An Instructional Aide- Horticulture assists a teacher in developing and presenting specialized educational materials and conducting instructional activities in the field of horticulture, and reinforces subject matter that has been introduced by a teacher. 

Typical duties include:

• Assisting a teacher by performing the following duties to reinforce subject matter that has been introduced by a teacher: 
  • Presenting topics, such as plant reproduction, botany, plant physiology, soils, and soil conservation, to students in horticulture classes.
  • Locating and compiling information and preparing exhibits, demonstrations, equipment, and other materials used in horticulture. 
  • Demonstrating methods, procedures, techniques, and uses of materials, tools, and equipment required in horticulture.
  • Arranging and conducting educational visits related to instructional activities in horticulture.
  • Tutoring individual students or groups in subjects that require basic and advanced knowledge of horticulture.
  • Reviewing student work for correct procedures in order to develop skills and techniques related to plant propagation, control of pests and diseases, landscape design and construction, and nursery operations.
• Performing related duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: In compliance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 and other related legislation, candidates for this classification must meet the following standards:

Paraprofessionals who provide instructional assistance are required to possess a high school diploma or equivalent AND one of the following:

Completion of 48 semester units or 72 quarter units from a recognized college or university,

OR

Possession of an associate or higher degree, from a recognized college or university

OR

Receipt of a passing score on the District Proficiency Test and the Instructional Assistance Test. 

Experience: One year of paid experience in horticulture or any equivalent combination of horticulture or a related area of work experience and study.

Special: Ability to communicate in a language other than English may be required for some positions. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate has hands-on knowledge of horticulture, including plant propagation and growth, gardening and nursery practices, plant diseases, plant structure, and soils. They are able to demonstrate horticultural methods, techniques, tools, equipment, and safety procedures and communicate this specialized information clearly to students with varying levels of comprehension.

A successful candidate can effectively support classroom instruction by preparing materials and demonstrations, tutoring individual students or groups, and reinforcing concepts introduced by the teacher. They understand how to identify the steps involved in sexual and asexual plant reproduction and apply their knowledge to areas such as pest and disease control, landscape practices, and nursery operations. Strong communication skills, sound judgment regarding student safety and behavior, and the ability to work collaboratively with a teacher are important to success in this role.