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 Technology Support Specialist provides exceptional customer service to the organization through various technology services. This position provides first and second tier software, hardware, A/V, telephone, and network support. This position is responsible for technical and how-to support on a wide range of applications including MS office, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS applications, and content management systems.

We are seeking highly collaborative team members that put our mission first and will help us deliver remarkable experiences to our guests!

What you’ll do:

• Act as first point of contact for technology support requests throughout the organization. Field requests for service via phone, email, and in person and determines nature and extent of support needed; Utilize troubleshooting and analytical skills to resolve software errors and hardware malfunctions in a timely manner.
• Maintain ownership of the service ticket through to completion and maintain all components that support the help desk and ticketing processes.
• Deliver training continuously to users in startup, basic, and advanced use of technical resources; create user-based job aids for routine technical tasks.
• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of hardware, software, A/V equipment, and telephone equipment used throughout Mt. Cuba Center operations; Perform hardware/software upgrades to existing computer equipment as needed, outside of standard business hours.
• Perform administrative tasks on behalf of the tech services department including, but not limited to, ordering and keeping inventory of supplies and equipment, scheduling training rooms, and organizing meetings with vendors.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years’ experience in computer science or related field
• Knowledge in software and network support for multiple users with basic skills pertaining to various web and virtualization technology including Terminal Server, Hyper V, HTLML, and CSS
• Advanced understanding of computer and server operating systems, including usage of Microsoft Office Suite, Windows Server, and Adobe Creative Suite products
• Basic understanding of installation, configuration, and troubleshooting process for software, hardware, networking, TC/IP, and accessory equipment
• Troubleshooting skills of PBX and VOIP phone systems.
• Knowledge of assembly/disassembly of computer and server components
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively and persuasively communicate with the staff and the public
• 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

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.

What You’ll Do:

• 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.
•  Monitor custodial supplies, requesting more through the Assistant Manager, Event Services
•  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
•  Launder and iron linens 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

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. Please note this is a part-time, seasonal position working under 1,000 hours between the months of February and December.

What you’ll do:

•  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
•  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:

•  1 year experience in the field of gardening or horticulture
•  Good working knowledge of plant identification, plant growth and cultural characteristics, disease
• Possess a strong interest in native plants 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

Physical Requirements:

• 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 part time, seasonal position working under 1,000 hours between the months of February and December.

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.

What You’ll Do:

•  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
• Assist the Natural Lands Division in executing projects that support the Natural Lands Management Plan

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

Physical Requirements:

• Requires strenuous physical work; 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 between the months of March through December.

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

The Public Safety Officer provides an exceptional visitor experience by maintaining a safe and secure environment for Mt. Cuba Center visitors and employees. Using excellent customer service skills, the Public Safety Officer circulates throughout the site, responds to visitor and staff concerns as they arise, and assists in the daily operations of the Visitor Experience Department by providing parking and setup/breakdown support.

What You’ll Do:

•  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 security related situations
•  Provide first response in emergency situations (CPR, AED and First Aid)
•  Follow established protocols and procedures and work with the designated supervisor on duty to address any visitor 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
• 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 visitors and staff in a golf cart when needed
•  Assist in visitor parking and traffic support
•  Assist in the regular setup and breakdown of department programs and events as needed
•  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:

•  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
• 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 evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Must be at least 18 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.

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

The Seasonal Guest Experience Assistant greets and assists visitors, while providing clerical support to the Guest Experience Department.

What You’ll Do:

•  Sell tickets, passes, and Mt. Cuba Center merchandise and ensures accurate cash handling procedures with great attention to detail
•  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
•  Support the clerical needs of the Guest Experience Department and provide support for guest events as needed

Qualifications:

•  A high school diploma or GED
• Basic math skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and general computer skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to effectively communicate with the staff and the public
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• 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

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
•  Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

Please note this is a part time, seasonal position working under 1,000 hours between the months of March and November.

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.

What You’ll Do:

•  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
•  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 activities to maintain the good condition of tools and equipment

Qualifications:

• Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power 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

Physical Requirements:

•  Requires strenuous physical work; 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 between the months of March and December.

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

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.

We offer two types of internship programs:

Our Summer Intern program runs for 12 weeks and is designed for individuals who have completed at least their junior year of college in programs in natural resources, horticulture or plant sciences.

A One Year Intern program for college graduates with a degree in horticulture, forestry, ecology, environmental studies, associated plant fields, or museum studies to become Botanical Gardening Professionals.

The Manager of Horticultural Research is responsible for the planning and implementation of horticultural research programs relating to plant evaluation and introductions. This position oversees the Trial Garden at Mt. Cuba Center and writes publications based on Trial Garden results. This position is a key industry influencer and works to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with the nursery industry and other research professionals.

Essential Functions:

Manage Horticultural Research Programs

• Oversee trial gardens programs and research nursery area and manage resources to complete projects (inclusive of purchasing, resource acquisition, and budgetary planning)
• Collaborate with multiple departments to oversee the acquisition, production, accessioning, labeling, and record keeping of research plant
• Support the Living Collections Policy by maintaining accurate records about plants under research and observation; Make recommendations to curator and horticulture staff regarding evaluated plants that should be permanently added to the living collections
• Design and execute research programs focused on the horticultural and ecological value of plants of the Eastern U.S., from cultivated and wild-collected origin; Conduct plant evaluation, selection, and introduction activities in support of research programs; Assist external research partners in their research at Mt. Cuba Center

Act as Industry Influencer 

• Create publications targeted for the gardening, nursery and scientific communities; Write articles in professional journals, trade publications, and non-technical publications; Produce research reports, web content, etc. as appropriate to report on Mt. Cuba Center activities and horticultural research
• Manage and execute the introduction of new cultivars with the horticulture industry; Maintain professional relationships with nurseries and manage plant trial agreements to effectively bring new cultivars to market.
• Grow Mt. Cuba Center’s presence in the horticulture and nursery industry through outreach presentations and workshops;Represent MCC in professional organizations and at professional and community meetings and events

Lead Guest and Organizational Programs related to Horticultural Research

• 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

Staff Leadership

•  Recruit, lead, motivate and develop employees who can successfully collaborate with all internal and external constituencies to help achieve the core objectives, inclusive of making all personnel action decisions

Program & Project Administration

• Lead the planning and execution of department initiatives and budget in alignment with Mt. Cuba Center’s mission and goals, including effective policy and procedural development
• Work cooperatively with the management team on adopting and implementing organization-wide systems, and help guide and execute the strategic goals of the institution to support Mt. Cuba Center’s mission

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture, botany, or a related plant science degree program and 5 years’ experience in horticulture is required
• Exceptional verbal, presentation and public speaking communication skills
• Proficient in horticultural evaluation and research principles
• Exceptional writing skills in a variety of mediums, including formal research writing and reporting, trade publication writing, website copy, and journalist writing
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
• Demonstrated ability in organizing, managing and motivating others
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong professional relationships and persuasively communicate with Mt. Cuba Center staff and the public
• Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• 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 30 pounds

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