Education Program Guide

Position: Education Program Guide

Organization: Morton Arboretum

Location: Lisle, IL

Description

Using the Arboretum’s natural resources, Education Program Guides implement nature discovery programs for scouts, families, and schools. Through engaging interpretive techniques and by following education program outlines, Program Guides help children discover the basic science concepts related to plant and animal life, interrelationships among species, and human influences on the environment.

Job Qualifications
Previous Training and Experience:  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.  Minimum of one year training and experience teaching/interpreting to children in structured or informal programs.  Coursework and/or experience in some or all of the following: ecology, botany, biology, environmental science, general science, child development, interpretation or teaching methods.  Experience with English Language Learners a plus.

Physical/Mental Requirements:  Possess significant cultural appreciation for the mission of the Arboretum and the work of a botanical museum.  A genuine concern for the public good and a willingness to be accessible to the Arboretum’s audiences are fundamental qualities.  Excellent oral presentation skills and the ability to engage and project enthusiasm about learning and nature to youth audiences.  Maintain a flexible, constructive, courteous approach to teachers, parents, children, and other guides. Must have a good sense of responsibility in the area of safety, including appropriate radio use and basic safety measures.  Must have the stamina and ability to walk up to one mile on paved, wood chipped, or dirt paths over varied and uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Must be willing and able to check e-mail regularly for communication with supervisors and other staff.  Become certified and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR. (Classes are offered at the Arboretum.)  Must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and clean driving record. (A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check may be required.

Availability Requirements*

Spring (April to mid-June)
School Programs:  4 days a week
Youth & Family Programs (includes scouts):  5 days a month (some evenings and Saturdays)

Summer (June, July and August)
School Programs:  1 day a week
Youth & Family Programs (includes scouts):  3 days a month in June & July
Summer Science Camp: (Optional)

Fall (September to mid-November)
School Programs:  4 days a week
Youth & Family Programs (includes scouts):  5 days a month (some evenings and Saturdays)

Winter (mid-November thru March)
School Programs:  2 days a week
Youth & Family Programs (includes scouts):  2.5 days a month

* Availability requirements may change due to need. Availability is provided prior to the start of each season, but assignment to tours depends on audience demand.  Amount of actual work is based on registration levels from season to season and year to year. Capacity for programs is often met, but is not a guarantee.

Working Conditions

• Programs are conducted primarily outdoors and can necessitate working in marginal weather conditions (rain, cold, wind, and heat). Dangerous weather conditions will require relocation of participants to an indoor setting.
• Position requires physical activity: walking on uneven terrain, lifting up to 30 pounds and carrying up to 15 pounds, bending, climbing, standing, hiking, and kneeling.

How to Apply

If interested, please forward letter and resume/application to The Morton Arboretum, Human Resources, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL, 60532-1293, or email to: [email protected].