What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nature Camp Educator Midwinter Break position at New York Botanical Garden?
BASIC JOB FUNCTION
Lead a group of up to 18 Pre-K through Kindergarten campers in sensory play, nature crafts and explorations of the New York Botanical Garden grounds during a 1-week nature camp, 9am-3pm. Establish a safe, fun and engaging environment for campers to learn together. Develop and lead outdoor active, experiential science and nature programs and activities as per the curriculum and collaborate with camp staff team to lead activities in throughout the NYBG landscape as well as in the classroom as needed. Supervise and mentor 2 Camp Explainers (paid teens) on daily responsibilities and duties.
This position is for Pre-K(4) and Kindergarten. Candidates must have experience working with specified age group in an outdoor, informal, experiential education setting.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with planning and coordinating daily and weekly camp schedule, including independently developing, planning and implementing outdoor science/nature based lessons for the campers based on curriculum.
- Support Explainers in their role of supporting campers with daily tasks; i.e. helping campers keep track of personal items, participate in large and small group activities, and escorting small groups of students to the restroom.
- Build strong relationships with Campers and Camp staff
- Support Camp Staff to facilitate safe and orderly daily drop-off and pick-up events that include sign-in, sign out.
- Maintain close communication with Camp staff to mitigate safety, behavioral and scheduling issues
QUALIFICATIONS
- Outgoing and friendly with excellent oral communications skills essential.
- Candidate must have experience teaching outdoors with groups of young children (ages 4-5) with varied learning needs.
- Candidate must be responsible, punctual, professional, motivated, self-starter and able to mentor others.
- A background in science, education and/or museum studies required.
- Candidate must have experience teaching engaging inquiry-based lessons with live plants and living organisms.
- Foreign language is helpful but not essential.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Must be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather
WORK SCHEDULE
- This is a seasonal role expected to start on January 5, 2026, for a period of two months (Tuesday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM)
- Responsibilities include actively participating in lesson development throughout January and February; attending an orientation/training session on an evening during the week of February 9–13, 2026 (4:00–6:00 PM, exact date TBD); and leading one week of camp from February 17–20, 2026 (Tuesday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM).
RATE
- $25.75- $28 Per Hour
If you require an accommodation for any part of the application process, please notify the Human Resources department at HR@nybg.org
EOE/BIPOC/F/Persons with disabilities/Veterans
Salary : $25 - $28