Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: 08/01/2023  Compensation: $46,000 – 50,000

Queens Botanical Garden is an urban oasis where people, plants and cultures are celebrated through inspiring gardens, innovative educational programs, and demonstrations of environmental stewardship.

The Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator will work with the Youth Programs Manager and the Farm Manager to develop, launch, and implement Growing Justice, QBG’s new year-round sustainable agriculture and leadership development internship program for high school aged youth, as well as support the Farm Internship Program which serves young adults. Growing Justice will involve youth from the Flushing and Corona areas who participate in weekly workshops, hands-on urban farming, running a farm stand at QBG, and leadership development activities that engage them in advocacy and training in such areas as food justice, environmental sustainability, community health, green careers, and climate change. Additionally, the Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator will assist with the care of QBG’s Farm, Children’s Garden, and World Farm using 100% organic practices.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Co-design, plan, and implement Growing Justice high school internship program, which runs from October to June, with optional summer component.
  • Support other internship programs such as the Farm Internship program and other short-term high school interns as needed.
  • Recruit high school students from three partner schools to participate in the Growing Justice program.
  • Develop and teach content-based workshops and lessons on sustainable agriculture, food policy, advocacy, and related issues at the Garden each week for the cohort of youth.
  • Support Growing Justice youth and young adult interns in operating a farm stand one day each weekend including preparation, harvesting produce, marketing, demo activities, creating educational materials, and selling of produce.
  • Serve as liaison with partner schools to keep them updated on students’ work and to support youth action projects.
  • Keep records related to program such as student attendance and program summary reports.
  • Work with Youth Programs Manager and Farm Manager to help care for and maintain the Farm, and Education teaching gardens. This includes growing & maintaining crops, weeding, mulching, composting, pruning, raking, watering, mowing, weed whacking, transplanting, and propagation.
  • Operate and care for hand and power gardening tools and equipment.
  • Support outreach & communications with photos and newsletters.
  • Assist with Education Department Programs, including teaching groups and public programs on and off –site as needed, and supply inventory and other tasks as needed.

Qualifications/Requirements

  • 2-4 years of professional experience working with or teaching young people, preferably high school ages
  • Relevant training or experience in gardening/ farming, botany, ecology, environmental justice, food justice, and/ or related fields
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
  • Experience creating interactive workshops and lessons.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Commitment to DEIA and CRSE practices
  • Ability and willingness to work outside in all weather; work includes kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching; ability to lift 50 pounds
  • Reliable and responsible
  • Comfortable working independently and taking direction
  • Team player who is passionate about QBG mission
  • Language fluency in Spanish or Mandarin a plus

Additional Information

This is a full-time, non-exempt position which requires work one weekend day. Benefits offered include excellent medical, vision, dental and life insurance, generous PTO, paid holidays, employee discounts, access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions, pension and other retirement savings plans. General schedule is Sunday through Thursday, with flexibility for Monday through Friday schedule from November through May.

Health & Safety: proof of full Covid-19 vaccination required for employment.

Queens Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The Garden does not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, gender expression, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, predisposing genetic characteristic, immigration status, or any other legally protected status. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources via email hr@queensbotanical.org, phone 718-886-3800 x 203.

Contact Information

Queens Botanical Garden
Contact Name: Human Resources
Email: hr@queensbotanical.org
Phone: 7188863800
Website: Apply Online