Education Instructor

The Education Department at Queens Botanical Garden offers public events, school workshops, kids programs and teacher training programs throughout the year following QBG’s mission of cultural connection to plants and ecological sustainability. The Garden seeks seasonal Instructors who are passionate about environmental education to fulfill our teaching and programmatic needs.

Instructors may conduct such activities as workshops, group tours, special event activity tables, and lessons on Garden grounds or at local schools, community facilities, neighborhood festivals, etc. These programs cater to groups of all ages, especially children and families.

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
• Create a safe and welcoming space for participants
• Prepare and maintain all materials for scheduled programs
• Set up and break down programming spaces
• Travel from QBG to other locations to implement program, and transport materials as needed
• Support horticulture and gardening needs of the department as needed
• Support additional needs and tasks of the Education Department

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or two years relevant experience in education, science, 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
• Must be able to work with varied size groups of children and adults
• Enthusiastic and collaborative attitude
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends

Group Programs Instructor Schedule: This is part-time seasonal position. Positions available for Spring (mid-March – early June), Summer (late June – August), and Fall (mid-September – early December) seasons, or for the entire period. We offer programs on weekday mornings, weekdays after school, and on occasional weekends in four hour shifts.  Shift commitment needed a minimum of two or more half days of programming per week for a minimum of 8 hours per week.  All spring roles must be available for training starting in mid-March.

Youth Programs Instructor Schedule:  This is a fully onsite part-time seasonal position. Children’s Garden (drop off/ elementary age program) schedule: March to early June: 5-6 hours/ week: Sundays 12pm – 4pm, plus administration; Late June: 20 hours/ week: Weekday AM training program for summer preparation; July & August: 35 hours/ week: Mondays through Thursdays, 8am-4pm and Fridays, 9am-12pm; September to November: 6 hours/ week: Sundays 12pm – 4pm. Garden Buds (1 hour toddler + grownup program) schedule: March: 6 hours/ week: Sundays 12pm – 4pm; April to November: 6.5 hours/ week: Sundays 8:30am – 1pm

Salary: $20/hour