Early Childhood Educator

ABOUT US

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Early Childhood Educator engages, inspires, and educates young children through a variety of

developmentally appropriate, nature-based learning experiences. As an active member of the Community

Outreach & Education Team, this position assists with the development, implementation, and delivery of

educational programs while supporting daily operations and visitor engagement in the Scotts Miracle-Gro

Foundation Children's Garden.

Additional Information: This is a full-time, non-exempt position. This position is eligible for the Conservatory's benefit package offered to full-time employees, which includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid Life/AD&D/Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS), optional 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and complimentary membership to the Conservatory.

Compensation:$19.50/hourly paid biweekly.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Delivers developmentally appropriate curriculum and educational programs for children ages 0-6 and their families in a variety of settings, including the Children's Garden, on-site and off-site preschool programs, outreach programs, family programs, and other educational events as assigned.
• Assists with activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, creativity, and problem solving appropriate to children's developmental levels and learning styles.
• Supports the daily operations of on-site and off-site preschool programs and the Children's Garden by preparing and maintaining educational materials, program spaces, equipment, and supplies.
• Assists with the care and maintenance of Children's Garden living collections and educational resources, including butterflies, tadpoles, carnivorous plants, and the Let's Grow vegetable garden.
• Serves as the primary point of communication for the Children’s Garden on weekends and other days as needed.
• Provides a welcoming, engaging, and safe environment for all preschool program participants and Children’s Garden visitors.
• Works collaboratively with Community Outreach & Education staff, volunteers, and other Conservatory departments to support educational programming and Children's Garden operations.
• Maintains records and program documentation as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Associates or Undergraduate degree in early childhood education.
• Experience in teaching children and youth in an informal education environment is preferred.

SKILLS REQUIRED AND RESULTS TYPICALLY ACHIEVED

• Understanding of early childhood development and learning.
• Proficient in experiential learning and a keen interest in sharing knowledge.
• Ability to create enthusiasm and engage groups of visitors.
• A professional demeanor with highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Self-confident and skilled at public speaking.
• Proficient in MS Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to function as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and remain on an exact schedule of events.
• Ability to walk up to 5 miles/day and lift to 40 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting.
• Ability to work outdoors, in various weather conditions, while completing garden maintenance tasks.
• Ability to provide transportation for offsite work up to 4 days a week (primarily from Oct. Through April).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends and holidays.

EEO Statement: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.