New

Extension Assistant - Garden Educator

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Jan 29, 2026

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194438EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Extension Assistant - Garden Educator
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday / 40 hours/week (variable weekend hours are required)
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Horticulture - JC Raulston Arboretum
About the Department	The JC Raulston Arboretum is a nationally acclaimed public garden that is the public face for the Department of Horticultural Science as well as NC State University. Fulfilling our mission to share our passion, our knowledge and our plants with our community, our educational programs reach thousands of children and families every year allowing them to grow their appreciation of plants and the natural world as well as explore careers in horticulture and the plant sciences.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	The JC Raulston Arboretum ( JCRA) is seeking a Garden Educator to join the Education Team. This position plays a vital role in the planning, development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programming that supports the JCRA's mission of horticultural education and public engagement. The Garden Educator will work collaboratively with education staff, volunteers, and partners to provide high-quality learning experiences, with a primary emphasis on family-focused garden education programs and weekend educational offerings for JCRA visitors. Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Program Development and Design - 30% Research and assess educational needs of varied audiences, with a focus on families, youth, and weekend visitors. Design, develop, and update engaging garden-based educational programs aligned with JCRA's mission and strategic goals. Create lesson plans, hands-on activities, interpretive materials, and learning resources that support experiential and inquiry-based learning. Ensure programs reflect best practices in horticultural education, accessibility, and learning. Program Implementation and Instruction - 25% Facilitate and deliver educational programs, workshops, tours, and hands-on activities for youth groups, families, and garden visitors. Lead and support weekend education experiences, including special events, seasonal programs, and public engagement activities. Adapt programming to meet varying group sizes, age ranges, learning styles, and visitor needs. Provide a welcoming and engaging educational experience that enhances visitor connection to plants, gardens, and the JCRA's mission. Program Coordination and Collaboration - 20% Collaborate closely with Education Team members to coordinate program logistics, schedules, staffing, and materials. Work with internal departments, volunteers, and external partners to support program delivery and outreach. Assist with the coordination and management of education programs, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with operational needs. Support volunteer, student interns, and assistant educators, as applicable, by providing guidance and instructional support. Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement - 15% Develop and implement methods to evaluate educational programs, including collecting participant feedback and outcome data. Analyze evaluation results to assess program effectiveness, audience engagement, and learning outcomes. Recommend and implement improvements to programs based on evaluation findings and emerging educational trends. Maintain documentation and reports related to program outcomes and effectiveness. Program Planning and Strategic Support - 10% Contribute to the development of the Education Team's annual program calendar and long-term program goals. Assist in aligning educational offerings with institutional priorities, seasonal themes, and audience demand. Support planning efforts related to new initiatives, pilot programs, and expansion of education offerings. Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and professional development activities. You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition ( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
Other Responsibilities	Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degree in a natural science program (Horticulture, Environmental Science or a related field), with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience. Two years or more teaching, and program leadership experience. Experience working with educational programs in a public garden or other public park or green space.
Other Required Qualifications	Creative, energetic personality with joyful, sincere interest in working in an outdoor setting with all ages. Ability to communicate in a positive, engaging and enthusiastic way. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with the public (of all ages). Ability to work effectively as part of the education team, with demonstrated success in working independently. Ability to adapt quickly and positively to unexpected changes such as inclement weather or other unexpected events.
Preferred Qualifications	Experience planning, implementing, and/or facilitating events/programs in an outdoor setting. Two years of program experience, including running and implementing education programs. Experience with plants, gardening or horticulture (public gardens, nature preserves, garden centers or other botanically focused environments).
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	Valid NC driver's license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start. Completion or working toward completion of the NC Environmental Educator Certification, within 12 months of start.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	01/29/2026
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Applicant required documents: Cover Letter, CV/Resume, Contact Information for Professional References.

Position Details

Position Number	00111831
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	111503 - Horticulture - JC Raulston Arboretum
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.