Mt. Cuba Center is seeking highly qualified instructors to teach classes at our botanical garden in Hockessin, DE. Classes can fall under one or more of the following categories: gardening, horticulture, landscape design, plant conservation, art, or wellness. Instructors with expertise in one of these specific fields and who teach with an ecological perspective are invited to apply online. These are contract positions.

The Seasonal Horticulturists’ Assistant is responsible for a broad range of garden maintenance activities in support of the Horticultural Team for the continued development and refinement of the gardens at Mt. Cuba Center.

Essential Functions:

Gardens Care & Maintenance
– Assist the Horticulturist Team in maintaining the health and care of living plant collections by performing a variety of horticultural tasks including, but not limited to, site/soil preparation, planting, transplanting, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilizing, herbicide/pesticide application, and pruning
– Maintain well-groomed and safe garden pathways and assigned areas that are free from debris, including snow/ice removal as needed
– Assist other divisions with horticultural projects and activities

Support Guest and Organizational Programs
– Provide knowledge and guidance to support guest and organizational initiatives related to profession
– Lead, guide, and train employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work
– Carry out other such duties as may be assigned or requested. Contribute to MCC activities as required. Actively participate as a member of Mt. Cuba Center’s community.

Qualifications:

– At least 1 year of hands on ornamental and/or naturalistic gardening experience
– Good working knowledge of plant identification, plant growth and cultural characteristics, disease recognition and control
– Possess a strong interest in native plants, shrubs, and trees, and naturalistic gardening
– Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of tools, vehicles, and small- and large engine equipment
– Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
– Ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
– Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
– Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed
– Requires moderate physical work: frequent standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, reaching, carrying, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds

Please note this is a seasonal, part time position working no more than 1,000 hours between the months of February – December 2020. Candidates should be able to accommodate an average of 24 hours per week, which can flex up or down, (Monday – Friday during the day).

Please email careers@mtcubacenter.org with questions or for help applying.

Internships are Mt. Cuba Center’s greatest investment in the future. Our goal is to inspire students who have an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a desire to protect the environments that sustain them to become future public garden leaders. Learn more and apply here.

The Public Safety Officer provides an exceptional guest experience by maintaining a safe and secure environment for Mt. Cuba Center guests and employees. Using excellent customer service skills, the Public Safety Officer circulates throughout the site, responds to guest and staff concerns as they arise, and assists in the daily operations of the Guest Experience Department by providing parking and setup/breakdown support. Please note this is a seasonal, part time position.

Essential Functions

Public Safety
– Patrol and monitor Mt. Cuba Center’s premises to maintain a safe and secure environment for visitors and employees
– Work with the designated supervisor on duty to provide written reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, accidents, safety and fire hazards, and other public safety related situations
– Provide first response in emergency situations (CPR, AED and First Aid). Inspect medical equipment, audit and replenish medical/safety supplies.
– Follow established protocols and procedures and work with the designated supervisor on duty to address any guest or staff member concerns related to their safety or property, the safety or property of others, or the property of Mt. Cuba Center
– In concert with the designated supervisor on duty, make sure that all visitors have departed at the end of the general admission day or special event

Guest Services
– Greet guests in a friendly and enthusiastic way, answer questions, and attend to guest needs to ensure a positive experience while visiting Mt. Cuba Center
– Shuttle guests and staff in a golf cart and vehicles when needed

Provide Support for Parking & Operations
– Assist in visitor parking and traffic support
– Operate electronic applications to assist with departmental data collection
– Assist in the regular setup and breakdown of department programs and events as needed

Support Guest and Organizational Programs related to Guest Experience
– Provide knowledge and guidance to support guest and organizational initiatives related to profession
– Lead, guide, and train employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work
– Carry out other such duties as may be assigned or requested. Contribute to MCC activities as required. Actively participate as a member of Mt. Cuba Center’s community

Qualifications
– A high school diploma or GED
– An active certification in First Aid, AED and CPR through a program recognized by the American Heart Association or a willingness to complete the certification within 30 days of hire
– An active certification in a State of Delaware approved Alcoholic Beverage Servers Program or a willingness to complete the certification within 30 days of hire
– Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills
– Ability to plan, organize, and manage independent projects simultaneously with great attention to detail
– Ability to effectively communicate with the staff and the public
– Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a fast-paced environment with a high level of professionalism
– Capable of independently making quick decisions with sound judgment and discretion
– Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
– Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed
– Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
– Must be at least 21 years of age
– This position requires moderate physical work including frequent standing for extended periods of time; frequent walking up and down hills on uneven terrain; lifting, pushing, and pulling objects up to 40 lbs.
– Must have a valid drivers license and be able to pass a MVR check. Certification to drive a passenger van a plus but not required.

Please note this is a part time, seasonal position. During our open season (April to November) a typical schedule includes 4 or 8 hour shifts Wednesday – Sunday between the hours of 9:00 am – 6:00 pm for an average of 24 hours per week (weekend heavy). These hours are weekend heavy and occasional early mornings or later evenings may be required. Hours may flex up or down depending on the organization’s needs. Interested candidates must have the ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed.

Having trouble applying? Please email careers@mtcubacenter.org for help.

The Operational Services Assistant supports a remarkable guest experience at Mt. Cuba Center by performing custodial duties as well as room and event set up and breakdown in support of the Education and Guest Experience Division.

Essential Functions:

– Perform custodial duties for Mt. Cuba Center, maintaining areas assigned; clean, dust, and wipe furniture; sweep, mop, or vacuum floors; empty/clean wastebaskets and trash containers; sanitize and maintain restrooms.
– Set up and break down interior spaces, providing programs with the necessary number and configuration of tables and chairs
– Set up and break down exterior spaces for outdoor programs, placing chairs, tables, trashcans, and tents in their proper places
– Provide custodial support during and after programs and events
– Support food and drink service when necessary
– Provide knowledge and guidance to support guest and organizational initiatives related to profession
– Lead, guide, and train employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work

Qualifications:

– Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
– Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed
– Ability and willingness to interact with guests on occasion, providing excellent customer service
– Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting
– Working knowledge of custodial practices, supplies, and equipment preferred
– Requires moderate physical work; Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, reaching, carrying, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds.

Please note this is a seasonal position working 12-16 hours per week throughout the visitation season (March – November). The hours are evening and weekend heavy and may flex up or down depending on the organization’s needs. Interested candidates must have the ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed.

Having trouble applying? Please email careers@mtcubacenter.org for help.

The Seasonal Natural Lands Assistant is responsible for a broad range of activities in support of the Natural Lands Division in order to promote the ecosystem health and function of lands owned by Mt. Cuba Center, the habitats they contain, and the larger systems to which they are connected. Work includes a variety of land management tasks, flora and fauna habitat restoration and ecological monitoring.

Essential Functions:

Natural Lands Restoration and Preservation Assistance
– Assist with the monitoring and removal of invasive plant species using mechanical and chemical control methods; this can include use of bladed trimmers, hand loppers, and backpack herbicide applications
– Assist with the installation and maintenance of restoration areas
– Assist with general maintenance of fences, gates, signs, other structures within the natural lands, tools, and equipment
– Assist with ecological monitoring projects

Assistance in Executing Projects
– Assist the Natural Lands Division in executing projects that support the Natural Lands Management Plan
– Carry out other such duties as may be assigned or requested. Contribute to MCC activities as required. Actively participate as a member of Mt. Cuba Center’s community

Qualifications:

– High School diploma or GED
– Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles and small and large engine equipment including the use of chain saws, brush chipper, and manual transmission vehicles
– Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
– Ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
– Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
– Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed
– This position requires strenuous physical work including frequent standing, bending, twisting, stooping, climbing, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds
– Please note this is a part time, seasonal position working under 1,000 hours during the months of March through November 2020. Candidates will work Monday through Friday during the day for an average of 32 hours per week; however, hours may flex up or down depending on business need.

Having trouble applying? Please email careers@mtcubacenter.org for help.

The Seasonal Grounds Maintenance Assistant support the Grounds Team in the overall maintenance of Mt. Cuba Center’s landscape, including woody and herbaceous plantings, lawns, woods, garden features, paths and roadways.

Essential Functions:

Landscape and Grounds Care & Maintenance
– Assist in maintaining the health and look of turf through mowing, fertilizing, watering, weed-eating, aerating, and applying compost and compost tea
– Assist in maintaining woody and herbaceous plantings through planting, weeding, pruning, mulching, and other horticultural activities
– Assist in maintaining roads, pathways, and parking areas through surface maintenance, renovations, and leaf, debris, and snow removal
– Support the Horticulture Department teams by assisting with the maintenance of trees, shrubs, and plants through pruning, planting, transplanting, fertilizing, watering, and weeding

Maintenance & Repair Support
– Assist the Grounds team in making regular repairs to maintain the fences, walls, garden furniture, drains, catch-basins, bridges, curbing, patios, terraces, courtyards, and other hardscape features
– Perform regular repair and servicing activites to maintain the good condition of tools and equipment
– Carry out other such duties as may be assigned or requested. Contribute to MCC activities as required. Actively participate as a member of Mt. Cuba Center’s community

Qualifications:

– Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles and small and large engine equipment plus the ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
– Ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
– Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
– Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed.

This position requires strenuous physical work including frequent standing, bending, twisting, stooping, climbing, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds.

Please note this is a seasonal, part time position working under 1,000 hours per year between the months of March through December. A typical schedule includes working Monday through Friday during the day.

Having trouble applying? Please email careers@mtcubacenter.org for help.

The Assistant Horticulturist is responsible for a broad range of garden maintenance activities for the continued development and refinement of the gardens at Mt. Cuba Center. This position provides ongoing support to the Horticulturists.

Essential Functions:

Horticultural Planning & Documentation Assistance
– Assist with horticultural design development as needed in support of the Horticulturist team
– Maintain plant record documentation on behalf of the Horticulturist team as needed and adhere to the Living Collection Policy

Gardens Care & Maintenance
– Assist the Horticulturist team in maintaining the health and care of living plant collections by performing a variety of horticultural maintenance activities including, but not limited to, site/soil preparation, planting, transplanting, mulching, weeding, watering, implementing Plant Health Care practices, monitoring for pests and disease, herbicide/pesticide application as appropriate, and pruning
– Maintain well-groomed and safe garden pathways and assigned areas that are free from debris, including snow/ice removal as needed

Support Guest and Organizational Programs related to Horticulture
– Provide knowledge and guidance to support guest and organizational initiatives related to profession
– Lead, guide, and train employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work
– Carry out other such duties as may be assigned or requested. Contribute to MCC activities as required. Actively participate as a member of Mt. Cuba Center’s community

Qualifications:

– Associate’s degree in horticulture or plant science from an accredited college, university, or recognized certificate in horticulture and 2 years’ experience working in a public garden setting or equivalent experience
– Broad knowledge of native herbaceous and woody plant identification, growth and cultural characteristics, pest/disease recognition and control
– Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, small and large engine equipment and vehicles
– Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
– Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
– Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
– Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed
– Requires moderate physical work; frequent standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, reaching, carrying, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds

Please note this is a full time, non exempt position.

Please email careers@mtcubacenter.org with questions or for help applying.