Seasonal Education Lead Instructor, School Programs

Brooklyn Botanic GardenNew York, NY
Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is seeking a part-time, per diem, seasonal lead instructor for on-site school programs for grades pre-K through 12. Topics focus on botany and plant ecology, making use of BBG’s indoor and outdoor plant collections to support the science curriculum of local public and nonpublic schools.

Requirements

  • Ability to professionally communicate in person, over the phone, and via email with teachers, chaperones, volunteers, peers, supervisors, and mentees
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to multitask and work effectively in bustling environments
  • Two years’ experience working directly with children
  • Knowledge of and passion for plants and horticulture practices
  • Fluency and comfort in spoken English
  • Ability to keep data in Excel

Nice To Haves

  • College-level or continuing education studies in natural science, environmental studies, education, or a related field
  • Experience with elementary through high school learners
  • Experience working with special needs groups

Responsibilities

  • Monitoring inventory and replenishing supplies
  • Checking and updating teaching schedule; contacting instructors via email and/or phone
  • Setting up classroom and Education Greenhouse spaces with supplies
  • Helping instructors locate plants and props to use for their classes
  • Making phone calls to teachers and schools
  • Welcoming school groups to BBG and assigning them to the appropriate instructor
  • Monitoring programs while in session and troubleshooting as needed
  • Making sure programs end on time and all groups are back
  • Answering any questions teachers and chaperones may have about logistics
  • Assisting instructors with putting plants and supplies back and cleaning up classroom and greenhouse spaces after programs
  • Participating in one-on-one instructor feedback and group debrief at the end of programs; helping to troubleshoot and provide suggestions for future teaching experiences
  • Providing backup teaching for Exploration Workshops and Project Green Reach tours as needed
  • Working with school programs manager to coordinate the day’s programs and troubleshoot issues in the coordinator’s absence
  • Creating, attending, and cofacilitating training sessions and refresher sessions for instructors
  • Assisting school workshops coordinator with curriculum development
  • Assisting with other educational programs/events for varying ages as needed

Benefits

  • NYC Protected Time-Off: up to 56 hours of paid leave and 32 hours of unpaid leave
  • Short-term disability/New York Paid Family Leave
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
  • Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free
  • Free Garden admission for employee plus one guest
  • Employee discount at BBG’s retail shop and food venues
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