Job Opening: Summer Temp Position - Arnold Arboretum AYS Program Assistant

[Sarah Coyne]

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Program Assistant and Bus Monitor, Arboretum Young Scientists

 

Title: Program Assistant and Bus Monitor, Arboretum Young Scientists

Status: Temporary

Term: This is an approximately five-week temporary position for summer 2024

Location: Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Program Summary: The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University seeks a Program Assistant and Bus Monitor to assist our other teaching staff during our five-week summer program Arboretum Young Scientists Program (AYS). The over-arching goal of AYS is to deepen student appreciation and mastery of science principles, with a focus on environmental and life sciences. Using exciting science curricula and based in the varied, outdoor, landscape of the Arnold Arboretum, the aim of AYS is to immerse our students in the wonders of science, spark their enthusiasm, and open their horizons to future careers in science professions and related fields. AYS offers opportunities to a diverse group of 20 students from BPS. We welcome teachers who are committed to and experienced with similar student populations.

Job Overview: The Program Assistant and Bus Monitor will accompany middle school-aged participants on bus pick up and drop offs before and after each day’s activities. In addition, you will assist the instructors for the AYS program with class activities, preparing for learning/lunch, working with the students on their daily lessons and projects, and field trips. Activities take place outdoors at the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. Free parking is available.

Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Monitoring the Arboretum Young Scientists students on the bus rides in the mornings and in the afternoons, ensuring they behave appropriately and reporting any issues to the Program Manager. 

·       Helping the Program Coordinator and the Manager of Youth Education with organizing all materials for activities.

·       Monitoring the Arboretum Young Scientists students during group and independent learning times, ensuring they are following learning guidelines and expectations, and reporting any issues to instructors. 

·       Communicating with families each week about AYS program activities. Talking to parents when students are absent or tardy.

·       Communicating with lunch-time caterers and directing them to the drop-off of lunches.  

·       Helping with lunch set-up and being available to students during lunchtime. 

·       Engaging in hands-on activities with the students, under the direction of the instructors. 

·       Assisting the program manager and instructors with other activities as needed. 

Basic Qualifications:

·       High school diploma or GED 

·       Demonstrated leadership skills

·       At least one year of experience working in a middle school after school program, summer camp, or other similar program.

·       Ability to work independently and in groups.

·       Experience working with diverse student groups

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

·       Communicates in a manner that gains the trust and support of people at all levels. 

·       Strives for collaboration. Works cooperatively, as a positive contributor to the team. 

·       Demonstrates a positive attitude and shows kindness in all workplace interactions. 

·       Make decisions appropriate for level of responsibility. 

·       Can effectively adapt to change; can shift gears comfortably; is flexible, and embraces change with a “can-do” attitude. 

·       Is self-aware; knows personal strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback and is open to constructive feedback as an opportunity for improvement. 

·       Demonstrates composure in challenging situations and reliably maintains stability when faced with pressure.

Working Conditions: Work takes place outdoors in rugged terrain and indoors in an office environment. 

Physical Requirements: Must be able to work outdoors in various plant collections and habitats during all seasons, including very hot days. Must be able to bend, reach, stoop, and lift to 25 lbs. Must be able to walk and stand for up to two hours at a time in indoor and open rugged outdoor conditions. Must be able to lead programs across a 281-acre landscape. No impairment which cannot be accommodated through a reasonable accommodation process.

Schedule: This is an approximately five-week temporary position for the summer. The tentative work schedule, which is subject to changes, is as follows:

 

Activity	Date(s)	Time
Staff Orientation	Saturday, June 1, 2024	9am-4pm (45 min un-paid lunch)
Staff Training Day#1	Wednesday, June 26, 2024	9am-4pm (45 min un-paid lunch)
Staff Training Day#2	Thursday, June 27, 2024	9am-4pm (45 min un-paid lunch)
Staff Training Day#3	Friday, June 28, 2024	9am-4pm (45 min un-paid lunch)
Program Week #1	Monday, July 1 to Wednesday July 3, 2024	8:00am-3:30pm (45 min un-paid lunch)
Program Week #2	Monday, July 8 to Friday, July 12, 2024	8:00am-3:30pm (45 min un-paid lunch)
Program Week #3	Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19, 2024	8:00am-3:30pm (45 min un-paid lunch)
Program Week #4	Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024	8:00am-3:30pm (45 min un-paid lunch)
Program Week #5	Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 2, 2024	8:00am-3:30pm (45 min un-paid lunch)
Program Debrief	Monday, August 5	9am-12pm

Pay: Total gross pay is $5,498 paid bi-weekly split into equal sums.

Benefits: This is not a benefits-eligible position.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to jo...@arnarb.harvard.edu. Please begin each file with your last and first name.