How to Apply

Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. A one-page cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in this position and outline experience that directly relates to it.

Who We Are

University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) stewards over 840 acres of land and water across four properties in and around Ann Arbor, with Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens serving as its two anchor locations. With more than 500,000 annual visitors, MBGNA is committed to becoming a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the lands and waters we steward. We put that commitment into action by:

• Positioning humans as active participants within the natural world and compelling the university community and our publics to negotiate the full complexity that entails

• Advancing partnerships, programs, user experience, and all that we steward to catalyze access and impact in a radically changing world

• Emerging as University of Michigan’s premier partner for research, teaching, and public impact in sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversity

• Promoting healthier communities, cultures, and ecosystems through active care and cultivation of the gardens, fields, natural habitats, and dynamic systems that sustain our world.

Job Description:

K-12 Education is looking for student-educators interested in K-12 Place-based education and the foundational importance of human-nature relationships.  Help develop materials and lesson plans and lead groups of children and teens in nature-focused programs at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Create content for social media, lead Wonder Walks and field trips and develop skills in informal science communication.

Candidates must enjoy working with children and have an interest in experiential learning, hands-on activities and the environment.  Flexibility, reliability and adaptability are keys to success in this position. Must be available to work Wednesday evenings between 4:30-8pm and occasionally on Saturdays and Sundays.  We are looking for students who can work the Fall and Winter terms.

• Compensation: $15/hour

• For more information about Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, please visit mbgna.umich.edu

Excellent organization skills and attention to detail and demonstrated ability to work with children. Web-based research skills are necessary. An interest in plants, the environment and leading others in environmental education activities is important. Must be reliable, flexible, enthusiastic, and able to manage groups of children. Candidates must be able to work both  independently and as a team member. The ideal candidate would be able to work at least one Saturday per month, Wednesday evenings and one afternoon per week. 

Note: Internship positions that involve working with children require a background check, which is provided by a third party and is paid for by MBGNA.  Transportation assistance may be available. Students must be eligible for federal work study.