Full-time; year-round

Application Deadline:  February 20, 2026

Come join our team!

Located in beautiful Harford County, MD, Ladew Topiary Gardens is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to maintain and promote the gardens, house and facilities in keeping with the creative spirit of Harvey S. Ladew for the public benefit and for educational, scientific and cultural pursuits.” Ladew’s grounds cover 250 acres, including formal gardens and an educational trail system through natural habitats including forest, meadows and wetlands.

The Environmental Educator is a member of the Education team reporting to the Director of Education. The overall purpose of this position is to help promote Ladew Gardens’ mission-driven programming to attract and serve a multi-cultural and multi-generational audience providing all participants an opportunity to create memories and connect with nature. This position is primarily responsible for developing, planning and directly teaching hands-on environmental education to our audiences focused on quality experiences related to our gardens, historical house, Nature Walk trail, and other areas of display that may be developed at Ladew Gardens.

Duties and responsibilities

Children’s Education:

  • Develop and deliver programming applicable for school age groups spanning from preschool to high school
  • Develop, coordinate and lead twice a month preschool program, Little Explorers, to include curriculum and hands-on experiences
  • Develop and deliver summer nature camps ensuring age-appropriate materials and engaging hands-on experiences

Family Education:

  • Participate in coordinating, planning and teaching weekend and evening family programs and events including Maple Magic, Family Nature Explorers, Garden Glow, Christmas Open House and new programs

Adult Education:

  • Participate in the delivery of training for college interns and volunteer program leaders
  • Participate in volunteer events, Garden Festival, Wild Walks, etc.

General Education Support:

  • Develop and propose recommendations to enhance, expand, or otherwise continuously improve the educational programs to ensure relevant and engaging content and experiences
  • Provide support to the education and administrative staff with appropriate social media posts, answering phones, marketing/advertising programs, program registration, office management
  • Participate in the operation of Ladew’s native butterfly house and garden
  • Perform functions that include periodic trail and garden hands-on maintenance & direct care of animal ambassadors

 

Qualifications & Competencies

  • Demonstrated passion for the environment and the natural world and for sharing it with others in a comprehensive and audience-focused manner
  • Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental studies, biology, horticulture or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience in these areas
  • Direct experience in teaching children and adults in a variety of programmatic delivery modalities
  • Excellent organizational, administrative and computer skills; proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Zoom, and proven aptitude to learn other software programs
  • Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing environmental education curricula and activities to meet learning objectives in an engaging manner
  • Approachable, adaptable, creative, self-motivated individual who collaborates well and utilizes excellent communication skills
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for up to two consecutive hours and lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions to include temperature variations and precipitationEvening and weekend onsite work required (at least one weekend day per month, February through October and December)

 

Compensation:

  • $40,000; based on 37.5 hours per week
  • Medical benefits available, including an HRA plan, Dental, Vision
  • Matching 401K program
  • Life Insurance provided by Ladew
  • Paid vacation, sick and personal time

To Apply: Visit https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3877284/Ladew-Topiary-Gardens-Inc/Environmental-Educator

 

 

 

 

 

Ladew Topiary Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We seek enthusiastic, friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our team and enhance our visitor experience.