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Community & Youth Garden Educator

Holden Forests & Gardens

Job Location:

Cleveland, TN - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer

Posted: 14 August 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 11 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Community & Youth Garden Educator

Cleveland Botanical Gardens

Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder beauty and value of trees and plants to inspire action for healthy communities. When you join HF&G you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohios communities through our mission-driven programs.

Opportunity:

The Community & Youth Garden Educator position is responsible for the presentation and development of engaging informal education programs (school field trips Scouts badges public programming internship learning experiences) based on horticultural and environmental science concepts skills and activities.

Based mostly at Cleveland Botanical Garden (CBG) the Community & Youth Garden Educator is a dynamic role which supports the Education Department with an array of K-12^th grade-focused initiatives throughout the year including:

Supporting Green Corps high school interns from April November as they participate in nature-based experiences plus college and career readiness workshops
During the growing season work under the direction of HF&G horticulturalists to maintain a small CBG garden
Throughout the school year and summer facilitate guided programs for school groups and families at CBG and in the community
In the winter months assist with the delivery of educational programming during the winter exhibition
This position is based at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus in Cleveland OH and includes travel to offsite locations throughout the greater Cleveland Area plus occasional travel to the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland OH

A flexible schedule is necessary to support programming including maintaining a Tuesday through Saturday work schedule plus occasional evenings and Sundays and rarely working on holidays during the summer

Key Responsibilities:

The key responsibilities of the Community & Youth Garden Educator include but are not limited to:

Supports Holden Forests & Gardens mission vision and values
Facilitate garden discovery in indoor and outdoor settings throughout Holden Forests & Gardens campuses in addition to off- site locations like schools recreation centers and community-hosted events
Thoroughly prepare for and enthusiastically lead existing programs and events for PreK 12th grade students and community members of all ages related- but not limited to- botany ecology phenology endangered species and more
Create positive work experiences for interns variable instructors and volunteers by leading trainings coordinating schedules outlining tasks and preparing materials
Work in collaboration with the Horticulture & Collections staff and outside partners to facilitate intern garden learning experiences that include watering weeding mulching pruning propagating etc.
Collaborate with other departments as needed to assist in developing new programs and activities
Ensure safety and build rapport by employing class/ group management techniques when working with the public program participants HF&G staff and volunteers
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills: ability to interact with the public parents/guardians teachers community partners and staff with tact courtesy and respect
Observe all safety protocols and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for positions and/or specific activities. Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills:

Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
Bachelors degree in environmental education natural sciences horticultural studies or related fields
Significant practical experience in a related field or type of work will be accepted in lieu of a degree
Two or more years of programming experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds
Must enjoy working with middle and high school age youth
Highly proficient with the use of Microsoft 365 products specifically Teams Outlook email and calendar
Effective and appropriate verbal and written communication
Ability to work within a team and be self-motivating when working independently
Ability to take the initiative and problem-solve
Valid drivers license and an acceptable motor vehicle record required
Criminal background check pass required

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

Stand and sit for extended periods of time
Perform tasks in all weather conditions; temperatures may range from 0-100 F
Effective vision and hearing
Hand and arm dexterity
Walk and work on wet uneven slippery terrain
Kneel bend stoop grab and reach
Regular lifting and carrying of up to 30 pounds occasionally 45 pounds

Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

We offer Medical Dental and Vision Benefits Paid Time Off 8 Paid Holidays a year 3 floating holidays 403(b) Employee sponsored life insurance long term disability and short-term disability Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland Discounts in our stores & cafes Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open Free admission to manyNortheast Ohio Museums FreeEmployee Assistance Program And Much More!

How to Apply:

Qualified applicants should submit resume cover letter and 3 professional references. Candidates will start to be reviewed immediatelyand continue until the role is filled.

Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization including staff volunteers Board of Directors and visitors.

Required Experience:

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