Therapeutic Horticulture Workshop Instructor

Therapeutic Horticulture Workshop Instructor 

The Horticultural Society of New York (the Hort) seeks a Therapeutic Horticulture Workshop Instructor for our workshops offered throughout New York City. The Therapeutic Horticulture Workshop Instructor will primarily provide programming at workshops across the city. Program sites include centers for older adults, supportive housing buildings, Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park Greenhouse and Education Center and correctional/secure facilities.   

The ideal candidate has a background in horticultural therapy or vocational rehabilitation emphasizing horticulture. Candidates should be highly collegial, enjoy a mission-driven environment, can work independently, and thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing work environment. Excellent knowledge of horticulture, botany, and environmental science is essential to this position. Experience with classroom management, curriculum development lesson planning, and remote teaching is a plus. 

The mission of The Horticultural Society of New York is to improve human lives through horticulture. Our social service and public programs create green spaces in all neighborhoods as a vital part of social infrastructure, train people for jobs that grow and sustain green communities, and develop fresh approaches to improve New Yorkers’ health, well-being, and environment through horticulture. 

Responsibilities:  

Workshop Instruction 

• Instruct participants in an informal, non-traditional learning environment 
• Lead instruction in horticulture, botany and environmental science rooted in the overall program foundation of therapeutic horticulture 
• Structure and facilitate therapeutic horticulture sessions and vocational/academic as well as life-skills sessions 
• Help to plant, propagate, cultivate, and maintain gardens at facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx and Queens. 
• Create, organize, and deliver teaching materials for each lesson  
• Work within The Hort’s already established curriculum and develop additional workshops suitable for clientele 

Client Relationships 

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients’ program managers, social workers, activity coordinators, residents and partner social service agencies. 

Administrative 

• Complete necessary paperwork involved in reimbursement process and timekeeping 
• Deliver workshop specific, weekly and monthly data to track workshop outcomes 
• Other tasks and projects as assigned by your supervisor 

Required Qualifications: 

• Strong knowledge of horticulture, botany, and environmental science, hands on as well as theory 
• Work experience serving various populations such as youth at risk, older adults, individuals with mental illnesses, individuals with a history of substance use, individuals who are or have experienced incarceration or are in secure facilities, individuals   
• Experience with lesson planning, curriculum creation, and strong classroom management skills 
• Demonstrated administrative skills including data entry an evaluation  
• Flexibility with the work schedule to work evenings and weekends, as needed 
• Bilingual in English/Spanish 
• A non-judgmental attitude towards people from all routes of life 
• All employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their start date 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Registered as a horticultural therapist (HTR) or holding a certificate in horticultural-or eco therapy 
• Work experience as an Environmental Educator 
• A “pull up your sleeve”, “can do” attitude with a sense of humor is desirable. 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds 
• Must be able to squat, lift stretch, bend, and stand for extended periods of time 
• Ability to perform physical labor outside in various weather conditions 
• Comfortable working seated at a desk and on a computer for prolonged periods 
• Comfortable traveling with workshop materials on public transportation to programming sites 

Details at a Glance 

Employment Classification: Full-Time Regular 

Salary Range: $48,000 - $55,000 

Reports to: Therapeutic Horticulture Program Manager 

Benefits 

The Hort offers all Full-Time regular employees a generous Paid Time Off package, termed Life Insurance Policy and Employee Assistance Program. Pre-tax benefits include transit, Flexible Spending Account, medical, dental, and vision insurance. 

How to Apply 

To be considered please email a thoughtful cover letter, resume, a lesson plan or sample of your work, and two references to jobs@thehort.org with “Therapeutic Horticulture Workshop Instructor” in the subject line. No phone calls. 

The Hort is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. It is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, political orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations are also available for these individuals during the hiring process. Please email jobs@thehort.org should you require reasonable accommodation during the hiring process. 

The Hort offers all Full-Time regular employees a generous Paid Time Off package, termed Life Insurance Policy and Employee Assistance Program. Pre-tax benefits include transit, Flexible Spending Account, medical, dental, and vision insurance.