Part-Time Instructor Position - Available Immediately
Must be available to work during regular business hours with some evenings and weekends, as needed.
This is a part-time position. The hours vary greatly based on program and seasonal needs. Off-season hours will frequently be zero/week and in-season hours may vary from 6-29 hours/week.
Rate of Pay:  $10-$12.00 per hour

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Instructor position at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is responsible for conducting the direct implementation of innovative programs that result in engaging, active experiences for youth, school, teacher, family, and general Garden audiences. In particular, Instructors facilitate a variety of hands-on activities to engage and inform students. In support of these programs, Instructors work closely with peer colleagues in the Education Department and throughout the Garden. Instructors are critical components in meeting the Gardens’ core educational mission, and are an integral part of the programmatic Garden experience at one of the country’s top rated Botanical Gardens.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES/TASKS:

• Fulfilling the goals of the Garden’s education programming through direct instruction/implementation of Garden-wide program and content areas, including school programs, Garden events, camps, teacher/professional development programs, exhibits, demonstrations, as well as other educational needs that may arise. Instruction/program implementation is the primary role of this position, with main duties to include: program set-up; preparation of program rotation/coverage schedules on day of program implementation; welcoming and orienting groups upon arrival; leading student/teacher/chaperone groups in program activities; program takedown/clean-up.
• Follow all outline procedures associated with the programs and represent the Garden in a professional manner that meets or exceeds the Standards of Conduct as listed in the Employee Handbook.
• Exemplify the highest standards of education in an informal garden-based environment, meeting or exceeding the following standards of instruction:

• Content Knowledge—Instructor understands the learning concepts of the program thoroughly, and adheres to the planned curriculum. Arrives ready to teach and knowledgeable as to the content to be covered, so that s/he serves as an authentic and effective source of information for students. In addition to primary concepts taught in the program, instructor works to continually improve their base of knowledge so that s/he is able to respond effectively in answering questions outside the immediate scope of the program.
• Teaching Style—Brings an enthusiastic attitude to their teaching while remaining in the bounds of professionalism. Motivates students to learn and inspires excitement in students. Facilitates learning through exploration and experience.
• Class/Group Management—Instructor maintains control of group in a safe and effective manner, using appropriate teaching styles and language. Instructor demonstrates flexibility and effectiveness in adapting programs in response to changing circumstances such as inclement weather, late groups, etc., and is able to manage student groups to accommodate other Garden guests and minimizes impediments to guest flow.
• Student/Participant/Guest Engagement—Instructor is able to engage students’ attention in an effective manner so that they are enthused, actively involved and interested in learning—not bored or ‘tuned out’.
• Timeliness—Instructor is punctual in arriving/leaving the Garden according to program schedules. During programs, the instructor implements their part of the program effectively and efficiently while keeping within the rotation schedule so that the program stays on track.
• Appearance—Instructor is neat and professional in appearance, and dresses in accordance with the Garden’s dress code.
• Overall—Instructor demonstrates the highest standards of competency in teaching with regards to their knowledge and handling of the subject matter/content, the groups of students/teachers/parent chaperones with whom they work, and their adeptness in using the Garden as a tool for learning and engendering interest and excitement in plants, gardening, nature, and the environment.

• In support of programming, assist with program administration and coordination as scheduled, including program set-up/takedown, creating program plans/curricula/instructor guides, procuring or assembling supplies, responding to teacher/guest questions about programs, or other support activities that ensure smooth and efficient program implementation.
• Monitor and organize supplies used for programs and communicate with Youth Programs Coordinator and/or School Program Assistant as supplies need to be replenished.
• Organize and maintain the work areas, including the Education Cabin, basement supply room and other storage areas to maintain a neat and professional appearance.
• Provide coverage as needed for educational components of Garden programs/events/exhibits/displays as part of the overall Garden staff team.
• Instructors are asked to cross-train as Guest Services or Event Assistants, with additional duties as outlined in those position descriptions.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Job title of supervisor to whom incumbent(s) typically report: Program Coordinator
2. Job titles of those who report directly to this position: None
3. Persons supervised directly and indirectly: 1) Other instructors, if designated as ‘lead’ instructor for a particular program/day. 2) volunteers and interns (Occasional)

CONTACTS:

As an employee representing Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, the individual selected for this position will be expected to make a commitment to providing the highest quality of customer service to the Garden’s internal and external customers in every interaction.

Internal Customers: All departments through cross-departmental communications; in particular, Reservations, Admissions, Visitor Services, and Facilities staff, but occasionally other departments such as Horticulture as well.

External Customers: Program participants, including school groups, teachers/parents, adult program participants, garden guests, volunteers, and vendors/exhibitors.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Impeccable communication skills with strong public speaking abilities, able to make effective and engaging oral presentations to groups of people.
• Strong ‘people person’—sensitivity to interpersonal interactions with program participants and guests as well as between departments, staff, and volunteers and the ability to act proactively to ensure good relations between all.
• Enthusiastic and energetic, ability to quickly navigate all areas of the Garden.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work a flexible schedule including some nights and weekends as needed.
• Must be willing to work outside in various weather conditions.
• Must be willing to serve all of our guests equally regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Please indicate the frequency of each physical activity required to perform the essential functions of this job.