Seasonal Environmental Educator
Holden Arboretum
Full-time | Seasonal
Opportunity:
The Education department seeks a friendly team member to assist with public programming efforts at Holden Arboretum. Opportunities include designing and leading drop-in programs for youth and families, supporting academic and scout programming, aiding in the preparation and facilitation of activities for summer camps, and assisting with special events. We are seeking a creative individual who is passionate about the outdoors, and who enjoys sharing information with the public.
Position Details:
- Full-time, seasonal, non-exempt position
- Approximately 40 hours /week
- Tuesday- Saturday, some flexibility
- Training provided
- Season May through September, flexibility in start and end date for applicants returning to work or school
- $15/hour
- Reports to Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator in Education Department
Key Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities of the Seasonal Environmental Educator include but are not limited to:
Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods:
- Assist with maintenance of Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods natural play area, including grounds, structures, and displays
- Ensure all interactive structures and activities at Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods are in good working condition for safety of guests and collections and report all damages
- Design and deliver educational youth & family programming for Buckeye Bud’s on weekends and assist with other educational programs as needed with guidance and support from Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator
- Assist with maintenance of Habitat Hut and Roberta’s Bird Blind
- With guidance and support from Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator, design interpretive handouts and materials for guest use at Buckeye Bud’s, Habitat Hut, and Roberta’s Bird Blind and ensure they are well-stocked
- Serve as point of contact for volunteers as needed and work with volunteers to complete assigned projects
Arboretum Summer Camp and Public Programming:
- Assist Family & Youth Engagement Coordinator with preparation and facilitation for summer camps
- Aid with public programming drop-in activities during the week and weekend
- Occasionally facilitate instructor-led classes and hikes at Holden Arboretum, helping guests find the right location and making sure instructors have what they need
General Education Duties:
- Assist with other projects, programs, and events as necessary in the Education Department
- Work closely with AmeriCorps Education Specialist, contract instructors, volunteers, seasonals, interns, and other department staff as needed
- Opportunity to assist with events and programs at Cleveland Botanical Garden campus
Qualifications and Skills:
- High school graduate
- Interest or experience in early childhood education, environmental education, ecology, horticulture, museum studies, social sciences, or related fields preferred
- Experience in youth and family programming, leadership, or camp counselor roles preferred
- Experience working with volunteers a plus
- Good communication and customer service skills
- A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required
- Must pass criminal background check
- Availability to work weekends and some evenings required
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Stand and sit for extended periods of time
- Sitting, standing, kneeling, and bending on uneven surfaces
- Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery or rocky terrain
- Ability to ascend and descend stairs
- Performs other duties as assigned
Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!
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 many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!
Apply:
Qualified applicants should submit their resume, cover letter highlighting key relevant experiences, and a list of 3 professional references. Application material will begin being reviewed on January 16, 2026, and continue until the position 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. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in Board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.
