Seasonal Education Lead Instructor, Discovery Garden

Position Title

Seasonal Education Lead Instructor, Discovery Garden

Department

Education

Reports to

Discovery Garden Coordinator, Manager of Discovery Garden & Family Programs

FLSA Status

Part‑time Seasonal, Non‑Exempt

Compensation

$25 per hour

Term

February 9–November 13, 2026

Position Description

Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Discovery Garden staff provide hands‑on nature education for children of all ages and their caregivers, connecting our diverse community with the natural world. The lead instructors facilitate and support education programming for visiting families, schools, and camp groups and assist the coordinator and manager in developing engaging program content, managing materials and logistics, and training/mentoring the adult volunteers and teen apprentices who engage with visitors at program stations. The lead instructors will independently oversee weekend drop‑in programs for families during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. As needed, the lead instructors will support exhibits and horticultural displays in the Discovery Garden, as well as other educational programs at BBG.

Responsibilities

• Plan, oversee, and support drop‑in Discovery Garden programs for families and children of all ages. Discovery Programs include First Discoveries (for toddlers & their caregivers), Discovery Trail (for school/camp groups), and Family Discovery Weekends (for families with children of all ages). Program activities are hands‑on experiences with nature, science, and gardening that often include art and play.
• Train, mentor, and support adult volunteers and teen apprentices who lead Discovery Program stations. This includes communicating, tracking attendance, and independently developing training materials and lessons for teens and adults.
• Uphold an inclusive, antiracist environment for our diverse visitors, volunteers, teens, and staff. This ensures that visits to the Discovery Garden are safe, welcoming, and engaging.
• Collaborate with Garden staff to develop inclusive, accessible programming for Discovery Garden All‑Abilities events and training to work with visitors with disabilities.
• Track attendance and evaluate program and exhibit effectiveness.
• Clean and reset Discovery Garden interactive exhibits daily.
• Assist with watering, horticulture, and exhibit repairs as needed.
• Assist manager and coordinator with special projects throughout the season as needed.
• Assist with other educational programs for varying ages as needed.

Qualifications

• Two to three years’ career experience and/or educational background in early childhood learning, child development, or family programming; experience with environmental education and/or informal education a plus.
• Enthusiasm for science and the natural world; knowledge of botany and gardening a plus.
• Confidence supervising, teaching, and mentoring adult volunteers and teen apprentices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team (exercising punctuality, reliability, flexibility, and collaboration).
• Willingness to work outdoors daily and perform physical tasks in various weather conditions.
• Strong communication and organization skills.
• Competency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of second language a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in education or environmental science preferred.

Schedule

This is a seasonal position from February 9 to November 13, 2026. Lead instructors will work up to 35 hours per week, with one of two schedules for the season:

• Sunday–Thursday | 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday–Saturday | 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Benefits

• BBG offers certain benefits to part‑time employees including:
  • Up to 56 hours of sick leave
  • Short‑term disability/New York Paid Family Leave
  • PSLF Eligible Employer
  • Museum Pass which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free

Application

To be considered for this position, please submit an application by clicking Apply below. Applications submitted without a résumé and cover letter will not be considered. No telephone calls for position inquiries, please. Applicants with disabilities who need assistance with the online system, or who may require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, should contact Human Resources at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.