CAREERS

Whether you are just starting your career, looking for professional growth, or re-entering the workforce, Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, may have just the right opportunity. Not all of our positions require knowledge of horticulture. We also have opportunities in administration, education, events, facilities, and a variety of other areas. Roles are both part and full-time, and seasonal as well as year-round.

Botanica is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). It is our policy to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected classification. We encourage you to email your current resume to jobs@botanica.org for employment consideration. We respectfully request no phone calls.

Community Engagement Coordinator

ABOUT

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is a botanical garden located in the Riverside neighborhood of Wichita, KS. Botanica opened in 1987 and hosts thousands of guests each year who visit for regular garden displays and major events including the annual tulip display and holiday light show. The gardens total 20 developed acres with more land to expand in the future. The organization depends heavily on support from volunteers, with whom employees will interact with frequently.

This position is a full-time, exempt, salaried position. Benefits include co-health and dental insurance, paid holidays, and accrual-based paid time off. Evening, weekend, and holiday work can be expected. This position may work an irregular schedule to support various programs and events.

The position pays $42,000+ annually depending on qualifications.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK

This position is responsible for coordinating Botanica’s community engagement programs and activities, specifically working to create opportunities for people to connect with nature and engage with the garden. Major assignments are received from the Director of Community Engagement & Education, however, the coordinator is expected to be proactive and cooperative across departments to support the overall goals of the organization.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Key areas of focus for the Community Engagement Coordinator:

• Facilitate partnerships with organizations committed to developing a love of horticulture and improving the environmental impact of our wider community
• Work in partnership with events coordinator and education team to host a variety of community events in the garden, including but not limited to Tulip Fest, Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, EarthDay, etc.
• Represent Botanica at a variety of community events outside of the garden such as service-learning programs, schools, farmers' markets, arts and cultural events, etc.
• Assist in coordinating seasonal garden activities team, including but not limited to program planning, scheduling and training
• Lead event concessions and daily concession programs
• Provide congenial guest service support to guests
• May be required to assist with garden projects as needed
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.

This position will work directly and indirectly with full-time, seasonal, and part-time staff in addition to volunteers. Other responsibilities may include leading tours/groups, promoting offerings in communications and interviews with media, training staff, and serving as part of the Botanica team in support of major activities and events.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

This position requires the ability to:
• Thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, and ever-changing environment
• Ability to effectively plan, organize, and provide instructions for the work of others
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret, and record information
• Research, analyze, and monitor trends and demographics to create programming that is engaging and relevant
• Ability to work extended and/or irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed
• Proactively identify and solve problems
• Work individually and as part of a team
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Work outdoors when inclement weather conditions exist
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Work extended and/or irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed
• Follow verbal and written instructions and exercise good judgment
• Lift and carry bulky items weighing up to 50 lbs
• Safely operate golf carts and maintenance vehicles
• Tolerate airborne nuisances associated with open grounds and windy conditions
• Acquire and maintain a valid Kansas Driver’s License and automobile insurance
• Continuously perform tasks that require one to push, pull, climb ladders and move in and out of vehicular equipment, bend twist, reach, stand, and walk about (up to a half mile at a time) for most of an eight-hour shift

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a comparative position at a nonprofit, horticulture, hospitality, or educational institution. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered.
• Proven track record of excellent organizational and communication skills
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of sponsorship

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, communications, business administration, hospitality or another related field
• Prior experience in a museum, garden, zoo or attraction is a plus