Garden Manager / Educator (Part-Time)
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Start Date: April 2026 Compensation: $95/hour
Papai’s Garden is a nonprofit organization that provides inclusive employment and environmental education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Through hands-on urban gardening, we empower participants with job skills and a connection to the earth. Our seasonal employment and internship programs are designed to build confidence, foster teamwork, and grow sustainable practices in community spaces.
In 2024 and 2025, we employed two individuals with disabilities, hosted internship sessions, and partnered with AHRC NYC. We are now expanding for the 2026 season and looking for a mission-aligned Garden Manager/Educator to help lead this work.
We are hiring a Garden Manager / Educator to oversee the care of two to three vegetable garden beds and lead supportive training for a small group of adult employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This person will be responsible for implementing seasonal garden plans and working closely with 3–4 participants in a part-time employment program. The role combines horticultural expertise with inclusive teaching and mentorship, making it ideal for someone with a background in therapeutic gardening, special education, inclusive agriculture, or disability services.
Responsibilities/Duties
Garden Management
- Maintain two/three garden beds at Pembroke Gardens and a second Queens site (TBD)
- Plan and execute planting, maintenance, and harvesting schedules (April–September)
- Lead soil preparation, seed starting, transplanting, pruning, composting, and irrigation
- Identify pests and diseases, and implement organic pest control as needed
- Maintain gardening tools, supplies, and storage areas
Education & Supervision
- Provide on-site training and guidance to 3–4 adult employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Adapt garden tasks to fit varying learning styles and support needs
- Reinforce concepts such as:
- Composting and soil care
- Weeding and watering
- Companion planting
- Pest identification and beneficial bugs
- Crop rotation and pruning
- Harvesting techniques
- Create a structured, empowering, and inclusive learning environment
Compensation
- $95/hour
- Part-time, seasonal role (contractor position; not benefits-eligible)
Qualifications/Requirements
- Experience working directly with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (this is a requirement, not a preference)
- Strong vegetable gardening or urban agriculture experience
- Confidence leading hands-on gardening activities and delegating tasks
- Ability to lift, bend, and work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Patience, adaptability, and enthusiasm for inclusive education
- Must have a car or reliable transportation between sites
Schedule & Commitment
- 3 days per week, 2 hours/day (flexible weekday scheduling based on program needs)
- Total commitment: ~100 hours over 5–6 months (April–September)
- Some sessions may be rescheduled due to weather
Additional Information
Please email us your resume/qualifications at info@papaisgarden.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact Information
Papai's Garden Inc.
Contact Name: Dita De
Email: info@papaisgarden.org
Phone: 646-919-5706