Learning Gardens Seasonal Lead Educator

City Parks Foundation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 34,440 - 38,572; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused nonprofit organization is seeking a Learning Gardens Seasonal Lead Educator for their educational program in New York City. This part-time role involves teaching students from grades 2-8 about urban ecology and sustainable practices through hands-on activities in garden settings. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field, and experience in teaching diverse learners, particularly in outdoor environments. Flexible hours are available from October to June, with responsibilities shared between classroom and outdoor sessions.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of teaching experience with outdoor and experiential learning.
• Ability to instruct diverse learners.
• Interest in sustainable gardening and eating.

Responsibilities

• Serve as part-time educator for Learning Gardens program from October to May.
• Implement established lesson plans in gardens and classrooms.
• Contribute to workshops and professional development.

Skills

Teaching experience

Classroom management

Communication skills

Environmental education

Google Drive proficiency

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field

Tools

Google Drive

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Learning Gardens Seasonal Lead Educator role at City Parks Foundation

Position/Title: Learning Gardens Seasonal Lead Educator

Start Date: October 2025

End Date: June 2026

Salary: $25-28 per hour; 20 - 28 hrs/week

About City Parks Foundation

City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer programs in public parks throughout the five boroughs of New York City. At CPF, we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community development, and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs and community building initiatives are located in more than 350 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City and reach 425,000 people each year.

Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks reflect thriving communities.

Position Summary

City Parks Foundation Learning Gardens brings year-round, field and school-based science learning to NYC school children and community members. Our gardens are outdoor classrooms that provide green space in urban neighborhoods. Using our garden partner sites, CPF presents interdisciplinary lessons to expand student learning around urban ecology, horticulture, soil science, and sustainable urban food systems. Students in 2nd–8th grade and their teachers receive resource materials, curricula, and tools to enhance their understanding of ecosystem services and urban food production. High School interns are trained in garden instruction and horticultural techniques and work with Learning Gardens staff in the summer.

CPF seeks part-time educators to work this school year with our Learning Gardens School Day program. The Seasonal Lead Educator reports to the Senior Manager of School Partnerships and implements established lesson plans as part of the school day program through June, including sessions in the classroom and outdoors for elementary grades 2nd–5th and/or middle school grades 6th–8th.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a part-time educator for Learning Gardens school day elementary program spanning October – May with classes in gardens and classrooms (approximately 25 weeks)
• Implement curriculum in person, including indoor and outdoor sessions with hands-on activities (e.g., small animal handling, gardening activities, food preparation)
• Contribute to workshops and professional development sessions with Learning Gardens partners
• Collaborate with the Senior Manager of School Partnerships and staff to help shape curricula by providing feedback
• Pursue ongoing professional development in child development, environmental studies, and pedagogy
• Assist in maintaining education department resources, including gardening tools and supplies
• Implement assessment tools to measure learning outcomes
• Provide logistical support and complete general administrative duties as needed, including record-keeping for reporting requirements
• Assist with maintenance tasks in Learning Gardens spaces (weeding, transplanting, direct seeding, compost, etc.)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Agriculture, Sustainability, Environmental Education/Science, Environmental Studies, or equivalent experience in environmental science education
• Minimum of two years of teaching experience with outdoor and experiential learning
• Demonstrated classroom management skills and ability to instruct diverse learners
• Experience instructing elementary and/or middle school students
• Proven ability to work with diverse students, especially youth from low-income communities
• Excellent written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills
• Strong proficiency in Google Drive and Office applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites)
• Interest in culturally relevant gardening lessons and promoting sustainable eating
• Willingness to travel to sites throughout New York City via public transportation
• Driver's license and willingness to drive in NYC is a plus
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; self-starter with positive attitude and follow-through

Only potential candidates will be contacted. No calls, please.