Educator - seasonal

The Battery Conservancy (TBC) is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the NYC

Department of Parks & Recreation to operate and activate The Battery, the 25-acre public park located at the southern tip of Manhattan. The Battery is at the forefront of sustainable urban park planning and organic horticulture. Since 1994 TBC has spearheaded the park’s transformation from a dilapidated and

rundown dustbowl into a vibrant public garden and outdoor oasis.

TBC offers educational programming that every year engages thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students in hands-on experiences in the perennial gardens, urban farm and throughout the park. Farm produce is used during educational programming. Surplus is donated to selected non-profit organizations.

The Educator position is part-time and seasonal. Applicants should be comfortable working outdoors with students of various ages and diverse backgrounds. Educators will assist with leading educational programs throughout The Battery and with general maintenance in the gardens.

Schedule: April 15 – October 31 (with some flexibility on start date)

• Includes one week of training
• Options of 28 or 32 hours per week (Tuesday-Friday schedule), with potential for additional shifts throughout the season especially on Saturdays
• Shift in workday for major TBC events, to be determined

Responsibilities:

• Lead lessons, tours, hands-on activities, and other programming for visiting classes, families, and volunteers
• Organize, maintain, and prepare lesson materials
• Lead groups through all aspects of farm maintenance: planting, harvesting, weeding, composting, cooking, and more
• When classes are not in session, assist with park and garden tasks
• Serve as a friendly ambassador for The Battery
• Assist in other tasks, such as staffing events for The Battery Conservancy

Qualifications:

• Availability as detailed above
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in a related field, or related experience in youth education and/or park and garden work
• Experience leading inquiry-based, hands-on activities for students K-12 in all weather conditions
• Creativity and initiative with strong communication and organizational skills
• A passion for science, art, and outdoor education
• Ability to crouch, bend, squat, use hand tools such as shovels and rakes, and lift up to 40lbs
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• English fluency required, additional languages encouraged