Turn Your Passion for the Outdoors into a Career

ABOUT US

Do you come alive on the trail? Love hiking, birdwatching, camping, or simply spending your days surrounded by nature? If the idea of wearing hiking boots to work, spotting wildlife during your lunch break, and being part of a collaborative, mission-driven team excites you, then Boyce Thompson Arboretum may be the perfect place for you.

Founded in 1924 by mining pioneer William Boyce Thompson, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. Situated on 374 breathtaking acres at the base of Picket Post Mountain and bordering the Tonto National Forest in Superior, Arizona, the Arboretum offers a truly unique work environment unlike any other.

Our living collection showcases extraordinary plants from the world's deserts and arid regions alongside the native beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Every day brings opportunities to experience nature firsthand, with miles of scenic trails, spectacular mountain views, and abundant wildlife throughout the grounds. It's not unusual to encounter javelina, bobcats, roadrunners, hummingbirds, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working and exploring the Arboretum.

As an independent nonprofit organization, we're united by a shared passion for conservation, education, horticulture, and creating meaningful experiences for our visitors. We value teamwork, stewardship, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Located just 30 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix, Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying the beauty, adventure, and tranquility of the Arizona outdoors.

If you're looking for more than just a job—and want to be part of a community that inspires connection with nature every day—we'd love to hear from you.

JOB SUMMARY

The Education Assistant will have a passion for the environment and experiential education. This individual will be an integral part of the Education Department. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about desert ecology, teaching, and love working with people, especially children. The Education Assistant will support Youth Program and Family Program delivery, execution of Adult Workshops and Speakers, and outreach programs. The Education Assistant provides direct support to the Education department, which includes the Education Director, Volunteer and Visitor Engagement Coordinator, Education Coordinator, and Outreach Coordinator. Please note this is a Seasonal position and will be needed from October through April.  Schedule will consist of approximately 30 hours per week.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate on-site visitor engagement stations such as discovery carts, nature play, story time and other educational activities.
• Work with the Education Team to prepare materials for teacher professional development, docent training, volunteer training, discovery tables, school field trips, school outreach, group tours, family programming, education special events, and adult education classes.
•  Preparation of materials including printed collateral, packing of instructional bins, set up on grounds, ect. 
• Assist with the administrative tasks including participant registration, confirmation of emails, and inventory management. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma required. 
• College students interested in the outdoors are encouraged to apply.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team player, and a genuine liking for nature-based education.
• Ability to work independently and follow directions.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows for working weekends, evenings, and holidays is required.
• Demonstrates the highest level of professional and ethical conduct.
• Must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License.  
• Must complete a criminal background check.  

PHYSICAL REQUREMENTS

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.? 

• The majority of the requirements for this position is primarily performing work that requires work outside in all weather, walk longer distances, perform active work in a standing position, walk longer distances and move throughout the arboretum office and grounds, occasionally traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions, driving carts, lifting, carrying, standing, and stooping for longer periods of time.   
• Fully functional vision is required to perform essential duties of the position (prescription lenses are acceptable).   
• Occasionally able to lift 30 points independently.   
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff, applicants, stakeholders, visitors, and donors. Communication will include one-to-one, small, and large group communication. Communications need to be in English. Communication means both written and oral communication.?