Part-time Educational Program Assistant - Greenhouse (Hershey)

Milton Hershey School (MHS) is one of the world's leading pre-K through 12th grade private schools, providing approximately 2,200 students from disadvantaged backgrounds with a cost-free home and an exceptional career-focused, character-based education. Founded in 1909 by Milton and Catherine Hershey, MHS is fully endowed and has prepared more than 12,000 graduates to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

MHS is seeking a Part-Time Horticulture Program Assistant to support the School's Agricultural and Environmental Education (AEE) Program, including the Horticultural Center, greenhouses, gardens, and student learning experiences. This position plays a key role in maintaining horticultural operations while helping students engage in hands-on agricultural, environmental, and horticultural education.  This is a unique opportunity to combine your passion for horticulture with meaningful student engagement by supporting hands-on learning experiences with youth to develop their skills, confidence, and appreciation for the world of horticulture as a hobby or a career.

Compensation: $22.91 - $30.59 per hour, based on experience
Schedule: Approximately 29 hours per week; flexible schedule including occasional weekends
Location: On-site in Hershey, PA

Key Responsibilities include:

Student Engagement & Educational Programming

• Assist in delivering engaging, hands-on learning experiences involving greenhouse production, hydroponics, aquaponics, and outdoor growing.
• Facilitate after-school clubs, activities, and horticultural programs to inspire student interest in horticulture.
• Supervise and coordinate work assignments for middle and senior division students.

Greenhouse Operations

• Maintain tropical plants, houseplants, and greenhouse collections.
• Monitor plant health and implement pest and disease management practices.
• Propagate, divide, transplant, and maintain plant stock to support future production.
• Produce and maintain high-quality, retail-ready plants for sales.

Plant Production

• Start seeds and manage seasonal crop production schedules.
• Plant and maintain annuals and perennials for school events, gardens, and educational programs.
• Monitor inventory of greenhouse supplies and coordinate purchasing needs.

Gardens & Landscape Maintenance

• Maintain perennial gardens through planting, dividing, mulching, weeding, and seasonal care.
• Establish and maintain annual and cut-flower gardens.
• Perform routine garden maintenance, including irrigation and harvesting.
• Harvest flowers for fresh bouquets and dried floral products.

Floral Design & Customer Service

• Create floral arrangements for school departments and events.
• Utilize flowers grown on-site whenever possible and coordinate supplemental purchasing as needed.
• Complete floral orders accurately and on schedule while maintaining excellent customer communication.
• Produce weekly fresh-cut flower bouquets for Project Market.

• High school diploma or GED required; degree or coursework in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated success in greenhouse, garden, or horticultural operations.
• Knowledge of greenhouse management, plant production, and gardening practices preferred.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM), fungicides, & pesticides; PA Pesticide Applicator License is a plus.
• Experience with hydroponic systems preferred.
• Experience providing agricultural, horticultural, or environmental education opportunities for youth, particularly those from underserved backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and educational technology.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, including the ability to educate, lead, collaborate, and inspire.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule averaging 29 hours per week, including occasional weekends.
• Demonstrated integrity and commitment to actively engaging with students while serving as a positive role model.