Arboretum -Tygel Endowment Educator

Job Description and Position Requirements

The Arboretum at Penn State is offering funding for eligible Penn State faculty, students, staff, and independent educators who wish to offer educational programs at the Arboretum at Penn State. Programs will be funded by the Mark J. Tygel Endowment for Educational Programs in The Arboretum at Penn State. Educators will be compensated at the rate of $75/hr of delivered programming.

The Tygel Endowment supports horticultural and related education, which includes a wide range of subjects that can be taught at the Arboretum. In the past, the endowment supported programs with highly varied topics, including but not limited to:

• Plant and soil science
• Pollinators
• Wild plant foraging
• Astronomy
• Hydroponics
• Horticulture

The first preference of the endowment is to support programs for children and youth, but programs for all ages may be considered.

Applicants who are interested in developing a funded program must submit their proposal via the Work Day system. We are looking for programs that set inclusive goals, encourage participants to build a relationship with nature and place, increase environmental literacy, and engage an audience through developmentally appropriate practice utilizing hands‑on experiences.

Proposals should include:

• The applicant's resume.
• A 1‑3‑page program proposal, which must include a lesson plan and a description of the program format. Programs may include single topics taught in multiple 1‑2 hour sessions as well as curricula delivered over the course of a single day.
• An itemized budget. Budget items may include expenses necessary for the delivery of the program including printed materials, tools, props, and art supplies.

Proposals will be evaluated and accepted based on the strength of the potential programming. Arboretum staff will work with successful applicants to refine their curriculum, market their program, address logistical considerations, support program delivery, and confirm broader impacts.

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.