Children’s Garden Program Coordinator

The Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) is a private non-profit cultural institution located on 39 acres of New York City public land in Flushing, New York. QBG's HSBC Children's Garden enables children ages 4½-12 the opportunity to plant, maintain, and harvest vegetables, herbs, and flowers in an outdoor learning environment. The children not only explore various methods of gardening, but also discover their surrounding environment through hands-on activities about birds, insects, trees, solar energy, water conservation, and composting. This position offers a unique opportunity for individuals with interests in horticulture, education, environmental sustainability and/or non-profit organizations.

Position Overview:

The Coordinator works closely with the Education Manager to ensure the delivery of a safe, organized, and fun Children's Garden program for all campers and staff, beginning with pre-season program planning and staff training.

Responsibilities:

• Assist Education Manager
• Plant, prepare and maintain the Children's Garden
• Teach, facilitate and coordinate lessons to students
• Assist with and advise on creation and implementation of curriculum
• Supervise senior, general and junior counselors
• Work closely with Education Department personnel and serve as a liaison between Children's Garden staff and department personnel
• Develop and maintain high morale of program staff and participating children
• Ensure that program activities and responsibilities are carried out including: health and safety supervision, lesson delivery, inventory and organizing materials, garden maintenance, and related tasks.

Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will have:

• Previous experience working in a camp or nature center setting (preferably one that is out-of-doors) in a leadership capacity
• A college degree in education, botany, environmental studies or related field
• Knowledge of flower and vegetable gardening
• A passion for working with children from widely varied backgrounds and life experiences
• Experience supervising high school/college/graduate students
• The desire to lead, motivate and excite others in above-mentioned fields
• Self-motivation with the ability to work both alone and in groups
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Basic computer skills
• An understanding and commitment to the goals and philosophy of QBG
• Patience, initiative, enthusiasm, proactive communication style, flexibility and lots of energy.

Training: end of June
Summer program: Mondays through Thursdays for 7 weeks (July-August).

To Apply:

To apply please send resume and cover letter.