Spring Break Nature Camp Educator

BASIC JOB FUNCTION

Co-lead a group of up to 18 Pre-K through Kindergarten campers in sensory play, nature crafts and explorations of the New York Botanical Garden grounds during a 1-week nature camp, 9am-3pm. Establish a safe, fun and engaging environment for campers to learn together. Develop and lead outdoor active, experiential science and nature programs and activities as per the curriculum and collaborate with camp staff team to lead activities in throughout the NYBG landscape as well as in the classroom as needed. Supervise and mentor 2 Camp Explainers (paid teens) on daily responsibilities and duties.

This position is for Pre-K (3 ½-4 year olds) and Kindergarten (4-5 year olds). Candidates must have experience working with specified age group in an outdoor, informal, experiential education setting.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with planning and coordinating daily and weekly camp schedule, including working with a teacher partner to develop, plan and implement outdoor science/nature based lessons for the campers based on curriculum.
• Support Explainers in their role of supporting campers with daily tasks; i.e. helping campers keep track of personal items, participate in large and small group activities, and escorting small groups of students to the restroom.
• Build strong relationships with Campers and Camp staff
• Support Camp staff to facilitate safe and orderly daily drop-off and pick-up events that include sign-in, sign out.
• Maintain close communication with Camp staff to mitigate safety, behavioral and scheduling issues

QUALIFICATIONS

• Outgoing and friendly with excellent oral communications skills essential.
• Candidate must have experience teaching outdoors with groups of young children (ages 4-5) with varied learning needs.
• Candidate must be responsible, punctual, professional, motivated, self-starter and able to mentor others.
• A background in science, education and/or museum studies required.
• Candidate must have experience teaching engaging inquiry-based lessons with live plants and living organisms.
• Foreign language is helpful but not essential.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather

WORK SCHEDULE

• This is a seasonal part-time role expected to last one month, beginning March 3, 2026.
• The schedule includes actively participating in co-developing lessons throughout March and April, attending an orientation/training session on a weeknight in April from 4–6 PM (date TBD), and leading one week of camp from April 6–10, 2026, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

RATE

• $25.75-$28 Per Hour

If you require an accommodation for any part of the application process, please notify the Human Resources department at [email protected]

EOE/BIPOC/F/Persons with disabilities/Veterans