Seasonal Education Lead Instructor, School Programs

Position Description:

Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is seeking a part-time, per diem, seasonal lead instructor for on-site school programs for grades pre-K through 12. Topics focus on botany and plant ecology, making use of BBG’s indoor and outdoor plant collections to support the science curriculum of local public and nonpublic schools.

Work Schedule:

• Tuesdays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; occasional late afternoon or special weekend event
   

Primary Responsibilities: 

Assist the school workshops coordinator by:

• Monitoring inventory and replenishing supplies
• Checking and updating teaching schedule; contacting instructors via email and/or phone
• Setting up classroom and Education Greenhouse spaces with supplies
• Helping instructors locate plants and props to use for their classes
• Making phone calls to teachers and schools
• Welcoming school groups to BBG and assigning them to the appropriate instructor
• Monitoring programs while in session and troubleshooting as needed
• Making sure programs end on time and all groups are back
• Answering any questions teachers and chaperones may have about logistics
• Assisting instructors with putting plants and supplies back and cleaning up classroom and greenhouse spaces after programs
• Participating in one-on-one instructor feedback and group debrief at the end of programs; helping to troubleshoot and provide suggestions for future teaching experiences
• Providing backup teaching for Exploration Workshops and Project Green Reach tours as needed
• Working with school programs manager to coordinate the day’s programs and troubleshoot issues in the coordinator’s absence
• Creating, attending, and cofacilitating training sessions and refresher sessions for instructors
• Assisting school workshops coordinator with curriculum development
• Assisting with other educational programs/events for varying ages as needed

Qualifications:  

Required:

• Ability to professionally communicate in person, over the phone, and via email with teachers, chaperones, volunteers, peers, supervisors, and mentees
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and work effectively in bustling environments
• Two years’ experience working directly with children
• Knowledge of and passion for plants and horticulture practices
• Fluency and comfort in spoken English
• Ability to keep data in Excel

 
Preferred:

• College-level or continuing education studies in natural science, environmental studies, education, or a related field
• Experience with elementary through high school learners
• Experience working with special needs groups

Workspace:
 

Work takes place in the Administrative Building at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, classroom spaces, the Education Greenhouse, the BBG Conservatory and outdoor grounds, and a desk and computer in an open-plan office space.

Benefits: 
 

• BBG offers certain benefits to part-time employees including: 
   
  • NYC Protected Time-Off: up to 56 hours of paid leave and 32 hours of unpaid leave
  • Short-term disability/New York Paid Family Leave 
    
    
• As a 501(c)3, BBG is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer.
• Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free
• Free Garden admission for employee plus one guest
• Employee discount at BBG’s retail shop and food venues

To be considered for this position, please submit an application by clicking Apply below. Applications submitted without a résumé and cover letter will not be considered.

No telephone calls for position inquiries, please. Applicants with disabilities who need assistance with the online system, or who may require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, should contact Human Resources at hr@bbg.org. 

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.