Interpretation Program Assistant
Company: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Location: Boothbay
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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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, Portland , Interpretation Program Assistant, Customer Service & Call Center , Boothbay, Maine
