Adult 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

Adult 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 Education Department at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens engages visitors with Arboretum grounds in unique ways, curating educational opportunities that inspire inquiry and ignite curiosity and creativity on themes surrounding the relationships between plants, people, and place.

The Adult Education Apprentice is an integral part of the team that develops and delivers educational programming for professionals, adults, families, and children. The apprentice works with staff to plan and deliver over 150 fee-based classes annually with over 3,000 registrants of all ages (view our current course catalog here). The apprentice provides program support for the Education Department, assisting in the planning and execution of continuing education classes, annual conferences, lectures, interpretive signage throughout the Arboretum’s grounds, and more. 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

• Work with staff to plan and implement a robust adult and family course curriculum.

• Help plan and organize professional seminars, annual conferences, and public lectures. 

• Work with instructors on scheduling their classes, writing course descriptions, and working out class logistics.