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Garden Educator

Clifton, NJ, USA

Part time

About the Role

The Garden Educator position is an opportunity to teach hands-on, garden-based lessons for preschool and school-aged children while supporting the upkeep of gardens in an urban setting. Educators lead programs at City Green’s educational gardens in Clifton and Paterson, as well as off-site at partner school gardens across Northern NJ. We are looking for enthusiastic, responsible educators who have experience leading programming for young children and some experience growing gardens.

Requirements & Qualifications

Job duties include:

  • Actively participate in garden education best practice training

  • Implement City Green’s curriculum during garden-based lessons 

  • Foster a positive learning environment 

  • Prepare for lessons by gathering supplies, setting up the outdoor classroom space, cleaning up, and returning all materials to their proper location

  • Support maintenance of educational gardens.  Tasks include: watering, weeding, spreading compost, harvesting or mulching.

  • Adapt lessons when necessary to different sites, weather conditions, and student needs

  • Communicate respectfully with parents, teachers, and school/program staff and share any partner feedback or concerns with City Green staff

  • Travel between garden sites using City Green vehicles

  • Perform daily program data collection

  • Follow organizational policies and standards for safety and liability


Garden Educators must:

  • Have some direct experience working with children

  • Have a basic knowledge of garden concepts and vegetable plant identification.

  • Be comfortable working outside in all weather and capable of lifting 40 pounds

  • Be flexible, patient, and comfortable adapting lessons to fit student and partner needs

  • Have a valid driver's license for at least 12 months, a clean driving record, and be able to travel between sites using City Green vehicles 

  • Pass a background check


Hours and Compensation :

  • Garden Educators are paid between $14.25 - 15/hr based on experience 

  • Several part-time, seasonal and full-time, seasonal positions are available ranging from 8-35 hours per week. Multi-season employment is preferred, but single season positions are available.

    • Spring Season: March 27th to June 9th

    • Summer Season: June 5th to July 31st

    • Fall Season: September 7th to November 10th

  • Programs generally take place anywhere between 8:30AM-6:00PM Monday through Saturday.  Start time and end time will be based on our programs and the educator’s schedule.  Educators can choose if they would prefer to work AM Sessions, PM after-school sessions or a combination of the two.  


City Green requires all interns and employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted, and to undergo a background check in order to qualify for employment. After being offered a position, candidates will be asked to furnish proof of vaccination and submit a background check prior to the start date. 

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