Education Program Assistant

Occupational summary

Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a 55-acre botanic garden in the heart of Duke University that inspires transformative learning, promotes wellness and builds community. More than 600,000 people visit the Gardens annually.

Duke Gardens offers a broad range of educational programs to engage adults, children, families, and schools in learning about interconnections in the natural world, developing an appreciation for horticulture and gardening, and gaining direct experience with natural sciences using culturally responsive teaching methods.

Under the direction of the Education Program Coordinator, the Education Program Assistant will support planning, coordinating and administering activities within the Youth & Family program area including school programs, children & family programs and camps.

Work Performed

This is a part-time position working 20-25 hours per week, in person, generally weekdays between 9am-5pm. Major work responsibilities are in 3 main program areas.

Garden-based Camps:
Work collaboratively with the Coordinator of Education Program to successfully create, manage and implement all logistics and details for annual garden-based camps for youth. Assist with hiring, supporting, and mentoring seasonal camp personnel, managing day-to-day camp logistics and communications with campers and parents, management of camp budget and supplies, facilitating a safe and supportive environment for campers and staff, and evaluation of camp success.

Pre-K-12 School Program support:
Lead programs for preK-12 grade school groups throughout the Gardens. Support and assist with the development of new ideas, mission-aligned concepts and program themes, along with materials and resources to supplement, expand, or replace existing programs directed towards schools, families and children. Train volunteers in program content, maintain organized supplies and develop materials for self-guided school groups. Monitor and assist with program evaluation, investigate trends and recommend modifications.

Children & Family Programs:
Create and support educational program offerings for families and children. Participate in public relations activities and partnership events. Programs and classes for children and families may include a full range of offerings to serve Gardens members and visitors, including Saturday, Sunday, intersession and summer camp programs. Programs use the entire Gardens as an outdoor classroom, with a focus on supporting environmental science literacy and interdisciplinary science communication.

This position requires some weekend and/or evening hours, annual mandatory training for youth and minor's protection in Duke University programs and occasionally representing Duke Gardens at offsite events and meetings.

Skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated logic, analytical skills, and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems and areas for growth or improvement.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple competing projects and goals while remaining organized and completing tasks in a timely manner
• Capacity to communicate effectively and tactfully with many different audiences and constituencies through multiple methods.
• Ability to navigate in Duke Gardens, on uneven terrain at times, in all weather conditions for up to 4 hours.
• Dedication to creating and supporting a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for teammates, volunteers, and program participants.
• Proficiency with computer programs such as word, excel, outlook, teams and the ability to learn new technology.

The above statement describes the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Program planning, implementation and evaluation 70%
• Administrative tasks 30%

Education/Training

Work requires analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program or equivalent professional certifications.

Experience

Work requires some experience involving academic, instructional or counseling activities to acquire skills necessary to plan, coordinate and implement a variety of program activities and events. Experience in a public garden, museum, outdoor classroom, OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE preferred.

If interested in this position, apply via Duke Careers and enter the requisition number 260939. Please also send a copy of your resume and cover letter to GardensJobs@duke.edu.

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $22.87. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https: //hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.