Part-Time Educator

Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies; Hales Corners (WI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens seeks an enthusiastic Educator to lead hands-on classes, garden tours, and school programs at Boerner Botanical Gardens. You will deliver science-focused curriculum in onsite classrooms and outdoor spaces year-round, engaging diverse groups of students in nature-based learning.

Responsibilities include teaching across grade levels, adapting lessons for all ages, and collaborating with staff to prepare materials and manage outdoor activities in all weather.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of youth teaching experience.
• Experience in science-related instruction is preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule Monday through Friday.
• Comfortable leading groups of diverse ages and backgrounds.
• Enthusiastic about plants and connecting people with nature.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing program needs.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Reliable transportation to Boerner Botanical Gardens.

Responsibilities

• Teach students at various grade levels about plants, environmental science, and the natural world using FBBG curriculum.
• Provide instruction in all weather conditions, as classes frequently take place outside in the gardens.
• Create a welcoming, interactive learning environment while maintaining appropriate expectations for student participation.
• Work both independently and collaboratively with other educators and staff to deliver and organize programs.
• Adapt lessons and teaching approaches to meet the needs of different ages, abilities, and groups.
• Prepare classrooms, program materials, and activities before programs.
• Reset classrooms and clean and organize materials following programs.
• Assist with the inventory, organization, and care of educational supplies as needed.

Skills

Youth teaching

Public speaking

Group leadership

Adaptability

Enthusiasm for nature

Independent work

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing Boerner Botanical Gardens through education, advocacy, membership, philanthropy and community engagement. Working in partnership with Milwaukee County Parks, the Friends help ensure the Gardens continue to thrive as an important horticultural, educational and cultural resource for the community.

Position Overview

Our Educators are responsible for leading hands-on and engaging classes, activities, and garden tours for school and community groups at the Boerner Botanical Gardens. Our educational programming runs year-round, and takes place in our onsite classrooms and outdoor gardens in all seasons. This position works directly with the public and students of all ages to deliver high-quality curriculum related to science and nature.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach students at various grade levels about plants, environmental science, and the natural world using FBBG curriculum.
• Provide instruction in all weather conditions, as classes frequently take place outside in the gardens.
• Create a welcoming, interactive learning environment while maintaining appropriate expectations for student participation.
• Work both independently and collaboratively with other educators and staff to deliver and organize programs.
• Adapt lessons and teaching approaches to meet the needs of different ages, abilities, and groups.
• Prepare classrooms, program materials, and activities before programs.
• Reset classrooms and clean and organize materials following programs.
• Assist with the inventory, organization, and care of educational supplies as needed.

Qualifications and Skills

• 1–3 years of youth teaching experience. Experience in science related instruction is preferred, but not specifically required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule Monday through Friday.
• Comfortable leading groups of diverse ages and backgrounds.
• Enthusiastic about plants and connecting people with nature.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing program needs.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Reliable transportation to Boerner Botanical Gardens (not on a MCTS busline).

Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.