Education Instructor: Summer Camp - Elementary
Education Instructor: Summer Camp - Elementary
Holden Forests & Gardens
Opportunity:
The Education department seeks a friendly, energetic team member to lead summer camps at Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden. Opportunities include leading educational summer day-camps with families and groups of children ages 6-13 in beautiful outdoor settings. We are seeking a fun, creative individual, who is passionate about nature and plants, and who enjoys working with and teaching children. The ideal candidate will be patient, hardworking, flexible, and able to work under pressure
When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio’s communities through our mission-driven programs. By joining HF&G, you will not only have the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, but you will also have the opportunity to contribute to our fulfilling and groundbreaking work.
Position Details:
- Approximately 30-40 hours weekly
- This position will work at both the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH and the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, OH
- Mandatory training provided May 26 – May 29
- Camps sessions run from June 15 – July 31
- Availability to work full days from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. during sessions of camp required
- $15/hour
- A clean driving record and secure transportation is required as applicant must be able to commute to both Cleveland Botanical Garden and Holden Arboretum campuses
- Reports to Family & Youth Engagement Coordinators
- Excellent opportunity for individuals seeking employment to acquire experience in educating young people within an outdoor environment
Key Responsibilities:
- Support Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
- Attend summer camp training sessions May 26 – May 29 to become familiar with activities, camp facilities, and safety protocols
- Deliver pre-designed, quality environmental education and outdoor experiences for campers, including themed hikes, off-site excursions, crafts, games, and skill-building workshops
- Assist with facilitation and support of summer camp experiences at Holden Forest & Gardens including room set-up, program material preparation, and coordination with internal and external instructors
- Follow health and safety guidelines to protect campers, natural areas/living collections, and facilities
- Provide consistent discipline when needed and report ongoing issues to supervising staff
- Provide friendly customer service and clear instructions to campers and families
- Contribute positively to a team of seasonal staff, contract instructors, volunteers, and others
- Valid drivers’ license and acceptable driving record required
- Must pass criminal background check
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Skills:
- Minimum of 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- One (1) year of experience guiding youth in education setting, a plus
- Pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate degree in, Education, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Agriculture, Museum Studies, Social Sciences, or related field, a plus
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Applicants must have their own reliable transportation
- Interest in and knowledge of plants and natural sciences, a plus
- Applicant must be
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Ability to lift 30 lbs and work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to learn and deliver lesson plans and follow activity instructions
- Sitting, standing, kneeling, and hiking on uneven surfaces, including 202 stairs and platforms elevated 65-feet to 120-feet above ground
Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!
Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!
Apply:
Qualified applicants should submit their resume, cover letter highlighting key relevant experiences, and a list of 3 professional references. Application material will begin being reviewed on January 16, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in Board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.