retail-ready plants.
• Start seeds; manage seasonal crop production schedules; plant and maintain annuals and perennials for events and educational programs.
• Monitor inventory of greenhouse supplies and coordinate purchasing needs; maintain gardens through seasonal care.
• Harvest flowers for bouquets and dried floral products; support floral design and school event needs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Horticulture knowledge

Hydroponics knowledge

IPM knowledge

Education experience with youth

Microsoft Office / Google Workspace

Flexible scheduling

Education

High school diploma or GED

Horticulture degree or coursework preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Part-time Educational Program Assistant - Greenhouse

Milton Hershey School (MHS) is one of the world's leading pre-K through 12th grade private schools, providing approximately 2,200 students from disadvantaged backgrounds with a cost-free home and an exceptional career-focused, character-based education. Founded in 1909 by Milton and Catherine Hershey, MHS is fully endowed and has prepared more than 12,000 graduates to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

MHS is seeking a Part-Time Horticulture Program Assistant to support the School's Agricultural and Environmental Education (AEE) Program, including the Horticultural Center, greenhouses, gardens, and student learning experiences. This position plays a key role in maintaining horticultural operations while helping students engage in hands-on agricultural, environmental, and horticultural education. This is a unique opportunity to combine your passion for horticulture with meaningful student engagement by supporting hands-on learning experiences with youth to develop their skills, confidence, and appreciation for the world of horticulture as a hobby or a career.

Compensation: $15.43-$20.59 per hour, based on experienceSchedule: Approximately 29 hours per week; flexible schedule including occasional weekendsLocation: On-site in Hershey, PA

Key Responsibilities include:

Student Engagement & Educational Programming

• Assist in delivering engaging, hands-on learning experiences involving greenhouse production, hydroponics, aquaponics, and outdoor growing.
• Facilitate after-school clubs, activities, and horticultural programs to inspire student interest in horticulture.
• Supervise and coordinate work assignments for middle and senior division students.

Greenhouse Operations

• Maintain tropical plants, houseplants, and greenhouse collections.
• Monitor plant health and implement pest and disease management practices.
• Propagate, divide, transplant, and maintain plant stock to support future production.
• Produce and maintain high-quality, retail-ready plants for sales.
• Start seeds and manage seasonal crop production schedules.
• Plant and maintain annuals and perennials for school events, gardens, and educational programs.
• Monitor inventory of greenhouse supplies and coordinate purchasing needs.
• Maintain perennial gardens through planting, dividing, mulching, weeding, and seasonal care.
• Establish and maintain annual and cut-flower gardens.
• Perform routine garden maintenance, including irrigation and harvesting.
• Harvest flowers for fresh bouquets and dried floral products.

Floral Design & Customer Service

• Create floral arrangements for school departments and events.
• Utilize flowers grown on-site whenever possible and coordinate supplemental purchasing as needed.
• Complete floral orders accurately and on schedule while maintaining excellent customer communication.
• Produce weekly fresh-cut flower bouquets for Project Market.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; degree or coursework in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated success in greenhouse, garden, or horticultural operations.
• Knowledge of greenhouse management, plant production, and gardening practices preferred.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM), fungicides, & pesticides; PA Pesticide Applicator License is a plus.
• Experience with hydroponic systems preferred.
• Experience providing agricultural, horticultural, or environmental education opportunities for youth, particularly those from underserved backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and educational technology.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, including the ability to educate, lead, collaborate, and inspire.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule averaging 29 hours per week, including occasional weekends.
• Demonstrated integrity and commitment to actively engaging with students while serving as a positive role model.

Milton Hershey School does not discriminate against applicants or employees, in hiring, promotion or any terms or conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability or use of a guide or support animal because of the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law.

Milton Hershey School will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law (collectively "Protected Characteristics"), against any applicant for admission, enrolled student, or any other individual(s) who participate(s) in the programs, services, and activities of the School. Read important MHS policies on equal opportunity and diversity, equal employment opportunity, and more.