Education & Play Facilitator

Join an Award-Winning Garden Destination!

About Our Organization

Lauritzen Gardens—named Best Attraction in the 2025 Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards and ranked #3 by USA Today for Top Botanical Gardens in the United States—is a 100-acre urban oasis showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Nebraska landscape.

As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to conservation across the Great Plains, environmentally responsible horticulture, and the creation of meaningful, inspiring experiences for our community. Our team takes pride in maintaining a world-class destination where people can connect with nature year-round.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At Lauritzen Gardens, your work directly supports a beautiful, mission-driven environment—and we make sure our team is supported too.

Job Summary

The Education & Play Facilitator embodies the goal of engaging with colleagues, peers, and stakeholders to support the organization's mission. Engagement encompasses participation on teams and committees, making extra efforts to help the organization succeed, and investing time in enhancing the guest experience. The Education & Play Facilitator oversees all aspects of educational programming, with a focus on Sofia's Play Garden. Other supported programming includes field trips, day camps, and youth/family/adult programming as needed. Lauritzen Gardens aspires to be a world-class botanical garden int he Great Plains, starting by educating our audience about our environment.

The schedule will be Wednesday through Sunday, 8 hours per day.

Primary Job Duties

• Facilitate recurring as well as one-off/special programming in Sofia's Play Garden, in collaboration with the vision and framework for education and horticulture in the unique space. Programming may include storytelling, music play, nature play, crafts or other art activities, plant-based activities, special guests/community events, and more.
• During times where no formal programming is taking place, monitor Sofia's Play Garden and engage with visitors of all ages, ensuring a positive and safe play-based experience for all by initiating contact and suggesting experiences, as well as monitoring adn resetting materials.
• Provide feedback and recommendations regarding programming in Sofia's Play Garden to contribute to its use and growth.
• Seek and relay feedback, both formal and informal, from guests to Sofia's Play Garden.
• Collaborate with other facilitators as well as volunteers in the space.
• Maintain and organize Sofia's Play Garden classroom space, including programming-related supplies.
• Assist with facilitation and other education programming, including but not limited to field trips, summer camps, birthday parties, and other tours.
• Become familiar with temporary exhibit content to facilitate programming, as well as make connections in Sofia's Play Garden.

Work Environment

The position will work both indoors and outdoors in Nebraska's climate.

Education & Experience

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Experience working with children in recreational or classroom settings preferred.
• Certified in CPR and First Aid preferred.

Additional Qualifications

• Passion for working with youth and adults in an informal educational setting.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in times of large crowds and groups.
• Physically able to keep the space clean and organized as well as play/engage with children in different garden spaces.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multi-faceted work environment.
• Excellent communication skills, including in presentation and tour settings.
• Attention to detail with a strong emphasis on excellent internal and external customer service.
• Understanding of general environmental concepts.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401 (k) with company match.
• Paid sick time.
• 8 Paid Holidays + 2 Paid Floating Holidays.
• Garden Membership.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Bereavement Leave.
• Opportunities for professional development.