Therapeutic Horticulture Program Instructor; Part Time Seasonal

Description

Step into a role where you help people blossom, heal, and connect through the magic of plants. The Therapeutic Horticulture Program Instructor at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is perfect for someone who loves sharing knowledge, delights in working with diverse abilities, and finds joy in being surrounded by nature.

As the Therapeutic Horticulture Program Instructor, you'll craft and lead enchanting, hands-on, nature-inspired programs that nurture the well-being and happiness of participants, with a particular emphasis on supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Joining the Education team and reporting to the Education Manager, your role will weave together teaching, imaginative program planning, gentle marketing, and tending to lush, therapeutic garden spaces.

This seasonal, part-time adventure runs from January to October, requiring 15–20 hours each week at $18 an hour.

• Plan and lead engaging, therapeutic gardening activities that match participant goals, using plants, gardens, and nature as tools for learning and growth.
• Partner with the Education Manager and Garden staff to identify and connect with enthusiastic potential clients, organize engaging schedules, and manage program details to ensure the sessions are smooth and enjoyable.
• Help spread the word about the program by sharing ideas and content for social media Reels, blog posts, and the Garden’s therapeutic horticulture webpage.
• Keep track of your program's impact by noting activities, collecting feedback, and using straightforward evaluation tools to make future programs even better.
• Maintain indoor and outdoor therapeutic spaces as inviting and well-kept by cleaning, replenishing supplies, and tending to the plants.
• Support special events and other Garden projects as needed, providing friendly and considerate customer service to visitors and participants.

• A degree in Horticulture, Horticultural Therapy, or a related field, or a comparable combination of education and experience;
  Horticultural Therapy certification is a plus.
• Solid horticultural knowledge and experience, along with comfort teaching and presenting to children and adults of all abilities.
• Experience working with people with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities, and the ability to adapt activities to different needs and skill levels.
• Skill in creating lesson plans and hands-on activities that are engaging, accessible, and age/developmentally appropriate.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and respond well to feedback.
• Basic proficiency with Outlook and Microsoft Office, and confidence in written and verbal communication.
• A positive, patient, and empathetic attitude, with a genuine commitment to the Garden’s mission and to using plants to support health and wellbeing.

• Seasonal, part-time role (approximately January–October), 15–20 hours per week, with some weekend and evening hours.
• Mix of indoor and outdoor work in all kinds of weather, including walking across varied terrain and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to lift at least 20 pounds and move materials as needed for programs.
• Clearances required prior to start (Child Abuse Clearance, PA State Police Background Check, FBI Fingerprint Background Check), plus a valid driver’s license and preferably a personal vehicle for occasional offsite programs.

If you’re excited about the idea of combining plants, learning, and therapy to positively impact people’s lives, this role offers a rewarding, hands‑on opportunity to expand your career while helping others flourish.