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.
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, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.
Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
Special Requirements 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.
Penn has a long and proud tradition of intellectual rigor and pursuit of innovative knowledge, begun by Benjamin Franklin in 1740. That tradition lives today through the creativity, entrepreneurship, and engagement of our faculty, students, and staff. Academic life at Penn is unparalleled, with an undergraduate student body of 10,000 from every U.S. state and around the world. The entering class of 2015 is the most talented and diverse in Penn's history. Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the country, Penn welcomes an additional 10,000 students to our top-ranked graduate and professional schools.