Educator

Reporting to the Environmental & Garden Education Program Director, the Educator will be responsible for teaching outdoor environmental education programs to children, teens, and adults with the goal of encouraging students’ awareness of the environment, broadening students’ knowledge of science concepts, and fostering students’ commitment to protecting the natural world. Van Cortlandt Park’s assets include an educational garden, woodland trails, wetlands, and a 16-acre pond. We refer to these as our “outdoor classroom.” 

Weekdays: Programs for students in elementary through high school include exploration of the pond ecosystem, forest hikes, and hands-on urban farming and composting in VCPA’s Garden & Compost site.  Additional projects include: assisting at VCPA’s Youth Run Farm Stand (Wednesdays, July to October) and leading hikes and workshops for the general public. Please note that while the majority of programs occur during school hours, there will be after- school programming as well.

Weekends: Programs include garden exploration days for pre-K children and their caregivers and a drop-off class for kids ages 7-11 years old, focused on composting, and urban farming.  Occasional hikes and workshops for the general public and assisting with organization’s special events. The Park Educator will be called upon to create and implement new public programs; they will be asked to represent VCPA at public programs on weekends and evenings as scheduled. 

Tasks: 

• Leading above activities, in VCP and school classroom, including preparing lessons for local school children
• Tracking metrics and reporting; using these metrics to evaluate and update programs to ensure they are relevant and engaging
• Assisting with community events, public programs, and special events as needed. 

Required Qualifications/Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in an environmental, science, or education field and/or 2-3 years experience teaching outdoor, hands-on science

• Availability to work weekend days, as scheduled (weekly throughout the busy season)
• Ability to follow instructions without close supervision
• Understanding of basic ecological concepts and willingness to learn environmental education lessons and issues specific to Van Cortlandt Park
• Flexibility to adapt to the needs of the program and participants
• Willing to work outdoors in all types of weather
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds, carry tools and plants, stand for long periods of time.

Desired Qualifications/Skills:

• First Aid and CPR Training
• Hands-on curriculum development experience
• Familiarity with the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park
• Experience working with children, pre-K through high school, in an outdoor setting
• Knowledgeable of age-appropriate teaching strategies 
• Familiarity with environmental topics
• Interest in cultural programming (performing arts, etc.)
• Ability to think quickly and solve problems on the spot. 
• Valid NYS Driver’s License

Reports to: Environmental & Garden Education Program Director

Send resume and 3 references to sara@vancortlandt.org. 

Applicants will be interviewed until the position is filled.

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Van Cortlandt Park Alliance 

Preserves, supports, and promotes the recreational, ecological, and historical value of Van Cortlandt Park. The organization raises 

funds to support the park, oversees 1,000+ volunteers per year, educates 2,000+ students, and provides cultural and environmental programming for the public, encouraging them to become stewards of their beloved green resource in the Bronx. 

Please support our work – sign up to volunteer or donate today! 

For more information, visit vancortlandt.org.