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Form of workJob Description
Position/Title: Day Educator
Start Date: Immediate
Salary Range: $25/hour
Duration: June 2023 - August 2023
ABOUT CITY PARKS FOUNDATION
City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer programs in public parks throughout the five boroughs of New York City. We are dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community development, and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs and community building initiatives -- located in more than 350 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City -- reach 425,000 people each year. Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks mean thriving communities.
We connect youngsters to nature in the urban environment with education programs that provide learning experiences through classroom and hands-on activities in parks, urban forests, coastal areas, gardens, and recreation centers.
We present the largest free, outdoor performing arts festival in NYC through SummerStage, presenting artists of the highest quality across multiple disciplines and genres, and marionette puppet theater in all five boroughs with our Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and the roving PuppetMobile.
Partnerships for Parks, a public-private program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks, supports and champions a growing network of leaders who care and advocate for the transformation of their neighborhood parks.
Free golf, tennis, track & field, soccer, and fitness programs bring high-quality instruction and equipment into areas where few organized athletic opportunities exist. We offer leveled training, year-round scholarship coaching, and special pro events.
Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks reflect thriving communities.
POSITION SUMMARY
Learning Gardens brings year-round, field- and school-based garden science learning to NYC schoolchildren and community members. Our gardens are outdoor classrooms that provide vibrant green space in some of New York City’s most densely populated neighborhoods. Operating four community gardens across three boroughs, CPF presents engaging interdisciplinary lessons to expand student learning around urban ecology, horticulture, soil science, and sustainable urban food systems. Students in 2nd – 8th grade and their teachers receive resource materials, curricula, and tools to enhance their understanding of ecosystem services and address the unique challenges of growing food in an urban environment. High School interns are trained in garden instruction and horticultural techniques throughout the spring and then work alongside Learning Gardens staff throughout the summer.
Each week throughout July and August, summer camp groups from local community organizations participate in a 6 session program at one of four Learning Gardens. CPF staff and interns lead late elementary and middle school-aged youths as they experience 15 low-cost hours of fun-filled, garden-based science instruction in community gardening, growing healthy food and keeping fit.
We are seeking two seasonal educators who will be placed at one of the following gardens: Grove Hill Garden in Morrisania, Bronx; Abib Newborn Garden in Brownsville, Brooklyn; Success Garden in East New York, Brooklyn; and Liberty Garden in Jamaica, Queens.
QUALIFICATIONS
At least 2+ years of teaching experience; experience in outdoor programs and/or in non-traditional settings preferred.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in garden-based instruction, outdoor education, and youth development
Experience in classroom/group management skills; adept at handling groups outdoors in diverse scenarios
Gardening/horticultural experience is a plus
Excellent verbal communications skills
Willingness to work with underserved, urban youth from historically under-resourced communities.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team is essential.
Willingness to work outdoors during July and August (physical and manual labor necessary) in hot and/or inclement weather.
Preferred Associate’s, BA/BS degree, or Teacher’s Certificate in related field, such as Plant Science, Horticulture, Environmental Education, Teaching grades 4-8
