Park Educator

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Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic site seeks enthusiastic volunteers to join our education team! Frederick Law Olmsted NHS shares the story of the founder of American landscape architecture and the nation’s foremost park maker.

This position will play a vital role in creating an engaging experience for students by supporting our award-winning place-based education program, Good Neighbors: Landscape Design & Community Building. Good Neighbors fosters appreciation of the physical, social, and psychological value of public parks in local third graders, primarily Brookline Public Schools and Boston Public Schools.

At Fairsted students:

• Explore the restored landscape to learn how design decisions affect the character and function of a place.
• Investigate the Olmsted design office to learn about the tools, steps and people involved in park-making.
• Create a 3D park model based on client needs to better understand how thoughtfully-designed parks strengthen communities.

Availability:

Positions have flexible start dates. Positions are available September-November and March-June. Volunteers must commit to, at least, one four-hour shift per week, between the days of Tuesday-Thursday.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Providing a welcoming and empowering experience for the students
• Use age-appropriate and inclusive presentation techniques to promote critical thinking and collaboration
• Assist rangers in providing curriculum-based, hands-on learning activities

Training will be provided.

Work Environment:

Applicants will work in a combination of indoor and outdoor environments. Work environments may include the cultural landscape, indoor office settings, and offsite locations. Temperatures and weather conditions will vary. Staff will prioritize staff/volunteer safety and comfort.

Uniforms:

The site will provide an NPS shirt and nametag. When working directly with the public, we ask you wear the official NPS attire, as well as neat and clean, unripped pants or shorts and comfortable shoes for standing or walking for extended periods. When working in the office, please wear business casual attire.

For consideration, please submit the following:

• A resume with 2 references
• Cover letter expressing interest in position

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The applicant will be responsible for transportation to and from the site. This is an unpaid position; housing is not provided. If seeking academic credit, we will work with the applicant to fulfill necessary requirements. For additional information, please contact Katie Lade at kathryn_lade@nps.gov.

Start Date - 2024-09-16

End Date - 2024-12-01