Children's Garden Team Member

ABOUT US

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Children’s Garden Team Member assists with daily operations and educational programming in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Children’s Garden Team Members serve as front-line educators and ambassadors by engaging, inspiring, and educating children and families through hands-on, play-based, and nature-focused experiences.

Children’s Garden Team Members independently lead educational activities using manager-developed programming material and support the daily opening, closing, and upkeep of the Children’s Garden to ensure safe, welcoming, and well-prepared spaces for guests in a dynamic outdoor learning environment.

Compensation: $16/hour paid biweekly.

Additional Information: There are two seasonal positions available. These positions will start on 5/19/2026 and end on 10/2/2026. Part-Time seasonal staff will receive complimentary Conservatory membership and participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Children’s Garden Manager:

• Organizes and maintains all equipment, supplies, and Children’s Garden areas.

• Independently leads Children’s Garden educational activities and programming using written lesson plans.

• Uses age-appropriate language to engage children of varying ages, abilities, and developmental stages.

• Actively supervises children in a busy outdoor environment, maintaining the health, safety, and welfare of children and adults.

• Provides consistent, positive behavior guidance to support safe, respectful, and inclusive play.

• Conducts safety checks of Children’s Garden spaces, materials, and living collections before and during programming.

• Assists with daily opening and closing procedures for the Children’s Garden.

• Ensures all areas of the Children’s Garden is clean, organized, stocked, and guest-ready throughout the day.

• Maintains living collections within the Children’s Garden, including tadpoles, butterflies, carnivorous plants, and the Let’s Grow vegetable garden.

• Assists with seasonal garden tasks such as planting, harvesting, and basic maintenance.

• Communicates supply needs, safety concerns, and program observations in a timely manner.

• Works cooperatively with volunteers, education staff, community partners, and horticulture staff.

• Represents Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens with professionalism, warmth, and enthusiasm.

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to guest service and inclusive, welcoming experiences.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required; completion of at least one year toward an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Natural Resources, Environmental or other Sciences, Fine Arts, or a related field preferred.

• 6 months of related work experience preferred, including informal education and/or customer service.

• Availability to work a flexible schedule, weekends and holidays required.

• Ability to provide reliable transportation.

SKILLS REQUIRED AND RESULTS TYPICALLY ACHIEVED

• Effective verbal communication skills with the ability to confidently lead programs and engage children and families.

• Abil