Youth & Visitor Education Apprentice, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Youth & Visitor Education Apprentice, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

The Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through education, research and horticultural display. Located in the Northwest section of the city, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond. The home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants and host to special and educational events. Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a hub for botany, horticulture and urban forestry and a special part of Penn.

Job Description

The Youth and Visitor Education Apprentice is an integral part of the Education team, which develops and delivers educational programs for professionals, adults, families, and children. The apprentice works with staff to direct the activities of education volunteers, which include training, workshop planning, and program support. The Youth and Visitor Education Apprentice meets regularly with volunteers and other professionals to plan, coordinate, and evaluate programs. The apprentice has the opportunity to communicate with the public, regularly interfacing with visitors of all ages through monthly programs and events. This position is supported by the McLean Contributionship Education Apprenticeship Endowment. 

Whomever is selected for this part-time position should expect to work upwards of 40 hours a week depending on operational need. This position pays $16.00 an hour.

Duties & Responsibilities​

• Develop plan and lead Outdoor Career Symposium; a forum for high school students to engage with professionals in the horticulture industry

• Develop STEAM/STEELS activities and help coordinate field trips for middle-school, English-language-learners' summer program

• Develop and lead monthly programming for Morris' visitors, like monthly Storytime and seasonal programming

• Develop and teach 1 classes included in the Morris class catalogue.

• Help develop programs for school groups and Morris visitors

• Create temporary interpretive signs for interesting plants

• Maintain and create programming for Morris' Whimsical Woods and Fairy Gardens

• Attend meetings and participate in professional development as scheduled

• Assist with group tours and guides, including prep and breakdown, greeting groups, and distributing surveys

• Early arrival (between 8:00am – 8:30am) to support tours is required. Weekend duties as required.

• Perform additional duties as requested

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required

• Experience with direct youth service (i.e.. Teaching, leading workshops, nonprofit youth development, camp counselor or camp experience) preferred

• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365

• Work some evening and/or weekend Morris events

• Good communication skills, both written and oral.

Work Environment 

The Youth and Visitor Education Apprentice has their own workstation in a shared office that provides the camaraderie offered by a small and supportive staff. The position includes regular field trips with Education Team, a monthly Apprentice education program, as well as the opportunity to attend at least one professional conference. The Youth and Visitor Education Apprentice has an excellent opportunity to meet others in the field of informal education. 

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Morris Arboretum

Pay Range

$7.25 - $16.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.   

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