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 Plant Conservation Fellow works with the Director of Collections and Conservation Lead to develop and execute conservation projects. He or she acts as a knowledge source, conduit, and facilitator. This fellowship will form and coordinate projects for the Mid-Atlantic Plant Conservation Alliance (MAPCA). The MAPCA is envisioned to be a group of organizations, agencies, groups, and individuals that give attention to and provide stewardship for plant populations of conservation concern around the region. The Plant Conservation Coordinator will solicit groups, organizations and businesses to join the MAPCA and will provide support to member organizations including prioritization of work, capacity building, fundraising, information decimination, and linking plant expertise with stewardship activities.

Essential Functions

Conservation Outreach Coordinator
– Develop a volunteer program to engage the public in conservation activities and promote native plant stewardship.
– Develop educational programming to promote botanical conservation actions. Work to build understanding of the natural history, ecology, and vegetation of the Mid-Atlantic. Disseminate knowledge to constituents through a variety of means.
– Coordinate projects for MCC and the alliance, including but not limited to, species, population and site-level conservation and broader plant community restoration.
– Coordinate grant proposals with MAPCA partners and assist in other fundraising efforts.

Form and Develop Membership of the Mid-Atlantic Plant Conservation Alliance
– Develop and implement the framework for an alliance for the conservation and stewardship of Mid-Atlantic native plants
– Develop an advisory committee to prioritize work of the alliance, monitor progress, and assist with oversight of conservation efforts.
– Develop membership within the alliance. Identify key stakeholders from all seven Mid-Atlantic states and encourage them to participate.
– Liaison with National and State PCAs.
– Establish regular communication with private, state, national and international conservation organization partners. Facilitate meetings, work groups, and special events as needed.
– 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
– Masters degree in ecology, botany, plant science, social science, or related field and 3 years’ experience within the plant conservation discipline. A doctorate in these fields is preferred.
– Experience with developing and/or managing volunteer programs.
– Proficiency in communication, presentation, and group facilitation.
– The ability to work with many individuals and personality types.
– Broad writing skills
– Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties including plant databases and database management software
– Sound reasoning and judgment in making practical business decisions
– Demonstrated ability in organizing, managing and motivating others
– Ability to effectively fulfill organizational leadership roles and build meaningful partnerships
– 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 flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed
– Physical requirements include: bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, reaching, carrying, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds
– Willingness and ability to work outside in a variety of conditions

The Facilities Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing maintenance duties for the Main House and supports the facilities of Mt. Cuba Center. This position will provide general maintenance and repairs utilizing basic plumbing, electrical, and carpentry skills.

Essential Functions

Facilities Maintenance & Operational Support
– Perform routine maintenance and repairs on buildings and systems such as minor carpentry, painting, gutter cleaning, equipment cleaning, changing light bulbs, seasonal adjustments, routine checks and utility readings
– Attend to plumbing, electrical, and carpentry repair and maintenance needs; Coordinate with and oversee outside vendors for extensive repairs
– Assist the Certified Water Operator by conducting routine water sampling and water quality analyses for chlorine residual, pH, nitrate testing or water quality parameter testing and entering that information into a log book.
– Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and appearance of Mt. Cuba Center facilities at all times

Support Guest and Organizational Programs
– 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 and 3 years of experience in facility maintenance
– Approved Sampler/Tester (certified through the Delaware Office of Drinking Water) or willingness to train for this credential upon acceptance of employment
– Methods and principles of general building maintenance
– Carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills and general knowledge base
– Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles and equipment
– 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 to meet or exceed the company’s attendance and punctuality standards
– 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 part time, non exempt position. A typical schedule includes working Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6 hours per day. However, hours may vary due to business need.

The Education Specialist is responsible for the development, design and implementation of Mt. Cuba Center’s adult/continuing education offerings, onsite and through distance learning. The Education Specialist collaborates with the Education and Guest Experience team to grow program offerings while increasing participation and revenue.

Essential Functions

Oversight of Adult Education Programs:

•    Implement strategic initiatives under the direction of the Education Manager. Work with the Education Manager and Director of Education and Guest Experience to identify opportunities to expand audience, grow programming, increase revenue, and further MCC’s mission.

•    Oversee MCC’s adult continuing education offerings and certificate programs, both onsite and through distance learning.

Course Development and Curriculum Design:

•    Develop and deliver educational programming designed to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them.

•    Identify, recruit, and oversee outside instructors. Work with instructors to ensure course content is appropriate for MCC. Manage instructor relations including contracts and payment.

Prepare a suite of educational offerings for bi-annual public program guide that meets objectives for the number of diversity of programs.

Program Support & Administration:

•    Oversee MCC’s learning management system for delivering course materials to students.

•    Design digital and print collateral to support MCC’s educational efforts.

•    Work with Guest Experience staff to coordinate program enrollment, evaluate the success and efficacy of MCC’s adult education offerings, and plan program logistics.

•    Collaborate with Education & Guest Experience staff to support public programming efforts, under the direction of the Education Manager.

Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in education, horticulture or related field and minimum two years’ experience developing and delivering educational programming.

•    Broad horticultural/ecological knowledge required; knowledge of plants native to the Eastern United State preferred.

•    Exceptional writing, communication, presentation and organization skills

•    Proficient computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of Adobe Suite is preferred, but not required.

•    Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with staff and the public.

•    Ability to learn and adapt to new software and hardware applications to support programming efforts.

•    Self-motivated, attentive to details, and the ability to work effectively without close supervision.

•    Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

•    Must have a valid drivers license and complete van driver certification within 90 days of hire.

Please note this is a full time, exempt position.

The Digital Marketing Assistant will create, schedule, and maintain content for Mt. Cuba Center’s digital marketing channels (email marketing, social media, website, event listings, and review sites). This will involve collaboration across departments and within the Marketing, Communications & Membership Team.

Essential Functions:

Digital Content Creation

– Assist the Marketing and Communications Manager to produce relevant and timely digital content that engages Mt. Cuba Center’s digital audiences

– Photograph (stills and video) events, classes, garden activities, and plants as needed

– Create engaging written, video, and photography content tailored to relevant platforms and social media outlets (Website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.)

– Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and experts to ensure all content is accurate and written in Mt. Cuba Center’s voice

– Share press mentions, relevant news, and partner projects with online audiences

– Write and send email news as assigned

Coordinate Mt. Cuba Center’s Digital Presence

– Schedule social media posts and web content; ensure content stays up-to-date

– Add Mt. Cuba Center’s events and classes to local event calendars

Reporting

– Monitor social media outlets and online review sites

– Create quarterly reports in collaboration with the Marketing, Communications & Membership Team

Support Guest and Organizational Programs related to Audience Development

– Provide knowledge and guidance to support guest and organizational initiatives related to profession

– Assist in training employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work

Qualifications

– High school diploma or equivalent

– Strong writing and communication skills, with experience in writing in a variety of styles for different outlets

– Proficiency in WordPress, Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite or other photography/video editing software

– Experience with photography and video creation for social media

– Ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties

– Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with coworkers

– Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and able to manage time and effectively function without close supervision

– Physical requirements (lifting, etc.): Requires moderate physical work including walking throughout Mt. Cuba Center’s gardens and grounds, standing, sitting, kneeling, and lifting up to 10 pounds

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