Join our team
Employment Opportunities
The SLO Botanical Garden is a small, passionate nonprofit dedicated to connecting our community with plants from the Mediterranean climate zone. Our small team is supported by more than 85 regularly active volunteers who help the Garden grow.
We offer a collaborative, mission-driven workplace on 150 acres, engaged visitors, and a community that genuinely cares about what we do here. If that sounds like your kind of place, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply: email your resume and cover letter to Janine Stillman, Executive Director at ED@slobg.org
The SLO Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer.
Positions will be posted until filled.
Education Program Coordinator
In-person · Flexible schedule
Part-time
The Education Programs Coordinator develops, organizes, and implements inclusive, mission-driven programming for diverse audiences — youth, families, and adults. This role emphasizes nature-based learning and community engagement, with a particular focus on early childhood (ages 0–5). Working under Garden Leadership, the Coordinator ensures programs align with organizational goals while supporting outreach, volunteer engagement, and program sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Programming
Develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, and events for preschool-aged children, youth, adults, and families. Monitor and guide Youth and Adult Program Committees, including curriculum development. Coordinate all program logistics — materials, registration, scheduling, and volunteers — and manage program budgets.
Docent & Volunteer Program
Oversee the Garden’s docent program — recruitment, training, scheduling, and coordination — in collaboration with the Volunteer Director. Facilitate docent trainings and educational classes. Supervise volunteers and interns as needed.
Outreach & Partnerships
Conduct outreach to schools, early childhood care providers, families, and community organizations throughout SLO County. Build and maintain partnerships with local organizations focused on education and family services. Support marketing and program promotion efforts.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, biology, or related field — or equivalent experience
- Experience in classroom and/or outdoor education, with a focus on nature-based learning
- Demonstrated ability to develop programming for diverse audiences
- Strong collaboration skills; experience working with volunteers, educators, families, and community partners
- Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills
- Spanish language proficiency preferred
- Proficiency in Canva, WordPress, Microsoft Office, and/or Google Suite preferred
- Experience with marketing or graphic design a plus
Work Environment & Requirements
- Combination of office and outdoor work in a garden setting; some evenings and weekends required
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.; frequent walking, bending, and working on uneven terrain
- Valid California Class C driver’s license (or ability to obtain one)
- Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED certification required within 6 months of hire
About Us
We are a small, mission-driven nonprofit committed to connecting our community with the natural world. Benefits include an employee discount and flexible scheduling. Learn more at slobg.org/our-mission.
Salary Range: $20-24/hour
Project Manager/Garden Maintenance Supervisor
In-person · Flexible schedule
This position can be full-time or part-time.
The SLO Botanical Garden is a non-profit dedicated to plants of the Mediterranean climate zone. We’re looking for a motivated, skilled individual to join our team — someone who can keep our grounds beautiful, lead our facilities projects, and help bring our large-scale events to life./
This position has two primary areas of responsibility: managing garden infrastructure and improvement projects, and designing and executing large-scale event installations (such as our annual Nature Lights holiday event). You’ll lead staff, volunteers, and interns, and work hands-on in the garden.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management
Plan and manage ongoing maintenance and improvement projects — defining scope, tracking budgets, coordinating teams of staff and volunteers, and finding creative, low-cost solutions.
Event Installations
Design and oversee large-scale fundraising events, including Nature Lights. Manage volunteers and interns to build, operate, and support all event components — lighting, parking, vendors, and more. Basic electrical knowledge helpful.
Grounds & Facilities Maintenance
Perform and oversee daily garden upkeep — mowing, trail maintenance, irrigation repair, fence work, minor carpentry, and equipment maintenance. Conduct regular safety checks of buildings, tools, and systems. Operate tractors, mowers, chain saws, and other power equipment safely.
Qualifications
- 2+ years in garden/landscape project management, grounds-keeping, or equivalent
- Experience with event installation and management
- Knowledge of horticulture, natural landscapes, or ecological practices
- Ability to operate and make minor repairs to power equipment
- Strong communication skills and ability to lead staff, volunteers, and interns
- Budget tracking and independent problem-solving skills
- Comfortable with Google Workspace / Microsoft Office
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods
- On-call availability for facilities emergencies
Certifications and Licenses:
A valid California Class “C” driver’s license or the ability to obtain one. Valid Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within 6 months of appointment to position.
Benefits (full-time only)
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Simple IRA
Work Location: In person
Part-time or Full-time · On-site
Hours Flexible
Occasional evenings/weekends required
About Us
We are a small, mission-driven nonprofit and welcome applicants who reflect our values of community, conservation, and education. Learn more at slobg.org/our-mission.
Salary Range: $25-$30/hr.