Seasonal Education Lead Instructor, School Programs

Position Title: Seasonal Education Lead Instructor, School Programs

Department: Education

Reports to: School Workshops Coordinator

FLSA Status: Part-time Seasonal, Non-exempt

Compensation: $24 per hour

Term: September 16, 2024–June 6, 2025

Position Description:

Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is seeking a part-time seasonal lead instructor for on-site and virtual school programs for grades pre-K through 8. 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 non-public schools.

Work Schedule:

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

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 with other special projects and curriculum development
• Supporting other education programs as needed
• 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 middle-school learners
• Experience working with special needs groups

Workspace:

Work takes place in the Administrative Building at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and includes 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:
  • Up to 56 hours of sick 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

How to Apply:

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.