Employment
The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is a community-supported public garden inspiring curiosity, discovery, and appreciation of the natural landscape. It strives to be a leading botanical, educational, and recreational destination fostering the value and enjoyment of nature.
Education & Event Specialist
The Education & Event Specialist facilitates and supports educational experiences and programs that connect people of all ages and abilities with plants and the natural world. The Specialist will work closely with the Operations & Events Coordinator and volunteers to actively provide program and activity content for groups and events that include plant and environmental themes, cultural connections, cooperative games, process-based art exploration, and more. Additionally, this position assists with public and private event planning, implementation and supervision.
Education Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead interactive, hands-on experiences in a variety of program formats for school field trips, homeschool groups, scout groups, camps, and families with children of all ages and abilities.
- Prepare and implement assigned schedules for field trips and educational programs.
- Propose and prepare supporting materials for field trips and educational programs.
- Communicate important program logistics with teachers, group leaders, and participants.
- Keep accurate record of attendance numbers and incidental matters.
- Create a safe and positive learning environment for all participants.
- Understand program content and curriculum of various environmental subjects.
- Adapt pre-existing curriculum and activities to meet the needs of individual groups.
- Propose and develop new program ideas, content, and curriculum.
- Assist with planning and implementation of other youth education and family programs.
- Assist with the upkeep and maintenance of educational materials.
- Assist in supporting the day-to-day outdoor play-based experiences of visiting groups, as well as children and their families, across the Children’s Garden, Treehouse Village, and main campus.
- Assist with opening and closing of interactive educational and play areas across the entire Arboretum campus, as needed.
Other Duties and Tasks
- Guest services including answering general questions, operating specialty equipment, such as the wheelchair swing and zip-line, use of play equipment and trails safely and as intended, and assisting with additional guest needs that may arise
- Opening and closing activity areas, checking outdoor and indoor bathrooms, checking and changing trash receptacles, picking up and controlling litter, and addressing any impromptu issues that may occur while guests are onsite using the facilities
- Assist with supervision of onsite rental groups, including but not limited to weddings, meetings, birthday parties, and family gatherings.
- Assist with setup, clean up, and tear down of events and rentals, ensuring upkeep of equipment.
- Assist with the execution of public and private events including weddings, concerts, and fundraisers.
- Assist with supervising private rental events to ensure safe and responsible use of Arboretum grounds, buildings, and property.
- Communicate event safety concerns with the Venue Manager and Operations & Event Specialist as they arise.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Venue Manager or Executive Director.
Competencies
- Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills, and visitor relation skills.
- Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation, and visitor focus.
- Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
- Problem Solving: Blends problem-solving and decision-making skills to meet the needs of guests.
- Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Arboretum’s values and supports a positive organizational climate.
Qualifications
- Experience or training in guest services, education, hospitality, or events coordination
- Experience in delivering high-quality programs in a formal or informal learning environment
- Experience in group settings such as camps, childcare centers, schools, or museums
- Experience or training in event planning, coordination, and/or management
- Willingness to learn about environmental ecology and events coordination
- The requirements and duties listed above are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
- A background check is a requirement of employment.
Education
- Graduate of a two-year or four-year institution preferably with an interest in hospitality, guest services, education, and/or events coordination.
- An equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience may be considered.
Computer Skills
- Computer experience including Microsoft Office and Google Products.
- Ability to research and discern fact-based sources of information.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
Physical Demands
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to work in high heat, humidity, and high wind.
- The Education Specialist will be exposed to all weather conditions.
- Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching for extended periods. 50%-70% or more of the workday is standing.
- May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).
Supervisor
Venue Manager
Schedule and Compensation
- This position is part-time 30 hours/week
- Includes weekend days (typically Thursday-Sunday) schedule.
- Hourly pay rate of $15-$17.50/hour based on education and experience
- This position is seasonal from April through October (30 weeks) with preferred start/end dates: April 3 through October 31, 2025
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Kim Anderson, Venue Manager – kim@iowaarboretum.org.