Youth and Family Program Educator

Youth and Family Programs Educator

University of Washington Botanic Gardens offers multiple part‑time, intermittent, hourly positions for Youth and Family Programs Educators.

Provide meaningful educational experiences that enrich participants’ connections with plants and the natural world.

The University of Washington Botanic Gardens (UWBG) is a leading center of botanical research, education, and outreach. With more than 320 acres of gardens and natural areas in the heart of Seattle, UWBG houses internationally significant plant collections, award‑winning restoration ecology and conservation programs, and popular public programs serving youth, adults, and professionals. UWBG has two sites:
Washington Park Arboretum and the Center for Urban Horticulture.

The UWBG Youth and Family Education programs serve over 10,000 youth ages 2‑18 and their families each year through family classes, school field trips, summer camp, preschool programs, and more. Programs are held at both UWBG properties as well as in the Seattle/greater Seattle community. The curriculum promotes an appreciation of plants and the environment through fun, educational, outdoor learning experiences, focusing on hands‑on exploration, play, and “learning by doing.”

As a member of UWBG’s Youth and Family Education team, you will lead outdoor environmental education programs for preschool‑8th grade students, as well as family or community programs. Programs are primarily at Washington Park Arboretum, occasionally off‑site at partner schools. Shifts vary each week, mostly Monday‑Friday 8:30 am‑3:00 pm, with occasional evening and weekend hours.

• Plan, prepare, and teach age‑ and theme‑appropriate lessons, activities, games, and experiences.
• Utilize the Arboretum to create fun and dynamic educational and recreational experiences for preschool‑8th grade students and families.

• Prepare and facilitate thematic, culturally responsive, and age‑appropriate experiences for groups of preschool‑8th grade students and families, using prepared curriculum and other UWBG Youth and Family educational resources.
• Adapt activities to meet the needs of a wide range of learners, while keeping overall program goals in focus.
• Lead programs in an outdoor setting in all kinds of weather.
• Ensure safety and well‑being of program participants, including adherence to required health and safety precautions.
• Prepare, clean, and put away materials after programs.
• Participate in program debriefs with team members.
• Communicate effectively with students, educators, adult chaperones, families, and UWBG staff.
• Collaborate with lead, administrative, support staff, and other Youth and Family Educators.

• High school graduation or equivalent and two years of instructional experience, or equivalent education/experience.

• At least 1 year of experience (personal or professional) teaching diverse youth audiences in an outdoor environment, or equivalent education.
• Passion for equity and inclusion in environmental education.
• Willingness to work with students from preschool through 8th grade in various capacities.
• Excellent organizational, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and sit for 15‑20 minutes at a time.
• Can lift and carry up to 25 pounds for short distances.
• Be punctual, responsible, and able to work outdoors in all weather.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain before programs start.

University of Washington Botanic Gardens, Washington Park Arboretum – Seattle, WA.

Pay Range Minimum: $21.77 hourly

Pay Range Maximum: $26.31 hourly

Other Compensation: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Shift: Temporary position, 100.00% FTE, SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory.

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees enjoy…