Children's Garden Team Member

ABOUT US

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facilitysituated two miles from downtown Columbusfeatures glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Childrens Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Childrens Garden Team Member assists with daily operations and educational programming in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Childrens Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Childrens Garden Team Members serve as front-line educators and ambassadors by engaging, inspiring, and educating children and families through hands-on, play-based, and nature-focused experiences.

Childrens Garden Team Members independently lead educational activities using manager-developed programming material and support the daily opening, closing, and upkeep of the Childrens Garden to ensure safe, welcoming, and well-prepared spaces for guests in a dynamic outdoor learning environment.

Compensation: $16/hour paid biweekly.

Additional Information: There are three part time seasonal positions available, weekend availability is required. These positions will start on April 13, 2026 and end on October 2, 2026. Part-Time seasonal staff will receive complimentary Conservatory membership and participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Childrens Garden Manager:

• Organizes and maintains all equipment, supplies, and Childrens Garden areas.

• Independently leads Childrens Garden educational activities and programming using written lesson plans.

• Uses age-appropriate language to engage children of varying ages, abilities, and developmental stages.

• Actively supervises children in a busy outdoor environment, maintaining the health, safety, and welfare of children and adults.

• Provides consistent, positive behavior guidance to support safe, respectful, and inclusive play.

• Conducts safety checks of Childrens Garden spaces, materials, and living collections before and during programming.

• Assists with daily opening and closing procedures for the Childrens Garden.

• Ensures all areas of the Childrens Garden is clean, organized, stocked, and guest-ready throughout the day.

• Maintains living collections within the Childrens Garden, including tadpoles, butterflies, carnivorous plants, and the Lets Grow vegetable garden.

• Assists with seasonal garden tasks such as planting, harvesting, and basic maintenance.

• Communicates supply needs, safety concerns, and program observations in a timely manner.

• Works cooperatively with volunteers, education staff, community partners, and horticulture staff.

• Represents Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens with professionalism, warmth, and enthusiasm.

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to guest service and inclusive, welcoming experiences.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required; completion of at least one year toward an Associate or Bachelors degree in Education, Natural Resources, Environmental or other Sciences, Fine Arts, or a related field preferred.

• 6 months of related work experience preferred, including informal education and/or customer service.

• Availability to work a flexible schedule, weekends and holidays required.

• Ability to provide reliable transportation.

SKILLS REQUIRED AND RESULTS TYPICALLY ACHIEVED

• Effective verbal communication skills with the ability to confidently lead programs and engage children and families.

• Ability to follow written lesson plans while adapting to group dynamics, weather, and guest needs.

• Ability to provide age-appropriate behavior guidance and maintain group safety.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting and receive feedback.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and remain on a defined schedule of events.

• Basic organizational skills for managing shared materials and spaces.

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in a variety of conditions, including hot and cold temperatures, high humidity, and wet weather.

• Ability to move about for up to 5 miles per day and lift or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting.

EEO Statement:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.