DEPARTMENT: Children’s Education

REPORTS TO: Manager of Family & Youth Programs

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Responsible for the coordination and implementation of the horticultural and programmatic elements of the Discovery Programs, including a 1-acre interactive outdoor adventure garden for children ages 0-12 (under construction with a planned opening of May 2015).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES:

  • Design the seasonal plantings of the Discovery Garden
  • Provide maintenance and oversight of the horticultural and interactive components of the DiscoveryGarden
  • Develop exciting age appropriate interpretive experiences for visitors—including changeable signs, self-guided tour materials, tween and family tours and discovery stations
  • Develop and supervise the implementation of drop-in, inquiry-based programs and workshops for families, school groups and at special garden-wide festivals
  • Recruit, train and supervise Senior Instructor, Seasonal Staff, and Discovery Docents to lead drop-in, inquiry-based programs and tours for families and school groups
  • Mentor a team of teen apprentices in program facilitation and basic horticulture tasks
  • Train and supervise seasonal staff and volunteers in basic horticulture tasks
  • Order supplies for horticultural and programmatic needs
  • Assist with instruction of children and family programs, public programs, and Garden-wide special events as needed
  • Provide horticultural and educational support throughout the department as needed
  • Supervision of instructor, seasonal instructors, volunteers and/or teen apprentices.
  • Performs other related duties or special projects as directed

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • BA or BS degree in Museum Education, Environmental Education, Natural Sciences or related field, master’s degree preferred
  • Minimum of three years related experience, including Significant experience in informal education for children.
  • Horticultural experience, including maintenance and design work and ability to recognize toxic and child-unfriendly plant species
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Must demonstrate a genuine interest in working with children
  • Must have the ability to communicate effectively with different audiences, both orally and in writing
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills
  • Innovative, creative, and a self-starter
  • Ability to perform physical gardening tasks (lifting, bending, squatting, digging, etc.)
  • Willingness and ability to work outdoors
  • Willingness to work extended weeknight and weekend hours as needed; regular schedule is Sunday-Thursday
  • Must pass a background check for working with children

Human Resources

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

1000 Washington Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11225

Fax: 718-622-7826

Email: personnel@bbg.org

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer