Summer Horticulture Docent 2017
May-August
The Madison Square Park Conservancy, a not-for-profit organization that operates and programs historic Madison Square Park in New York City is looking to hire two part-time horticulture docents. This is a for-credit opportunity.
This program will be highly focused around the Monday docent program during the summer months. We are looking for candidates who are currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year horticulture program at an established University. Candidates should have an interest in public programming around horticulture, urban garden maintenance, public interaction, and a creative interest to introduce horticulture to the general public.
Learning Opportunities:
- Learn the ins and outs of maintaining an urban/public Park in Manhattan
- Learn how to interact with the public
- Create public programming relating to seasonal horticulture
Position Overview:
Docents will work together to lead hands-on activities and answer general gardening questions for the public at the Gardner Station once a week. Hands-on activities will need to be prepared
beforehand with detail and consideration for the current Park happenings. This program is intended to help our general public relate with our ongoing efforts to maintain, sustain, and beautify Madison Square Park.
Responsibilities:
Plan weekly activities, which include working within a budget, preparing worksheets, collecting materials, and relaying activity scope to the Program Department and the Marketing Department. All activities need to be pre-approved by the Director of Horticulture and the Director of Public Programs. Docents will be required to facilitate an ongoing phenology project. Additionally, docents will have an opportunity to assist the full-time gardening staff with daily tasks and onsite duties.
Time Commitment:
May-August. We will work with your school schedule, and can be flexible with your time allocation. This program requires onsite presence for a minimum of 2 days per week. Mondays are required, and we would suggest Fridays for activity preparation. We require flexibility during the program season since this is the busiest time in the Park—please be prepared to assist with other programming needs.
Requirements: Strong horticulture knowledge and an interest in urban horticulture programming. Detailed orientated, personable, presentable, reliable, pleasant, creative, organized, easy to work with, and takes direction well. Knowledge of Adobe creative suite a plus.
Salary and Benefits:
This is a for-credit internship program. Madison Square Park will provide an unlimited monthly metro card for travel. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume with the position
“Summer Horticulture Docent” in the subject line to jobs@madisonsquarepark.org.
The Madison Square Park Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.