School Program Instructor, On Call

Description About Denver Botanic Gardens

Green inside and out, Denver Botanic Gardens was founded in 1951 and is considered one of the top botanical gardens in the United States and a pioneer in water conservation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, The Gardens has a robust living plant collection, natural history collection and art collection along with temporary art exhibitions. The Gardens is a dynamic, 24-acre urban oasis in the heart of the city, offering unforgettable opportunities to flourish with unique garden experiences for the whole family – as well as world-class exhibitions, education, and plant conservation research programs.

For more information, visit us online anicgardens.org.

Along with the mission of bringing plants to people, our Core Values are a fundamental driver of the Gardens culture. They are:

Sustainability. We are devoted to an institutional, environmental and human sustainability.

Diversity. We champion inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility for all we encounter, and also support programmatic, ecological and plant diversity.

Transformation. We believe ever-evolving public gardens change the world and lead to positive transformation of human spirit and knowledge.

This position teaches or supports Education programs, primarily at the Plains Conservation Center in Aurora, as well as other Denver Botanic Gardens locations. Program Instructors work alongside volunteers and staff to implement interactive, hands‑on, plant‑based curriculum to PreK-12th grade students. Programs include but are not limited to school field trip visits, guided tours, online lessons, programs at schools, Cultivation Cruisers and special events.

Additionally, this position assists with coordinating program staff, maintains materials, keeps accurate records, and supports other program efforts.

Variable schedule, 0‑20 hours per week, Tuesday‑Saturday availability desired.

• Leads guided programs to groups of school‑age students.
• Greets arriving students and touch base with teachers and chaperones regarding planned activities.
• Provides program introduction to groups of school‑age students, teachers and parent chaperones.
• Leads groups of students through program activities, following established curriculum.
• Teaches Cultivation Cruiser programs to groups of PreK‑12th grade students at area schools and other locations.
• Prepares materials and equipment for assigned programs.
• Works in coordination with horticulture staff with care of living plants used in programs.
• Maintains a safe environment for class and program participants and address first aid issues.
• Communicates with teachers, parents and others in regard to their child’s or children’s presence.
• Assists in developing and revising program curriculum.
• Assists with other children’s programs as needed.
• Supervises students eating lunch or taking a break as needed.
• Teaches assigned online programs to groups of PreK‑12th grade students.
• Follows established protocols to coordinate programs and volunteers as needed.
• Keeps accurate records of attendance, programs, confirmations, or other matters as needed.
• Works to assure the highest quality experience for all DBG visitors.
• Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co‑workers, and others.
• Maintains a positive, helpful, and solution‑oriented demeanor when responding to or serving members and visitors.
• Regular attendance at the worksite may be required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.
• All Gardens employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.

• Flexibility in changing circumstances and high energy required.
• Must be capable of moving and communicating for a long period of time.
• Must be capable of working independently and in a team environment.
• Must be available to…