Careers & Opportunities

Department: Public Programs

Position Time Frame: April 1, 2023 to December 15, 2023

Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week, schedule subject to programming needs; evenings and weekends required

General Description:

Reporting to the Logistics Manager, the Seasonal Program Support person supports the Bartram’s Garden mission by providing program, event, and visitor service support. Candidates with experience in visitor/customer service, public gardens, parks, etc. preferred.

Responsibilities Include:

• Perform set-up/clean-up, and assistance during programs and events including setting up furniture, locking and alarming buildings, and operating audio/visual gear
• Establish and maintain good communication with partners and visitors throughout their time onsite
• Support colleagues and partner leads during public events such as concerts and workshops
• Often serve as the day-of staff lead for private events such as meetings, baby showers, and graduation ceremonies
• Provide assistance and direction to visitors, guests, and program participants
• Communicate with the Point Person or Public Safety Patrol to maintain safety procedures
• Maintain high standards in safeguarding sensitive ecosystems and historic buildings
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled in order to remain up to date on shifting calendars, policies, and procedures
• Perform supply management, inventory, and light custodial tasks as assigned
• Occasionally support parking coordination and traffic direction

Qualifications:

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with the staff and public.
• Ability to work well as part of a team as well as without close supervision.
• Must be willing to work in all weather conditions and frequent evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds.
• Candidates with a valid driver’s license preferred.
• Some experience with live sound gear is beneficial but not required.

Schedule and Compensation

Running from April 1st through December 15, 2023, this is a non-exempt, seasonal position with an hourly rate of $15 and an average weekly schedule of 20 hours. Our site is open daily, and the Seasonal Programs Support staffer will be required to work an irregular schedule featuring frequent evenings and weekends and occasional holidays, early mornings, and late nights.

Application Information
To apply please send your resume along with a brief note describing your interest in the position to jobs@bartramsgarden.org. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls, please. The John Bartram Association is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

About Bartram’s Garden
The mission of the John Bartram Association is to create equitable relationships among people and nature through immersive, community-driven experiences that activate the Bartram legacy, Garden, and House, on land and on the Schuylkill River, in Southwest Philadelphia. The garden was founded in 1728 by John Bartram, whose passion for plants and the natural world inspired generations of horticulturists. Located in Southwest Philadelphia, the 45-acre public historic garden is preserved, enhanced, and maintained by the John Bartram Association as America’s oldest botanic garden in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Philadelphia.

Today, Bartram’s Garden offers opportunities for visitors to connect with and learn about plants, nature, history, art, and science. It encompasses the 1731 Bartram house and farm buildings, historic garden, reclamation meadow, tidal wetlands, community farm, recreational trails, and the Schuylkill river front with a public boat dock.

Bartram’s Garden has been working to build its local Southwest focused programs and activities and strengthen its local community partnerships. Continuing to broaden and deepen these relationships and build sustaining relationships with families, local institutions, churches, schools and academic institutions utilizing the Bartram legacy as inspiration for learning and environmental stewardship is at the heart of our vision for a great civic common and river garden. The garden is in the midst of transformation, with unprecedented opportunities for growth and renewal. With the construction of the Bartram’s Mile Trail and first major house and garden restoration in nearly a century, the profile and visitation at Bartram’s Garden has increased immensely. Capitalizing on this momentum, we are about to embark on planning for a riverfront restoration, freshwater mussel hatchery, and a kayak dock expansion among numerous other projects. These opportunities are focused on building our capacity to serve as the outdoor classroom and living room of Southwest Philadelphia, expanding our role as an anchor community open space and cultural asset.

Posted: March 2, 2023

The Seasonal Boat Maintenance and Repair position reports to the River Programs Manager and is responsible for the following:

• Preparation of seven Bevin’s skiffs and oars for seasonal programming (maintenance of six existing boats and any prep needed for one new addition)
  • Power wash inside and outside and ensure boats are well dried
  • Belt sand hulls – bottom and bottom of sides
  • Reinforce joints and seams with polyurethane glue (SikaFlex)
  • Apply epoxy to weak areas in plywood.
  • Prime and repaint bottoms and seats.
  • Other repairs as needed, e.g., damaged skegs on two boats and reaffixing keel on one boat.
  • Affix missing oarlock blocks, hardware, seats, painter lines, etc.
  • Affix and repair oar buttons
• Washing, sanding, re-painting and re-finishing of three traditional wooden boats: two Whitehalls and one Gartside
• Assist with fleet launch and assess for remaining leaks.
• Ongoing maintenance of fleet throughout the season as issues arise.
• Final breakdown, pull out, and winterizing to put the fleet to rest after the season has ended.

Schedule and Compensation

This is a non-exempt, seasonal position with an hourly rate of $25. The bulk of the hours will be required at the beginning of the season, and the exact schedule will be coordinated with the River Programs Manager throughout the season.

Physical Demands
The Seasonal Boat Maintenance and Repair position is a physically demanding position that is conducted outdoors, under a variety of weather conditions, and on the water. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to move and operate tools, boating and fishing equipment; stand and/or bend for extended periods of time; work in immediate proximity to general public in a safe and friendly manner. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume to sonjii@bartramsgarden.org.

About Bartram’s Garden
The mission of the John Bartram Association is to create equitable relationships among people and nature through immersive, community-driven experiences that activate the Bartram legacy, Garden, and House, on land and on the Schuylkill River, in Southwest Philadelphia. The garden was founded in 1728 by John Bartram, whose passion for plants and the natural world inspired generations of horticulturists. Located in Southwest Philadelphia, the 45-acre public historic garden is preserved, enhanced, and maintained by the John Bartram Association as America’s oldest botanic garden in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Philadelphia.

Today, Bartram’s Garden offers opportunities for visitors to connect with and learn about plants, nature, history, art, and science. It encompasses the 1731 Bartram house and farm buildings, historic garden, reclamation meadow, tidal wetlands, community farm, recreational trails, and the Schuylkill River front with a public boat dock.

Bartram’s Garden has been working to build its local Southwest focused programs and activities and strengthen its local community partnerships. Continuing to broaden and deepen these relationships and build sustaining relationships with families, local institutions, churches, schools, and academic institutions utilizing the Bartram legacy as inspiration for learning and environmental stewardship is at the heart of our vision for a great civic common and river garden. The garden is in the midst of transformation, with unprecedented opportunities for growth and renewal. With the construction of the Bartram’s Mile Trail and first major house and garden restoration in nearly a century, the profile and visitation at Bartram’s Garden has increased immensely. Capitalizing on this momentum, we are about to embark on planning for a riverfront restoration, freshwater mussel hatchery, and a kayak dock expansion among numerous other projects. These opportunities are focused on building our capacity to serve as the outdoor classroom and living room of Southwest Philadelphia, expanding our role as an anchor community open space and cultural asset.

Posted: March 3, 2023

The Welcome Center functions as an entry point into Bartram’s Garden and serves to orient and educate visitors as they access the Garden’s plants, history, programs, and science. Reporting to the Welcome Center Manager, the Welcome Center Assistant works with other Welcome Center Staff to meet the Welcome Center’s goal of providing a rich and fulfilling experience to Bartram’s Garden visitors.

Duties and Responsibilities

• All day-to-day operations of the Welcome Center to meet operational and merchandising objectives including:
  • Provide clear information to visitors regarding Bartram’s Garden history, plants, and offerings including public programming, workshops, and annual events.
  • Connect visitors with other staff on site, over the phone or via email, as appropriate.
  • Process all point-of-sale transactions for the purchase of tours, membership, and retail merchandise.
  • Maintain the appearance of the Welcome Center as a clean, professional, and well-cared-for space.
• Maintain retail stock and displays.
• Other site management duties as assigned to ensure a pleasant visitor experience.
• Collaborate with staff, organization, and visitors to create a pleasant, safe, and professional environment.
• Attend regular Welcome Center Staff meetings and Organizational Meetings, as requested.

Schedule and Compensation

This is a part-time, non-exempt position. Starting pay is $15 per hour. Our site is open daily, and the Welcome Center Assistant will be required to work weekends during our busy season (April through December), as well as occasional holidays, weekends, early mornings, and late nights throughout the year. Minimum of 14 hours weekly, including at least one weekend day, with potential for additional hours for Welcome Center staffing coverage.

Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with the public are required.
• Basic comfort with email, calendar, Google Chrome, and learning point of sale software preferred.
• Self-motivation, organization, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively function without close supervision.
• Willingness to work special events outside of normal work hours including weekends and/or holidays.
• Interest in science, nature, and/or history.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume to sonjii@bartramsgarden.org.

About Bartram’s Garden
The mission of the John Bartram Association is to create equitable relationships among people and nature through immersive, community-driven experiences that activate the Bartram legacy, Garden, and House, on land and on the Schuylkill River, in Southwest Philadelphia. The garden was founded in 1728 by John Bartram, whose passion for plants and the natural world inspired generations of horticulturists. Located in Southwest Philadelphia, the 45-acre public historic garden is preserved, enhanced, and maintained by the John Bartram Association as America’s oldest botanic garden in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Philadelphia.

Today, Bartram’s Garden offers opportunities for visitors to connect with and learn about plants, nature, history, art, and science. It encompasses the 1731 Bartram house and farm buildings, historic garden, reclamation meadow, tidal wetlands, community farm, recreational trails, and the Schuylkill River front with a public boat dock.

Bartram’s Garden has been working to build its local Southwest focused programs and activities and strengthen its local community partnerships. Continuing to broaden and deepen these relationships and build sustaining relationships with families, local institutions, churches, schools, and academic institutions utilizing the Bartram legacy as inspiration for learning and environmental stewardship is at the heart of our vision for a great civic common and river garden. The garden is in the midst of transformation, with unprecedented opportunities for growth and renewal. With the construction of the Bartram’s Mile Trail and first major house and garden restoration in nearly a century, the profile and visitation at Bartram’s Garden has increased immensely. Capitalizing on this momentum, we are about to embark on planning for a riverfront restoration, freshwater mussel hatchery, and a kayak dock expansion among numerous other projects. These opportunities are focused on building our capacity to serve as the outdoor classroom and living room of Southwest Philadelphia, expanding our role as an anchor community open space and cultural asset.

Interested in selling your handmade items at Bartram’s Garden? We have opportunities for vending at various events and festivals throughout the year, as well as the possibility of vending wholesale through our Welcome Center. As a neighborhood park, our mission is to prioritize connections in Southwest Philadelphia.

Please fill out the Vending Interest Form. We’ll be in touch if it feels like a good fit. Feel free to contact Mary Strand at mstrand@bartramsgarden.org with any questions. Thanks!

There are no current contracting opportunities.