Seasonal Community Composting Assistant & Instructor

Job Description

Job Description

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 2025–June 30, 2026

Compensation: $26 per hour

Position Description:

Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s community composting assistant & instructor 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- and composting-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, Greenest Block in Brooklyn, and one-off seasonal community classes.
• Assist with plant nursery logistics required for plant material and compost storage, 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.
• Participate in the ongoing development, implementation, and facilitation of the BUG program, including cofacilitation and preparing materials for instruction.
• Coordinate acquisition of compost for community giveaways and demonstrations.
• Assist with planning and executing annual Making Brooklyn Bloom conference, including organizing speakers, compost-related activities, 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 plant and compost giveaways and networking events at BBG as well as off-site community workdays.
• Assist with execution of annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn competition, including teaching block visit workshops throughout the spring focusing on best practices for using compost; 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 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 regular 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 2025 to June 30, 2026. The community compost assistant & instructor will work up to 18 hours per week, with a typical weekly schedule of Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend program support will be required.

This position is funded through June 30, 2026.

Benefits:

• BBG offers certain benefits to part-time employees including:
  
  
  • Up to 56 hours of sick 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 hr@bbg.org. 

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.