Instructor – Youth Programs
Queens Botanical Garden
Summary
QBG’s Youth Programs bring together youngsters ages 2 to 18 from around New York City to enjoy seasonal, hands-on learning and gardening experiences year-round. Our young gardeners explore concepts of ecological balance, sustainability, and conservation as they learn how to prepare soil, select seeds and plants, and care for and later harvest their own vegetables, flowers, and herbs that they turn into nutritious and delicious snacks in the classroom. We explore these concepts at age-appropriate levels throughout each season. We strive to create an immersive experience in all programs- a blend of structured and freeform exploration designed to provide children with the support they need to express their natural curiosity. The Garden seeks seasonal Instructors who are passionate about environmental education to fulfill our teaching and programmatic needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or two years relevant experience in education, science, children’s programs/camps, or a related field
- Class/ group management experience, especially with children
- Experience teaching in subject areas of botany, environmental studies, ethnobotany, or life sciences a plus
- Experience and interest in working with diverse communities
- Experience teaching special education or working with neurodiverse children a plus
- Must be able to work with varied size groups of children and adults
- Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds safely
- Ability to perform diverse, sometimes repetitive, tasks that can be physically demanding
- Enthusiastic and collaborative attitude
- Excellent communication and organizational abilities
Duties
- Teach QBG environmental, art, sustainability and gardening programming to the standards set by QBG either at the Garden or out in the community
- Work with Education Manager, and other QBG staff to implement interactive and engaging gardening and environmental and sustainability workshops and activities
- Create a safe and welcoming space for participants
- Work with & mentor 2-4 interns/ volunteers to support program needs
- Prepare and maintain all materials for scheduled programs
- Set up and break down programming spaces
- Review & adjust lesson plans based on participant needs
- Support horticulture and gardening needs of the department, including: seeding, weeding, mulching, pruning, raking, watering, mowing, weed whacking, transplanting, and propagation
- Support additional needs and tasks of the Education Department
How to Apply
This is part-time seasonal position. Multiple positions available.
Children’s Garden (drop off/ elementary age program) available shifts:
- March: Start date March 21st for onboarding: March 29 & 30 training dates
- April & May: 4 hours/ week: Saturdays OR Sundays 12pm – 4pm
- June: 15-20 hours/ week: Weekday AM training program for summer preparation
- July & August: 21 hours/ week: Mondays through Thursdays, 8am-12:30pm OR 11:30am-4pm, Fridays, 9am-12pm
- September to November: 4 hours/ week: Saturdays OR Sundays 12pm – 4pm
Garden Buds (1 hour toddler + grownup program) available shifts:
- March: Start date March 21st for onboarding: March 29 & 30 training dates
- April to June, and September to November: 3-12 hours/week: (ANY) Fridays 8:30am – 11:30am, Saturdays and Sundays 8:30am – 1pm
- July: 3-6 hours/week: (ANY) Saturdays and Sundays 9am – 12pm
To apply, submit your resume, cover letter and any supporting documents to our Career Center. If you encounter difficulties with uploading documents to the portal, please send via email to hr@queensbotanical.org.
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