Instructor- Youth Programs

Instructor– Youth Programs

About This Opportunity

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. 

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   

Qualifications

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

Schedule & Compensation

This is a fully onsite part-time seasonal position.

Children’s Garden (drop off/ elementary age program) schedule:

• June 15 through 26: 20 hours/ week: Weekday AM training program for summer preparation
• June 29 through August 21: 35 hours/ week: Mondays through Thursdays, 8am-4pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch; and Fridays, 9am-12pm

Compensation: $20/hour

For consideration, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant documents via our Career Center. 

If you encounter difficulties with uploading documents to the portal, please send via email to Human Resources.

Health & Safety: proof of full Covid-19 vaccination strongly recommended for employment.

Queens Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The Garden does not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, disability (physical or mental), age, marital status, veteran/active military service member status, political affiliation, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, genetic information, immigration or citizenship status, status as victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking, arrest or conviction record, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, employment/unemployment status, salary history, credit history, marital/partnership stratus, caregiver status, height and weight, or any other legally protected status. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources via email or phone 718-886-3800 x 203.