Instructor- Youth Programs

Queens Botanical Garden Society•New York, NY

2h•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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 and interest in working with diverse communities
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

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching in subject areas of botany, environmental studies, ethnobotany, or life sciences, a plus
Experience teaching special education or working with neurodiverse children, a plus

Responsibilities

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
Help foster 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 with administrative needs, such as: parent communications, documentation of incidents, and taking photos
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