Job Description

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are:

Located in the “garden capital of the United States,” the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College has been called “the most beautiful campus in America.” The Scott Arboretum is the 400-plus acre campus of Swarthmore College, an excellent liberal arts college, located 11 miles southwest of Philadelphia.

Established in 1929, the Arboretum has been accredited as a level III arboretum by ArbNet. Volunteers play a key role in activities and assist the full time staff of about 20 in maintaining the gardens and collections, and conducting educational programming. For more information, visit scottarboretum.org.

Volunteers play a key role in activities and assist full-time staff of about 20 people in maintaining outstanding collections of woody ornamentals of over 4,000 taxa and a variety of special gardens. For more information visit www.scottarboretum.org.

The opportunity:

The Scott Arboretum Summer Education Internship offers a unique view into public horticulture education. This role allows for opportunities to learn about and experience programming for adults, youth, and families, communications, interpretation, and membership. Main responsibilities include assisting with the Chester Children’s Chorus Arboretum Summer class, supporting educational programming including tours, trips, workshops, conferences, and developing interpretive materials. The intern will also participate in field excursions to visit area gardens throughout the summer. The internship is a minimum of 10 to maximum of 28 weeks; typically starting in March to May and ending August to October. Work hours are 8:30 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm, with occasional evening and weekend hours depending on events.

Essential Responsibilities

Support educational programming for adult and youth audiences, including excursions, workshops, tours, and field trips;

Assist with set up, take down, and activities during special events, such as the Rose Celebration and the Woody Plant Conference;

Support program leader(s) during the Chester Children’s Chorus Arboretum Summer class;

Assist with the development and updating of interpretive materials such as brochures;

Participates in summer intern field trips;

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Who you are:

Self-motivated, effective communicator, responsible, adaptable, problem-solver, attention to detail, and organized.

Be willing to learn, compassionate, and willing to ask questions if unsure.

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

Interested in a career in environmental education.

Be able to obtain PA Youth Clearances by the start date.

Must have the physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds for event setups.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in education and/or events.

Experience working with children.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with pay expectations, including a resume and cover letter, by January 31, 2025. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled.

Act 153 Required by Position  

This position may regularly interact with minors. Under Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, (23 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§6301, et seq.) employees who have direct contact with minors are required to obtain the following background clearances prior to the start of employment:

Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint).

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs