School Programs Educator

New York Botanical Garden • Bronx, NY

1d

About The Position

Children’s Education educators facilitate naturalist, interactive workshops using the natural world as a lens for inquiry- and phenomena-based science explorations throughout the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Depending on schedules and needs, educators may also observe and lead workshops in Children’s Education facilities such as the GreenSchool and/or Edible Academy. The role focuses on leading school programs that encourage experiential learning and appreciation of the natural world. Educators organize and maintain program supplies and familiarize themselves with informal teaching spaces on the Garden Grounds and in the Conservatory.

This is a temporary, part-time position running through June 8, 2027. The regular schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 AM–1:30 PM. Professional learning days run from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM on January 20 and 21, March 17 and 18, and June 8, 2027. The rate is $25.75 per hour.

Requirements

• A degree in education, science, horticulture, or another relevant field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Responsive decision-making skills.
• Ability to be flexible and incorporate garden resources and natural phenomena in a fast-paced, dynamic, and complex environment with changing schedules and teaching spaces due to weather and time constraints.
• Outgoing and welcoming personality; responsible, punctual, professional, and motivated.
• Prior experience and enthusiasm for working with school children.
• Demonstrated love of plants.
• Ability to traverse the Garden landscape while teaching groups of children, work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and kneel or crouch to plant or child level.

Nice To Haves

• Background in current museum education practices that emphasize student-driven experiences.
• Knowledge of basic plant science and ecosystems, such as native plant communities.
• Teaching experience in informal or outdoor settings.
• Experience and comfort facilitating programs using a variety of informal outdoor science education techniques.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate naturalist Garden curriculum for preschool through eighth-grade school groups, including students of all ability levels and children with learning differences, using inquiry- and phenomena-based teaching practices.
• Participate in a professional learning community of informal science educators to develop hands-on, effective teaching practices that help students explore real-world phenomena, think like scientists, learn through discussions, and connect learning to lived experiences.
• Set up teaching supplies each morning and clean up, inventory, and prepare materials each afternoon.
• Assist with ongoing assessment, experimentation, and improvement of programs and Children’s Education curricula to enhance student experiences.
• Solicit teacher evaluations of education programs.
• Organize and maintain program supplies and become familiar with informal teaching spaces on the Garden Grounds and in the Conservatory.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time