Program and Garden Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Children's Museum of Phoenix - Phoenix, AZ 850348503Salary Range: $17.22 - $17.22 HourlyDepartment: Visitor Experience  Status: Regular/Part-Time/Non-Exempt- 28 Hours Per Week  Reports to: Program Manager  Date Updated: June 2026  Summary:   Acting on the principle that learning is a joy, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix’s mission is to engage the minds, muscles, and imaginations of children and the grown-ups who care about them. Through hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children ages birth to ten, the Museum focuses on learning through play, with an emphasis on early childhood education and school readiness. Rooted in our five-core Character Skills - Curiosity, Creativity, Bravery, Kindness, and Respect - we strive to create experiences that inspire discovery and connection.  The Program & Garden Specialist represents and brings life to the mission of the Museum through dynamic educational programs and meaningful guest engagement.  The Program & Garden Specialist works in and maintains our outdoor edible, educational garden, cultivating a space that sparks Curiosity about the natural world and encourages hands-on exploration. This role educates visitors about plants, sustainability, and food systems while leading workshops and classes that foster Creativity and joyful learning. The Specialist should take pleasure in physical and outdoor work and feel confident facilitating in an open, public-facing environment. While working in the garden during open museum hours, the Specialist actively engages children and caregivers, modeling Kindness and Respect through inclusive, welcoming interactions.  The primary duty of the Program & Garden Specialist is to deliver Museum-developed educational curriculum for public programs, school groups, and community partnerships both onsite and, when applicable, at off-site venues. This role requires Bravery in leading programs, adaptability in diverse environments, and a collaborative spirit when working with community partners, instructors, and teaching artists. The Specialist also assists with set-up, clean-up, and preparation of program materials, ensuring each experience is thoughtfully executed and aligned with the Museum’s commitment to learning through play. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  Assists in the development and implementation of Museum programming as it relates to the Children’s Garden and KIDchen programming.  Facilitates Museum programming as assigned in our classrooms, KIDchen, Children’s Garden, and pop-up programs throughout the Museum.  Assists in reaching monthly programming attendance goals by promoting Museum programs and recruiting patrons to participate.  Manage relationships with local gardens/nurseries for plant donations with the support of the Program Manager  Maintains current knowledge of program content being delivered.  Assists Program Manager with the planning and execution of inclusive events/promotions, such as: “Special Night of Play”, Earth Day Expo, Delta Dental supply giveaway, etc.    Participates in the evaluation of Museum programming.  Prepare and maintain materials and lessons for Museum programming.  Provides an epic Museum program experience with an enthusiastic and friendly attitude while facilitating programs.  Encourage continued support for the Museum's public programs.  Assists in administrative tasks, such as preparing program signage and attendance.  Support and mentor volunteers to assist in garden and educational programs.  Ability to effectively engage with all visitors, including those with different learning styles in a positive manner.  Primary responsibility will be the care of the edible garden in our Move It! exhibit outside. This is done in collaboration with a Horticulturist and volunteers.   Planting and maintenance of garden beds and containers  Irrigation and fertilization of garden beds and containers  Deadheading of annuals and perennials  Pruning, mulching, watering trees, shrubs, and vines  Weeding and composting.  Garden renovation and bed amendment.  Planting, transplanting, and propagation of plant material.  Assists in maintaining our seed library.  Assist in maintenance of other on-property garden needs.  Sustains an open, supportive, and collaborative relationship with the Exhibits, Education, and Facilities Departments.  Collaborating with the Program Manager to build relationships with nurseries and landscaping companies to acquire plants and garden supplies.  Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs. Qualifications Experience working with children ages 2-10.   Knowledge in garden education or environmental education.  Excellent communication skills.  Works well independently and as part of a team.  Detail-oriented with commitment to the highest-quality of work.  Excellent customer service skills and the ability to interact courteously with a variety of visitors and staff.  Professional and appropriate dress/demeanor.  Capability to improvise/interact spontaneously with visitors.  Must have a fun, positive, team-oriented, can-do attitude.  Commitment to diversity and track record of effective work with diverse audiences.  Practical understanding of ages and stages of child development.  Computer literacy in Microsoft office.  Comfortable with a flexible work schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings. Work hours are determined by the operational demands of the museum and may be adjusted as needed to support changing schedules and priorities.   Must pass a background check.    Education/Training/Experience:  Bachelor’s degree in education or related field preferred  Experience working with children and large crowds preferred.  Knowledge of native plants or native gardens is desired.   Early childhood education experience preferred.  We recognize that skills and experiences are transferable, and that diverse backgrounds bring valuable perspectives rooted in curiosity. We encourage you to apply, even if your experience does not directly align with every qualification listed.      Physical Requirements:  This is a physically demanding job – maintaining the Children’s Garden requires standing, walking, kneeling, crawling, stooping, bending, and climbing, as well as carrying and/or lifting materials. The Specialist will spend a lot of time working outside gardening and educating children. Must be able to stand for up to 8 hours. Must be able to see well and able to read fine print. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.    Environmental Requirements:  Most work will be outside in the Move It! exhibit, this is not a climate-controlled environment. Some of the work will be in a standard shop environment; frequently subject to warehouse, garden, and storage facility to transport items. May also be exposed to extreme weather conditions when working outside. This includes working in extreme Arizona summer temperatures, possibly more than 100 degrees. Must be able to work in an open area with other employees.  CMoP provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.  The Children's Museum of Phoenix is an at-will employer.  This means that both you and the museum reserve the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason with or without notice or reassign you or change your compensation.