Part-Time Gardening Instructor – After School Programs

Concorde Education; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 56,826 - 80,934; Part time

Job summary

An educational organization is seeking a Gardening Instructor to lead engaging after-school programs for students. This role involves teaching foundational gardening concepts through interactive, hands-on activities. Instructors will guide students in understanding plant needs, soil basics, and seasonal gardening, fostering environmental awareness and community connections. Ideal for those with experience in gardening and working with youth. The position offers flexible hours, starting at $50 per instructional hour, paired with meaningful opportunities in education.

Qualifications

• Experience with gardening or plant-based activities.
• Experience working with students in educational settings.
• Strong communication skills for classroom management.

Responsibilities

• Lead structured hands-on gardening sessions.
• Plan activities based on site space and available materials.
• Create an inclusive environment that encourages participation.

Skills

Gardening

Classroom management

Communication

Youth engagement

Education

Minimum of 60 college credits

Job description

Location: On‑site at a partner school (varies by assignment; indoor and/or outdoor space)

Schedule: 1–4 hours per week, after school

Program Length: ~10 weeks

Start Date: Rolling openings based on school schedules

Compensation: $50+ per instructional hour (flexible based on experience, program, and commute)

About The Role

Concorde Education is seeking a Gardening Instructor to lead engaging after‑school programs for students (grade band varies by assignment). This role introduces learners to foundational gardening concepts through hands‑on, age‑appropriate activities.

Instructors will guide students in understanding how plants grow, what they need to thrive, and how gardening connects to environmental awareness, nutrition, and community. Programs are interactive and adapted to the site’s space, season, and student level.

What You’ll Teach

Students will learn the basics of gardening through active participation and real‑world application. Topics may include:

• Plant needs and life cycles (sunlight, water, nutrients, growth stages)
• Soil basics (composition, drainage, composting concepts)
• Seeds and germination (planting, transplanting, care)
• Plant identification and basic botany (roots, stems, leaves, flowers)
• Watering practices and conservation
• Seasonal gardening and local climate awareness
• Pollinators and ecosystems (bees, butterflies, biodiversity)
• Garden design basics (spacing, container gardening, simple layouts)
• Food systems connections (herbs, vegetables, where food comes from)
• Observation and reflection (garden journaling, tracking growth)

Responsibilities

• Lead structured, hands‑on gardening sessions aligned to program goals
• Plan safe activities based on site space, season, and available materials
• Maintain consistent routines for tool use, cleanup, and safety
• Create a positive, inclusive environment that encourages participation
• Support student responsibility for plant care (as applicable)
• Communicate with program staff regarding attendance and session updates
• Adapt instruction to different skill levels while maintaining outcomes

Qualifications

• Minimum of 60 college credits (completed or in progress)
• Experience with gardening or plant‑based activities
• Experience working with students (schools, camps, tutoring, or youth programs)
• Strong communication and classroom management skills
• Comfortable managing hands‑on activities and materials safely
• Reliable, punctual, and professional

Who This Role Is Great For

• Garden educators, horticulture students, or environmental educators
• Teachers or paraprofessionals interested in outdoor learning
• College students studying environmental science, biology, or related fields
• Hobby gardeners who enjoy working with youth

About Concorde Education

Concorde Education partners with schools nationwide to provide engaging after‑school programs in STEM, arts, and enrichment topics. We connect instructors with flexible, part‑time teaching opportunities that make a meaningful impact on students.