STEPS Lead Educator - Arboretum

Job Title
STEPS Lead Educator - Arboretum

Requisition Number
TE09206

Department Name
81115:Arboretum

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Salary Range
$14.50-$16/hour

Type of Position
Temporary

Position Time Status
Part-Time

Required Education

High School diploma.
Undergraduate coursework in early childhood education, horticulture, environmental education, or a related field is required. Can be substituted with relevant experience.

Required Related Experience

Personal or professional experience working with young children, education, gardening and/or working with the public.

Coursework in early childhood education, horticulture, environmental education, or a related field is required.

An interest in the environment, plants, education, sustainability, and/or outdoor activities

Required License/Registration/Certification

Physical Requirements

The majority of the Lead Educator’s job duties are performed outdoors. The Lead Educator must be willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions including hot, cold, and rain. The Kentucky Children’s Garden closes during inclement weather including thunder, lightning, dangerously hot and/or cold conditions. The Lead Educator must be able to lift up to 20 pounds on a regular basis, and up to 50 pounds on occasion.

Shift

Lead Educator will work 32 hours per week from mid March through the first week of November, when this seasonal position ends. The primary weekly schedule will be Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Additional hours may be needed for events such as field trips.

Job Summary

• Developing and leading daily educational programming for children ages 2-10 and their families.

• Gardening tasks include planting, weeding, mulching and other duties as assigned.

• Providing a welcoming atmosphere and excellent customer service to all visitors.
• Maintaining and ensuring the daily rhythm of the Kentucky Children’s Garden including opening, closing, programming, train times, daily/weekly tasks and staff breaks.
• Assisting the Education Coordinator with preparing and leading field trips on Tuesdays.

• Serving as the primary contact person for the Kentucky Children’s Garden and Arboretum Visitor Center when the Education Coordinator is not available.
• Ensuring the safety of patrons by informing them of the rules of the garden.

• Operating the model trains in the garden.

• Editing and helping to create marketing materials.

• Editing and helping to create social media content.

• Assisting the Education Coordinator in the development of outreach, events, and other programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Please have two to three academic or professional references available as it may be requested upon an interview.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Personal or professional experience working with young children, education, gardening and/or working with the public.
• Natural Resources, Horticulture, Early Childhood Education, Education, or related field.
• An interest in the environment, plants, sustainability, and/or outdoor activities.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

• Natural Resources, Horticulture, Early Childhood Education, Education, or related field.
• An interest in the environment, plants, sustainability, and/or outdoor activities.

Deadline to Apply
03/02/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.