Youth Program Instructor- Gardening

YMCA OF GREATE MONMOUTH COUNTY; Old Bridge (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of The Jersey Shore in Old Bridge, NJ is seeking a part-time Youth Program Instructor to lead garden-based activities and age-appropriate sports curricula. You will promote healthy living, teamwork, and environmental awareness while fostering a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Under supervision, you will manage equipment, track attendance, ensure safety, and coordinate with the Youth & Family Coordinator to improve the program and participant engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age or older.
• High school education/GED equivalent.
• Previous experience in program area.
• Ability to communicate to youth and adults.
• First Aid, CPR/AED certification within 90 days of hire date.
• New Team Member Orientation.
• YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Online Training.
• Bloodborne Pathogen Online Training.

Responsibilities

• Must always be on time and ready for your scheduled shift.
• Demonstrate YMCA core values in all interactions and commit to ongoing professional development.
• Develop and lead engaging, age-appropriate gardening activities that introduce children to planting and caring for plants.
• Create a fun, inclusive learning environment that encourages curiosity, teamwork, and responsibility.
• Ensure the proper use of gardening tools, soil, and plants.
• Prepare gardening supplies, organize weekly activities, and maintain plants and growing areas.
• Lead participants through the program curriculum and maintain attendance.

Skills

Gardening activities

Youth program experience

Communication

First Aid/CPR

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: OLD BRIDGE, NJ 08857, Position Type: Part Time, Salary Range: $18.00 - $20.00 Hourly, This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Youth Program Instructor at The YMCA of The Jersey Shore intentionally fosters a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined. Under the direct supervision of the Youth & Family Coordinator, the Youth Program Instructor will carry out sport program curriculum, promoting skill development, good sportsmanship, healthy living and a passion for sport participation.

Responsibilities

• Must always be on time and ready for your scheduled shift, which includes but is not limited to adhering to the established branch and department dress code.
• Demonstrate YMCA core character values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring in all interactions with employees, members, staff and others; commit to ongoing professional development
• Develop and lead engaging, age-appropriate gardening activities that introduce children to planting, growing, and caring for flowers, vegetables, herbs, and other plants. Incorporate hands-on projects that teach basic gardening techniques, plant life cycles, and environmental awareness.
• Create a fun, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, teamwork, and responsibility. Help participants develop an appreciation for nature, healthy living, sustainability, and the importance of caring for the environment.
• Ensures the proper use of gardening tools, soil, plants, and other materials.
• Prepare gardening supplies, organize weekly activities, and maintain plants and growing areas throughout the program. Monitor plant growth, coordinate watering and maintenance needs, and communicate with the Youth & Family Coordinator regarding participant engagement, supply needs, and program improvements.
• Leads participants through the intended group program curriculum. Maintaining the roster and attendance tracking.
• Monitors participants activity to ensure all are participating, being treated fairly and provided equal opportunities. Proactively make adjustments to engage those not actively participating.
• Interacts with participants and parents in a positive manner that reflects a “family friendly” YMCA.
• Exercise sound judgment in relationship to member safety & injuries. Follow all emergency procedures
• Visually inspect work area and equipment for safety and risk, report to supervisor in writing any problems. Responsible for filling out accident/incident reports and getting these reports to the Youth & Family Coordinator. Additionally, immediately report any unsafe or suspicious activity directly to Youth & Family Coordinator or Director on Duty.
• Embrace and adhere to service excellence standards; provide outstanding service to your customers and constituents.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth. Complete required abuse risk management training. Follow mandated abuse reporting procedures, including reporting suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations
• Represent the YMCA in a professional manner and promote a positive and cheerful environment.
• Attend and participate in all required staff meetings and continuing job training.
• Be able to complete payroll on time each week on the Paycom Mobile application on your personal phone.
• Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by Youth & Family Coordinator or Branch Executive Director.
• Any person who cannot be present for their assigned shift because of an appointment, sick or vacation time is required to find a substitute and notify the Membership Director by phone and/or email at your earliest available time.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age or older
• High school education/GED equivalent
• Previous experience in program area
• Ability to communicate to youth and adults
• First Aid, CPR/AED certification within 90 daysof hire date
• The YMCA of The Jersey Shore New Team Member Orientation
• YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Online Training
• Bloodborne Pathogen Online Training