Seasonal Community Composting Assistant & Instructor

Position Title:     Seasonal Community Composting Assistant & Instructor

Department:       Education (Community Greening)

Reports to:         Community Field Manager

FLSA Status:        Part-time Seasonal, Non-exempt

Term:                   September 2026–June 30, 2027

Compensation:     $26 per hour

Position Description:

The community composting assistant & instructor at Brooklyn Botanic Garden works directly with the community field manager to provide technical assistance to a wide range of community-based groups, such as community gardens and block associations, throughout Brooklyn. Additionally, they develop, coordinate, and implement both large- and small-scale horticulture-related educational programs both on- and off-site. Brooklynites with a background in community organizing are especially encouraged to apply. 

Responsibilities: 

• Design and facilitate compost- and soil-focused curricula, classes, and programs for adult learners involved in BBG Community Greening programs, such as Brooklyn Urban Gardener (BUG), Community Garden Alliance, Street Tree Stewardship, and one-off seasonal community classes.
• Participate in the ongoing development, implementation, and facilitation of the BUG program, including co-facilitation and preparing materials for instruction.
• Develop and facilitate compost programs for Discovery Garden and special events at the Garden.
• Assist with nursery logistics required for plant material maintenance and distribution; logistics and acquisition of in-kind donations.
• Develop and deliver educational events on best practices in urban composting both at BBG and in community spaces.
• Uphold an inclusive, antiracist environment for our diverse students, volunteers, and staff to ensure programs are safe, welcoming, and engaging.
• Assist with planning and executing annual Making Brooklyn Bloom conference, including organizing speakers, workshops, and exhibitors; managing lead-up and day-of operations.
• Maintain and update Community Garden Alliance database, including contact information for program constituents and seasonal data projects. 
• Assist with planning and execution of Alliance plant giveaway and networking events at BBG as well as community workdays at compost/Alliance sites.
• Coordinate acquisition of compost for community giveaways and demonstrations.
• Assist with execution of annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn competition, including teaching block-visit workshops throughout the spring and driving and supporting judges.
• Answer phone and email inquiries to program hotline and email addresses relating to compost, composting, and street tree stewardship.
• Provide administrative support including data entry, scheduling, invoicing, budget tracking, supply orders, attendance tracking, program evaluation, and reporting.
• Attend meetings with partnering organizations such as the New York City Community Compost Network and report back to team. 
• Assist in writing and updating horticulture and compost tip sheets and articles. 
• Conduct outreach and tabling at public events.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as needed. 

Qualifications: 

• Valid NYS driver’s license (driving required) 
• BA or BS degree in education, horticulture, environmental science, or related field preferred or 2 years’ related career experience in composting, horticulture or education
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and commitment to environmental and social justice 
• Knowledge of some gardening practices and compost science required
• Master Composter certification preferred
• Experience with educating adult learners in formal or informal settings preferred
• Enthusiasm and curiosity for compost, plants, science, and the natural world
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team (exercising punctuality, reliability, flexibility, and collaboration) 
• Competency with Microsoft Office applications 
• Willingness to work outdoors every day in various weather conditions and ability to perform physical tasks, such as lifting up to 30 pounds
• Knowledge of a second language a plus
• Excellent writing and teaching skills
• Keen interest and ease in working with the public, along with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to teach classes and support programmatic events 
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift tools, gardening materials, etc.

Schedule:

This is a seasonal position from September 2026 to June 30, 2027. The compost instructor will work up to 20 hours per week, with a typical weekly schedule of Tuesday– Thursday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend program support will be required. 

This position is funded through June 30, 2027. 

Benefits:

• BBG offers certain benefits to part-time employees including:
  • NYC Protected Time-Off: up to 56 hours of paid leave and 32 hours of unpaid leave
  • Short-term disability/New York Paid Family Leave
• As a 501(c)3, BBG is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
• Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free
• Free Garden admission for employee plus one guest
• Employee discount at BBG’s retail shop and food venues

To be considered for this position, please submit an application by clicking Apply below.  Applications submitted without a résumé and cover letter will not be considered. 

No telephone calls for position inquiries, please. Applicants with disabilities who need assistance with the online system, or who may require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, should contact Human Resources at [email protected]. 

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.