Floater Program Educator

Harlem Grown•Harlem, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Harlem Grown is hiring a part-time Floater Program Educator to support its Youth Programming and DYCD COMPASS after-school and summer programs at various community center and school locations in Harlem. The educator will substitute in leading or assisting with engaging, hands-on activities related to food and farm education for K–5 participants. Daily assignments may vary across sites, age groups, and activities, sometimes with short notice, so flexibility and adaptability are essential. The educator works with Food & Farm Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, Program Leadership, and other staff to help ensure programs are safe, educational, and enjoyable. The role supports Harlem Grown’s mission through interactive lessons, creative projects, and real-world connections to urban farming, wellness, and environmental stewardship. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 1 p.m.–6 p.m., with occasional Saturdays. The hourly range is $24–$26 USD. Harlem Grown is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. It operates 14 urban agricultural sites in Central Harlem and offers food and farm education, community resources, academic support, internships, and career readiness programs. Harlem Grown is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to building a team that reflects the communities it serves.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years of experience teaching, coaching, or facilitating programs with children under age 13.
Demonstrated expertise in content areas related to food, gardening, or STEM education.
Ability to engage and motivate youth across grades K–5.
Strong classroom management and communication skills.
Comfort working outdoors and doing hands-on garden work.
Ability to bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds of gardening and programming supplies.
Energetic, reliable, and team-oriented, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Commitment to Harlem Grown’s mission.
Ability to meet OCFS background check requirements.

Nice To Haves

Strong connection to Harlem or similar urban communities.
Associate’s degree in education, youth development, social work, or a related field.
Familiarity with DYCD COMPASS program standards and OCFS SACC regulations.
Experience integrating sustainability, urban farming, or nutrition education into instruction.
Bilingual skills; Spanish fluency is a plus.

Responsibilities

Plan and lead or co-lead engaging, standards-aligned STEM activities related to food, farming, sustainability, nutrition, wellness, cooking, and environmental education.
Actively supervise participants during activities, transitions, meals, field trips, and dismissal to maintain youth safety and engagement.
Maintain child safety and classroom management.
Build strong relationships with youth and families and contribute to a supportive program space.
Model a positive behavior management approach that provides guidance, reinforces Harlem Grown’s values, and supports a respectful, nurturing environment.
Participate in training and professional development sessions, staff meetings, and program events.
Work with the Program Leadership Team to align activities with overall curriculum goals.
Assist with preparation, setup, and cleanup for daily programming.
Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging program environment by following Harlem Grown protocols, DYCD requirements, and relevant health and safety guidelines.
Represent Harlem Grown at community events, school visits, and farm-based learning experiences.
Support data collection, reflection, and continuous improvement efforts as directed by program leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned.