Youth Program Instructor- Gardening
About The Position
The Youth Program Instructor supports the YMCA of The Jersey Shore’s mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the direct supervision of the Youth & Family Coordinator, the instructor leads age-appropriate gardening activities for children, introducing planting, growing, and caring for flowers, vegetables, herbs, and other plants. Activities include hands-on projects covering basic gardening techniques, plant life cycles, and environmental awareness, in a fun, inclusive, and supportive setting that encourages curiosity, creativity, teamwork, and responsibility. The instructor prepares and organizes supplies and weekly activities, maintains plants and growing areas, and coordinates watering and other maintenance needs. The role also involves tracking attendance, supporting participation and fairness, communicating with the Youth & Family Coordinator about engagement and program needs, and maintaining a positive, family-friendly environment. The instructor is expected to follow YMCA safety, service, youth-boundary, and abuse-prevention policies; respond appropriately to injuries and emergencies; inspect work areas and equipment; complete incident reports; attend required meetings and training; and represent the YMCA professionally. The position is part-time at the Old Bridge Family YMCA in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
Requirements
- Minimum age of 18.
- High school education or GED equivalent.
- Previous experience in the program area.
- Ability to communicate with youth and adults.
- First Aid, CPR/AED certification within 90 days of hire.
Responsibilities
- Develop and lead engaging, age-appropriate gardening activities for children.
- Teach basic gardening techniques, plant life cycles, and environmental awareness through hands-on projects.
- Create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, teamwork, and responsibility.
- Prepare gardening supplies, organize weekly activities, and maintain plants and growing areas.
- Monitor plant growth and coordinate watering and maintenance needs.
- Communicate participant engagement, supply needs, and program improvements to the Youth & Family Coordinator.
- Lead participants through the intended group program curriculum.
- Maintain participant rosters and track attendance.
- Monitor participation and ensure participants are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities; adjust activities to engage participants who are not actively participating.
- Interact positively with participants and parents in a family-friendly manner.
- Use sound judgment regarding member safety and injuries, and follow emergency procedures.
- Inspect work areas and equipment for safety risks and report problems to a supervisor in writing.
- Complete accident and incident reports and provide them to the Youth & Family Coordinator.
- Immediately report unsafe or suspicious activity to the Youth & Family Coordinator or Director on Duty.
- Follow service excellence standards and provide outstanding service to customers and constituents.
- Adhere to youth-boundary policies, complete required abuse risk management training, and follow mandated abuse reporting procedures.
- Represent the YMCA professionally and promote a positive, cheerful environment.
- Attend required staff meetings and continuing job training.
- Complete weekly payroll on time using the Paycom Mobile application on a personal phone.
- Be punctual and ready for scheduled shifts, and follow branch and department dress codes.
- Find a substitute and notify the Membership Director by phone or email as early as possible when unable to attend an assigned shift.
- Perform other reasonable duties assigned by the Youth & Family Coordinator or Branch Executive Director.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
