Youth Programs Gardening Intern

Youth Programs Gardening Intern

About This Opportunity

QBG’s Youth Programs bring together youngsters 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. 

We are looking for a dedicated, hard-working individual with some prior gardening experience, knowledge, or training who is eager to learn and contribute. This position is for a youth age 18-24.

Learning Objectives

• Seed starting, direct seeding, and transplanting  
• Overhead watering  
• Harvesting & post-harvest handling, including distribution 
• Record keeping  
• Pest & disease management  
• Plant and site maintenance  
• Assisting with tours, volunteer groups, and workshops 

Qualifications

• Prior experience working on a vegetable farm or garden and/or agricultural training
• Self-motivated, excellent communicator, with the ability to work alone as well as with others 
• Interest and experience in working with adult and youth volunteers 
• Ability to work with groups that range in age, abilities, and cultural backgrounds  
• Experience with a wide range of computer applications (Microsoft Office or Google Suite) 
• Attention to detail and an eye for garden aesthetic  
• 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  

Schedule & Compensation

This is a part-time seasonal position. This position is available for the following dates June through November:

• June 29 through August 21: 24 hours/ week: Mondays through Thursdays, 8:30am-3:30pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch
• August 24 through September 18: 9 hours/ week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, any time during Garden open hours for 3 hours/day
• September 20 through November 22: 6 hours/ week: Sundays 9am-4pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch

Compensation: $18/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.