Part-Time Greenhouse Education & Plant Care Assistant

Milton Hershey School; 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, greenhouse operations, and student learning experiences at the Hershey, PA campus. The role combines hands-on horticulture with education, helping youth develop practical skills and appreciation for plants.

Responsibilities include greenhouse maintenance, student supervision, and delivering engaging activities such as hydroponics and flower production, with

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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Educational engagement

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Horticulture/agriculture coursework

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Educational technology

IPM knowledge

Job description

Milton Hershey School is seeking a Part-Time Horticulture Program Assistant to support the Agricultural and Environmental Education program, greenhouse operations, and student learning experiences at the Hershey, PA campus. The role combines hands-on horticulture with education, helping youth develop practical skills and appreciation for plants.

Responsibilities include greenhouse maintenance, student supervision, and delivering engaging activities such as hydroponics and flower production, with