"Extension Assistant - Garden Educator"

Extension Assistant - Garden Educator

Company:
North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category:
Extension and Outreach

Type:
Full-Time

Join the Pack! A community with nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, and 30,000 students. NC State is one of the largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/.

Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
The JC Raulston Arboretum (JCRA) is seeking a Garden Educator to join the Education Team. This position plays a vital role in the planning, development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programming that supports the JCRA's mission of horticultural education and public engagement. The Garden Educator will work collaboratively with education staff, volunteers, and partners to provide high-quality learning experiences, with a primary emphasis on family-focused garden education programs and weekend educational offerings for JCRA visitors.

Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Development and Design - 30%

• Research and assess educational needs of varied audiences, with a focus on families, youth, and weekend visitors.
• Design, develop, and update engaging garden-based educational programs aligned with JCRA's mission and strategic goals.
• Create lesson plans, hands-on activities, interpretive materials, and learning resources that support experiential and inquiry-based learning.
• Ensure programs reflect best practices in horticultural education, accessibility, and learning.

Program Implementation and Instruction - 25%

• Facilitate and deliver educational programs, workshops, tours, and hands-on activities for youth groups, families, and garden visitors.
• Lead and support weekend education experiences, including special events, seasonal programs, and public engagement activities.
• Adapt programming to meet varying group sizes, age ranges, learning styles, and visitor needs.
• Provide a welcoming and engaging educational experience that enhances visitor connection to plants, gardens, and the JCRA's mission.

Program Coordination and Collaboration - 20%

• Collaborate closely with Education Team members to coordinate program logistics, schedules, staffing, and materials.
• Work with internal departments, volunteers, and external partners to support program delivery and outreach.
• Assist with the coordination and management of education programs, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with operational needs.
• Support volunteer, student interns, and assistant educators, as applicable, by providing guidance and instructional support.

Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement - 15%

• Develop and implement methods to evaluate educational programs, including collecting participant feedback and outcome data.
• Analyze evaluation results to assess program effectiveness, audience engagement, and learning outcomes.
• Recommend and implement improvements to programs based on evaluation findings and emerging educational trends.
• Maintain documentation and reports related to program outcomes and effectiveness.

Program Planning and Strategic Support - 10%

• Contribute to the development of the Education Team's annual program calendar and long-term program goals.
• Assist in aligning educational offerings with institutional priorities, seasonal themes, and audience demand.
• Support planning efforts related to new initiatives, pilot programs, and expansion of education offerings.
• Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and professional development activities.

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience/Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a natural science program (Horticulture, Environmental Science or a related field), with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Two years or more teaching, and program leadership experience.
• Experience working with educational programs in a public garden or other public park or green space.

Required Qualifications:

• Creative, energetic personality with joyful, sincere interest in working in an outdoor setting with all ages.
• Ability to communicate in a positive, engaging and enthusiastic way.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with the public (of all ages).
• Ability to work effectively as part of the education team, with demonstrated success in working independently.
• Ability to adapt quickly and positively to unexpected changes such as inclement weather or other unexpected events.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience planning, implementing, and/or facilitating events/programs in an outdoor setting.
• Two years of program experience, including running and implementing education programs.
• Experience with plants, gardening or horticulture (public gardens, nature preserves, garden centers or other botanically focused environments).

Required License or Certification:

• Valid NC driver's license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.
• Completion or working toward completion of the NC Environmental Educator Certification, within 12 months of start.

Apply Now