What are the responsibilities and job description for the Gardening Teacher position at Renzi Education and Art Center?
Job Title: Gardening Instructor
Organization: Renzi Education and Art Center
Position Type: Independent Contractor
Compensation: $45.00 per 2-hour session (Equivalent to $22.50 / hour)
Schedule: Flexible Monday – Thursday | 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM (Instruction runs 4:00 PM – 5:45 PM; 3:45 PM arrival for prep).
Term: 7-week instructional block beginning August 17th, 2026 (Runs through October 1st, 2026).
Position Overview
The Renzi Education and Art Center is seeking a passionate and engaging Gardening Instructor to guide students through hands-on environmental learning, basic horticulture, and garden-based exploration.
Our classes are kept small—allowing for a supportive, active outdoor environment where kids can connect with nature, learn where their food comes from, and practice plant care. Instructors design and bring their own unique gardening concepts to life over the 7-week term. Classes are split into fast-paced 25-minute interactive blocks for younger students and a focused 45-minute block for teens.
Key Responsibilities
- Garden & Outdoor Facilitation: Lead small groups of students through hands-on activities exploring foundational horticulture concepts (e.g., planting seeds, soil health, composting, plant life cycles, and harvesting).
- 7-Week Project Pacing: Structure your curriculum so students work toward tangible gardening outcomes (e.g., a flourishing bed, potted takeaway plants, a mini harvest, or a garden science portfolio) by Week 7.
- Tool Management & Site Care: Teach students proper care and respect for gardening tools, safety around outdoor beds, and ensure tools, watering gear, and outdoor workspaces are cleaned and secured efficiently at the end of each session.
- Adaptable Instruction: Adjust activity complexity between quick, high-energy 25-minute sessions for younger kids and deeper 45-minute hands-on projects for teens.
- Professional Alignment: Coordinate with the Program Director regarding seed/soil supply needs, garden maintenance schedules, student attendance, and overall program updates.
Refined Qualifications
This role is well-suited for active gardeners, home growers, plant enthusiasts, or college students with practical hands-on experience in plant care.
- Gardening Knowledge: Strong grasp of practical plant care, organic gardening basics, soil preparation, and comfort working with vegetable beds, flowers, and container gardens.
- Instructional Capability: Ability to patiently break down basic growing concepts step-by-step for beginners while keeping activities interactive and fun.
- Classroom & Garden Management: Comfort maintaining an encouraging, organized outdoor environment where outdoor dirt work stays structured and cleanup runs on time.
- Reliability: Dependable attendance for your selected afternoon(s) across the 7-week session. Consistent communication regarding arrival times is essential.
- Background Screening: Must successfully pass a standard criminal background check prior to the contract start date.
Job Types: Part-time, Contract, Temporary
Pay: $22.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Ability to Commute:
- Shreveport, LA 71101 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $23