Chicago Botanic Garden

At The Garden — Internships

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Interpretive Programs Intern

PURPOSE: To achieve hands-on experience in museum education programs and volunteer management while assisting with and supporting seasonal programs in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable, Malott Japanese, English Walled, and Model Railroad Gardens, and the Butterflies & Blooms exhibition. Learn operational aspects of a botanic garden/museum setting by working on a variety of projects and attending internal and external meetings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

  1. Assist in the preparation, set-up, and clean-up of weekday and weekend programs in Fruit & Vegetable Garden including Discovery Carts, Garden Chef Series, and Plant Giveaway. Prepare and maintain supplies; contact and work with volunteers.
  2. Assist with volunteer interpretive programs in Japanese Garden, English Walled Garden, and Model Railroad Garden, and Butterflies & Blooms exhibition.
  3. Gain subject matter competency related to specific garden areas.
  4. Interact with visitors, answer questions, and facilitate programs as assigned.
  5. Complete programmatic duties such as data entry, copying, and sign-making as needed using standard office equipment. Keep statistics for reports.
  6. Attend required meetings and assist with other projects as needed in Interpretive Programs.

DEPARTMENT: Interpretive Programs

REPORTS TO: Manager, Interpretive Programs

COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS: Visitor Services, Horticulture, Custodial Services, Security, Regenstein School, Visitor Programs & Events, Development

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Candidate should be available to work mid-May through August or September beginning approximately May 15. If candidate is available, attendance at earlier (April and May) training/review sessions is encouraged. Work week is Wednesday through Sunday, between 30 and 37.5 hours per week at $10 per hour.

He or she must be enrolled in a college museum studies program or a related field, such as horticulture or environmental education, with an interest in working with volunteers.

The ideal candidate will be flexible, able to work in a fast-paced environment, and possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is essential. 

Position requires periods of walking and standing with light lifting (up to approximately 15 lbs)/pushing.  Most of the work is conducted outside, rain or shine.

December 21, 2012