Seasonal Junior Botanist & Plant Investigator Summer Instructor
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Organization Description:
Brooklyn Botanic Garden connects people to the wonder and power of plants, sparking delight and curiosity about science, culture, and our environment to help create a greener, more sustainable city and world. BBG’s vision is to grow a future where plants, people, and our planet flourish together.
Position Description:
This seasonal position begins with three weeks of immersive training followed by six weeks of dynamic, hands-on programming at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG). Program instructors design and lead interactive lessons and activities that inspire students to explore the world of plants through science, art, and direct engagement with the Garden’s collections and landscapes.
Our participants are Junior Botanists (new students entering grades 5–7) and Plant Investigators (returning students entering grades 6–8). Both groups are composed of scholarship students from Title I Brooklyn schools that partner with BBG through our Project Green Reach outreach program. Junior Botanists and Plant Investigators are each led by a team of two instructors in the afternoon, and both groups work together in the Children’s Garden in the morning.
Reports to:
Project Green Reach Co-coordinators
Job Requirements & Responsibilities:
– Collaborate and work within an inquiry-based, team-teaching model to lead gardening activities with students.
– Work with co-instructor to create, prepare, and deliver lessons that are multidisciplinary and exploratory, with a focus on botanical/environmental science.
– Plan and lead weekly cooking session.
– Help maintain garden plots.
– Work as part of staff team to co-lead a three-day overnight camping trip.
– Perform other related duties or special projects as directed.
Candidate Qualifications:
– 2 years’ experience or studies in education, urban agriculture, botany, or environmental or biological sciences
– Experience teaching children, ages 9–13 preferred
– Gardening experience preferred
– Experience and comfort working with students, peers, and supervisors from diverse backgrounds
– Willingness to work outside in all weather
Position Type:
Part-Time, seasonal
Union Status:
Non-Union
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Schedule:
Tuesday-Friday June 9-June 26; Monday-Friday June 29-August 8 (Saturday)
Salary or Compensation:
$22/hour
Organization or Project Website:
https://www.bbg.org/about/careers
Application Info:
Applications must be submitted via Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s website: https://www.bbg.org/about/careers. Applications must include a resume and cover letter. Any questions or requests for accommodations should be directed to Human Resources at hr@bbg.org.