Interpretation Program Assistant

Company: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Location: Boothbay
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring an Interpretation Program Assistant! Are you an engaging storyteller that is passionate about plants and the environment, excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility goals? The Interpretation Program Assistant provides essential support to the Interpretation & Exhibits program at the Gardens, fulfilling both administrative and programmatic responsibilities that support sustainable operations for the Education team. This includes guiding tours, interacting with visitors at Discovery Carts, the Learning Apiary, and Butterfly House, assisting with event set-up, evaluating programming, and helping maintain exhibits and Interpretation-stewarded garden spaces. This is a Seasonal, Full-time position that begins late April and continues through mid-October. A later start date is possible. The workweek does include working one weekend day. Five days of mutually agreed-upon time off are available during the summer. $18.75 hourly, non-exempt Seasonal employees receive personal and sick paid time off, paid holidays, discounts in our culinary programs and Gardenshop, and a Gardens membership. Primary Functions: Provide informal educational experiences to guests through: Live interpretation via conversations that seek to create a sense of wonder, connect people to nature, and inspire curiosity and continued engagement outside of the Gardens. Live interpretation sites include mobile Discovery Carts, the Native Butterfly House, and the Learning Apiary. Specialty tours that provide opportunities for extended storytelling through the garden spaces, including current tours on native plants, wetlands, trees and the “Guardians of the Seeds” trolls, and a new dialogue-based biodiversity tour. Topics for interpretation include but are not limited to climate change, biodiversity loss, plant science, gardening practices, plant collections and research, natural history, environmental literacy, ecology, place-based storytelling, and intersectional environmentalism. Assist in set-up and staffing for educational events with informal education opportunities such as The Caterpillar Lab and other guest educators. Assist with care of live insects in Native Moth & Butterfly House and Learning Apiary, including things such as caterpillar rearing, beehive monitoring, and garden maintenance. Assist Interpretation team with writing and editing interpretive material such as tours, Discovery Carts, training resources, and blog posts. Assist with the general cleaning, care and maintenance of signs and exhibits. Take part in gathering assessment data about new exhibits and programs through visitor surveys, verbal feedback, and other methodologies as appropriate. Requirements College experience or at least two years of experience in the field of education, plant science, botany, biology, environmental sciences or a related field. Must enjoy and be comfortable socially engaging with the public. Demonstrates efficient organizational skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced, teamwork environment. An interest in environmental issues, plants, nature and the outdoors, and a desire to learn more about the role of education in a public garden and museum setting. Proficient in basic computer software such as Microsoft Office and capable of learning computer software. Experience using databases and spreadsheets is preferred. Physical Requirements: This position has consistent, moderate physical demands. The position frequently involves hands-on garden education. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, often in inclement weather (hot, cold, wet). The employee should be prepared for active physical work as a regular component of the workday throughout the Gardens’ open season.

Keywords: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, New England , Interpretation Program Assistant, Customer Service & Call Center , Boothbay, Northeast