Program and Garden Specialist

Job Details

Job Location:

Children's Museum of Phoenix
- Phoenix, AZ 85034

Salary Range: $17.22 - $17.22 Hourly

Department:
Visitor Experience

Status:
Regular/Part-Time/Non-Exempt - 28 Hours Per Week

Reports to:

Program Manager

Date Updated:
June 2026

Acting on the principle that learning is a joy, the Children's Museum of Phoenix’s mission is to engage the minds, muscles, and imaginations of children and the grown‑ups who care about them. Through hands‑on, interactive exhibits designed for children ages birth to ten, the Museum focuses on learning through play, with an emphasis on early childhood education and school readiness. Rooted in our five-core Character Skills
- Curiosity, Creativity, Bravery, Kindness, and Respect - we strive to create experiences that inspire discovery and connection.

The Program & Garden Specialist represents and brings life to the mission of the Museum through dynamic educational programs and meaningful guest engagement. The Program & Garden Specialist works in and maintains our outdoor edible, educational garden, cultivating a space that sparks Curiosity about the natural world and encourages hands‑on exploration. This role educates visitors about plants, sustainability, and food systems while leading workshops and classes that foster Creativity and joyful learning.

The Specialist should take pleasure in physical and outdoor work and feel confident facilitating in an open, public‑facing environment. While working in the garden during open museum hours, the Specialist actively engages children and caregivers, modeling Kindness and Respect through inclusive, welcoming interactions.

The primary duty of the Program & Garden Specialist is to deliver Museum‑developed educational curriculum for public programs, school groups, and community partnerships both onsite and, when applicable, at off‑site venues. This role requires Bravery in leading programs, adaptability in diverse environments, and a collaborative spirit when working with community partners, instructors, and teaching artists. The Specialist also assists with set‑up, clean‑up, and preparation of program materials, ensuring each experience is thoughtfully executed and aligned with the Museum’s commitment to learning through play.

• Assists in the development and implementation of Museum programming as it relates to the Children’s Garden and KIDchen programming.
• Facilitates Museum programming as assigned in our classrooms, KIDchen, Children’s Garden, and pop‑up programs throughout the Museum.
• Assists in reaching monthly programming attendance goals by promoting Museum programs and recruiting patrons to participate.
• Manage relationships with local gardens/nurseries for plant donations with the support of the Program Manager.
• Maintains current knowledge of program content being delivered.
• Assists Program Manager with the planning and execution of inclusive events/promotions, such as: 'Special Night of Play', Earth Day Expo, Delta Dental supply giveaway, etc.
• Participates in the evaluation of Museum programming.
• Prepare and maintain materials and lessons for Museum programming.
• Provides an epic Museum program experience with an enthusiastic and friendly attitude while facilitating programs.
• Encourage continued support for the Museum's public programs.
• Assists in administrative tasks, such as preparing program signage and attendance.
• Support and mentor volunteers to assist in garden and educational programs.
• Ability to effectively engage with all visitors, including those with different learning styles in a positive manner.
• Primary responsibility will be the care of the edible garden in our Move It! exhibit outside. This is done in collaboration with a Horticulturist and volunteers.
• Planting and maintenance of garden beds and containers.
• Irrigation and fertilization of garden beds and containers.
• Deadheading of annuals and perennials.
• Pruning, mulching, watering trees, shrubs, and vines.
• Weeding and composting.
• Garden renovation and bed amendment.
• Planting, transplanting, and propagation of plant material.
• Assists in maintaining our seed library.
• Assist in maintenance of other on‑property garden…