Job Description
Summary:
The Education Program Instructor's primary responsibility is to develop, prepare and deliver insect-themed programs for Butterfly House visitors, including birthday parties. The Instructor will facilitate programs at the Butterfly House as well as programs offsite at schools or community events. The target population for this position is families with elementary and preschool children, Scout groups, and school groups.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Plans, prepares, delivers or oversees delivery of engaging, structured educational programs for students, adults and families.
• Participates in all aspects of program development including curriculum development, program set-up, delivery and clean-up. Delivers programs primarily at The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. May deliver programs at The Missouri Botanical Garden, Shaw Nature Reserve, or a designated off-site location (Schools, Scout events and community events).
• Prepares and leads engaging activities for birthday parties hosted by Butterfly House.
• Assists with seasonal insect-themed education events such as Summer Festivals and Scout Nights, including gathering rosters, greeting guests, and delivering educational programming components.
• Assists in program delivery for community-based outreach initiatives and grant-funded programs.
• Assists with creating and maintaining program supplies; advises supervisor or manager of supplies to be ordered in a timely manner.
• Assists in the recruitment, selection, training, supervision and recognition of volunteers.
• Provides information about programming at community events, Scout functions, and family opportunity fairs.
• Provides assistance in scheduling and booking outreach and school programming.
• Assists in maintaining invertebrate animal collection and plant collection, including opening duties, fruit/nectar trays preparation, entomology lab duties, watering Tropical Conservatory, and butterfly releases.
• Perform point of sale (POS) transactions to assist in programs, admissions, sand art, butterfly releases, etc.
• Collaborates with Education Division colleagues, Garden staff and area informal educators on best practices in teaching and learning.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed (i.e., informs students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.).
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Behave & communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies:
• Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.
Qualifications and/or Experience:
• Minimum of one (1) year instructional experience working or assisting with the target population.
• Previous experience with interpretation, outdoor education, camping, scouting, student teaching or teaching preferred.
• Experience working in a cultural institution preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly comfortable working with and handling invertebrate animals.
• Exhibits genuine interest in the outdoors, ecology, sustainability, natural history.
• Demonstrated knowledgebase or experience in natural sciences, including entomology, botany, and ecology.
• Completes tasks with minor guidance to coordinate meetings and programs, set deadlines, and promptly set up, deliver and complete projects/presentations in a timely manner.
• Prior experience working in an informal education setting preferred.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends, late afternoons/evenings, and occasional holidays is required.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, or abilities.
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in education, science education, ecology, environmental science or related field required.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.
Communication and Language Skills:
• Ability to effectively communicate in English (oral and written).
Mathematical Skills:
• Proficient H.S. basic math aptitude: requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals; etc.
Computer Skills:
• Proficient in navigating through the Internet, and various PC applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word) or a similar application.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
• Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification if hired.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.
Physical Demands:
• Ability to walk long distances in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions in daylight and evening hours, and in hilly wilderness and structured areas.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e. step stools, stooping, etc.).
• Able to lift up to (30) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment).
• Ability to stand and move about entire facility for extended periods of time - 50% or more of the workday is standing on feet (e.g., extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).
• Able to pitch a tent and use craft tools.
Work Environment:
• Indoor office setting, shared by multiple staff within the Butterfly House office area.
• Classroom and outdoor instruction at the Butterfly House, with live invertebrates.
• Tropical Conservatory temperatures of 90°F or more, humid conditions.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering elementary questions regarding butterflies and other insects.
Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:
• Butterfly House and Education Division colleagues
• Garden staff members across sites, especially Education
• A diverse group of scouts and their accompanying adults/families
• Professional contacts from local Scouting organizations
Supervisor (title not person): Coordinator of Science Education
