Instructor– Sustainable Agriculture Education
About This Opportunity
Queens Botanical Garden seeks a Part-Time Seasonal Sustainable Agriculture Instructor to assist with youth education programs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and maintenance of the Garden's educational growing spaces. Working closely with the Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator and Farm Manager, this position provides hands-on support for high school internships, farm-based education, farm stand operations, and seasonal gardening activities.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys working with young people, has experience in gardening or urban agriculture, and is passionate about environmental education and food justice.
Responsibilities
- Teach QBG environmental, art, sustainability and gardening programming related to sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, food systems, and leadership development to the standards set by QBG
- Work with the Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator and other QBG staff to implement interactive and engaging gardening, urban farming and environmental and sustainability workshops and activities for the Growing Justice internship program
- Serve as a positive mentor and role model for youth participants while creating 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 youth participants during farm work, harvesting, planting, composting, and other seasonal agricultural tasks at the Farm
- Help with the weekly farm stand, including harvesting produce, setting up displays, and engaging visitors
- Perform routine gardening tasks including planting, watering, weeding, mulching, composting, pruning, harvesting, and general site upkeep alongside Growing Justice interns.
- Safely operate hand tools and basic gardening equipment
- Support additional needs and tasks of the Education Department as needed
Qualifications
- Some college experience required; bachelor’s degree or two years of relevant experience in environmental education, agriculture, horticulture, education, or related field preferred
- Professional experience working with or teaching young people, preferably high school ages.
- Relevant training or experience in gardening/farming, botany, ecology, environmental justice, food justice, and/or related fields
- Experience with gardening, farming, horticulture, or environmental education preferred.
- Interest in sustainable agriculture, food justice, environmental stewardship, and community engagement
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Reliable, organized, and able to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds safely
- Ability to perform diverse, sometimes repetitive, tasks that can be physically demanding.
- Bilingual skills in Spanish or Mandarin, a plus
Schedule & Compensation
This is a onsite part-time seasonal non-exempt position averaging 14 hours per week.
The schedule starting the last week of September through June will primarily include:
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (1:30pm – 6pm)
- Occasional weekend days to support weekend programming as needed
- Additional hours during school breaks, special events, and seasonal programs as needed
Compensation: $20/hour
For consideration, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant documents via our Career Center.
If you encounter difficulties with uploading documents to the portal, please send via email to Human Resources.
Health & Safety: proof of full Covid-19 vaccination strongly recommended for employment.
Queens Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The Garden does not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, disability (physical or mental), age, marital status, veteran/active military service member status, political affiliation, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, genetic information, immigration or citizenship status, status as victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking, arrest or conviction record, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, employment/unemployment status, salary history, credit history, marital/partnership stratus, caregiver status, height and weight, or any other legally protected status. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources via email or phone 718-886-3800 x 203.
