Seasonal Community Composting Assistant & Instructor

CL 4c9d52fc 95bb 4695 86c6 020a9244f791; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is seeking a Seasonal Community Composting Assistant & Instructor in Brooklyn, NY. The role supports the Community Field Manager, delivering compost and horticulture education to diverse community groups, both on- and off-site.

The position runs Sept 2026–June 30, 2027, up to 20 hours/week, at $26/hour. Strong teaching skills, community engagement, and ability to work outdoors are essential.

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree in education, horticulture, environmental science, or related field preferred or 2 years’ related career experience in composting, horticulture or education
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and commitment to environmental and social justice
• Knowledge of gardening practices and compost science
• Experience with educating adult learners in formal or informal settings
• Master Composter certification preferred
• Excellent writing and teaching skills
• Willingness to work outdoors daily and lift up to 30 pounds
• Knowledge of a second language a plus

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate compost- and soil-focused curricula, classes, and programs for adult learners involved in BBG Community Greening programs
• Participate in the ongoing development, implementation, and facilitation of the BUG program, including co-facilitation and preparing materials for instruction
• Develop and facilitate compost programs for Discovery Garden and special events at the Garden
• Assist with nursery logistics required for plant material maintenance and distribution; logistics and acquisition of in-kind donations
• Develop and deliver educational events on best practices in urban composting both at BBG and in community spaces
• Uphold an inclusive, antiracist environment for our diverse students, volunteers, and staff to ensure programs are safe, welcoming, and engaging
• Assist with planning and executing annual Making Brooklyn Bloom conference, including organizing speakers, workshops, and exhibitors; managing lead‑up and day‑of operations
• Maintain and update Community Garden Alliance database, including contact information for program constituents and seasonal data projects
• Assist with planning and execution of Alliance plant giveaway and networking events at BBG as well as community workdays at compost/Alliance sites
• Coordinate acquisition of compost for community giveaways and demonstrations
• Attend meetings with partnering organizations such as the New York City Community Compost Network and report back to team
• Assist in writing and updating horticulture and compost tip sheets and articles
• Conduct outreach and tabling at public events
• Perform other related duties or special projects as needed

Skills

Driver's license

Community engagement

Gardening knowledge

Adult education

Writing and teaching

Microsoft Office

Outdoor work

Physical fitness

Bilingual (plus)

Education

BA/BS in related field preferred

Master Composter certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Title

Seasonal Community Composting Assistant & Instructor

Department

Education (Community Greening)

Reports to

Community Field Manager

FLSA Status

Part-time Seasonal, Non-exempt

Term

September 2026–June 30, 2027

Compensation

$26 per hour

Position Description

The community composting assistant & instructor at Brooklyn Botanic Garden works directly with the community field manager to provide technical assistance to a wide range of community-based groups, such as community gardens and block associations, throughout Brooklyn. Additionally, they develop, coordinate, and implement both large- and small-scale horticulture-related educational programs both on- and off-site. Brooklynites with a background in community organizing are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate compost- and soil-focused curricula, classes, and programs for adult learners involved in BBG Community Greening programs, such as Brooklyn Urban Gardener (BUG), Community Garden Alliance, Street Tree Stewardship, and one-off seasonal community classes.
• Participate in the ongoing development, implementation, and facilitation of the BUG program, including co-facilitation and preparing materials for instruction.
• Develop and facilitate compost programs for Discovery Garden and special events at the Garden.
• Assist with nursery logistics required for plant material maintenance and distribution; logistics and acquisition of in-kind donations.
• Develop and deliver educational events on best practices in urban composting both at BBG and in community spaces.
• Uphold an inclusive, antiracist environment for our diverse students, volunteers, and staff to ensure programs are safe, welcoming, and engaging.
• Assist with planning and executing annual Making Brooklyn Bloom conference, including organizing speakers, workshops, and exhibitors; managing lead‑up and day‑of operations.
• Maintain and update Community Garden Alliance database, including contact information for program constituents and seasonal data projects.
• Assist with planning and execution of Alliance plant giveaway and networking events at BBG as well as community workdays at compost/Alliance sites.
• Coordinate acquisition of compost for community giveaways and demonstrations.
• Assist with execution of annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn competition, including teaching block‑visit workshops throughout the spring and driving and supporting judges.
• Answer phone and email inquiries to program hotline and email addresses relating to compost, composting, and street tree stewardship.
• Provide administrative support including data entry, scheduling, invoicing, budget tracking, supply orders, attendance tracking, program evaluation, and reporting.
• Attend meetings with partnering organizations such as the New York City Community Compost Network and report back to team.
• Assist in writing and updating horticulture and compost tip sheets and articles.
• Conduct outreach and tabling at public events.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Valid NYS driver’s license (driving required)
• BA or BS degree in education, horticulture, environmental science, or related field preferred or 2 years’ related career experience in composting, horticulture or education
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and commitment to environmental and social justice
• Knowledge of some gardening practices and compost science required
• Master Composter certification preferred
• Experience with educating adult learners in formal or informal settings preferred
• Enthusiasm and curiosity for compost, plants, science, and the natural world
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team (exercising punctuality, reliability, flexibility, and collaboration)
• Competency with Microsoft Office applications
• Willingness to work outdoors every day in various weather conditions and ability to perform physical tasks, such as lifting up to 30 pounds
• Knowledge of a second language a plus
• Excellent writing and teaching skills
• Keen interest and ease in working with the public, along with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to teach classes and support programmatic events
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift tools, gardening materials, etc.

Schedule

This is a seasonal position from September 2026 to June 30, 2027. The compost instructor will work up to 20 hours per week, with a typical weekly schedule of Tuesday– Thursday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend program support will be required.

This position is funded through June 30, 2027.

Benefits

• BBG offers certain benefits to part-time employees including:
• NYC Protected Time-Off: up to 56 hours of paid leave and 32 hours of unpaid leave
• Short-term disability/New York Paid Family Leave
• As a 501(c)3, BBG is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
• Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free
• Free Garden admission for employee plus one guest
• Employee discount at BBG’s retail shop and food venues

Contact Information

No telephone calls for position inquiries, please. Applicants with disabilities who need assistance with the online system, or may require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, should contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.