Seasonal Garden Apprentice Program Instructor

Start Date: June 9Compensation: $22 per hour

Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Children’s Education programs are world-renowned for teaching hands-on gardening and plant science to children and teens. The Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) is a youth development program for teens in grades 9–12 who are interested in plants, science, and environmental education. All GAP Instructors must participate in an intensive three-week paid orientation and lesson plan development program in June prior to working with apprentices in their summer program.

• Assist with the implementation of the GAP summer program, including program development, facilitation, and cleanup.
• Develop and teach lessons for a group of 12 to 15 teens on topics such as research skills, public speaking, horticulture, and science.
• Supervise and mentor apprentices as they work in placements throughout the Garden.
• Assist teens with horticulture and cooking sessions in the Children’s Garden.
• Develop and teach courses on current environmental issues, science research, and more.
• Design and lead team-building exercises and enrichment activities.
• Lead field trips to farms, gardens, and other cultural institutions within New York City.
• Mentor and collaborate with a program assistant (a recent GAP alum working on staff).
• Perform other related duties or special projects as directed.

• 2 years’ experience or studies in education, urban agriculture, nutrition, botany, or environmental or biological sciences
• Experience teaching teens
• Experience and comfort working with youth and staff from diverse backgrounds
• Strong research and presentation skills
• Willingness to work outside in all weather