Nature Camp Educator (Summer)

Basic Job Functions

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

This position is for children entering Pre-K(4) and Kindergarten. 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 cooperatively developing, planning and implementing 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
• Must be able to commit to actively participating in orientation/training/prep, June 22-July 2, 2026, 9am-5pm and leading 3 weeks of camp: July 6-July 24 (entering grades PreK-Kindergarten) OR August 3-August 21 (entering Pre-K-Kindergarten) 8am-4pm schedule

Qualifications

Outgoing and friendly with excellent oral communications skills essential. Candidate must have experience teaching outdoors with groups of children with varied learning needs as well as relevant student age group experience based on position. 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 be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather and have experience teaching engaging inquiry-based lessons with live plants and living organisms. Foreign language is helpful but not essential.

Work Schedule

• STARTS June 22, 2026: includes actively participating in co-developing lessons in June during orientation/training 6/22-7/2, 9-5pm and leading 3 week of camp, 7/6-7/24, 2026 OR 7/3-8/21, Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm.

Rate

• $25.75 Per Hour

If you require an accommodation for any part of the application process, please notify the Human Resources department at HR@nybg.org