QBG’s Youth Programs bring together youngsters ages 2 to 18 from around New York City to enjoy seasonal, hands-on learning and gardening experiences year-round. Our young gardeners explore concepts of ecological balance, sustainability, and conservation as they learn how to prepare soil, select seeds and plants, and care for and later harvest their own vegetables, flowers, and herbs that they turn into nutritious and delicious snacks in the classroom. We explore these concepts at age-appropriate levels throughout each season. We strive to create an immersive experience in all programs- a blend of structured and freeform exploration designed to provide children with the support they need to express their natural curiosity. The Garden seeks seasonal Instructors who are passionate about environmental education to fulfill our teaching and programmatic needs.

The Education Department at Queens Botanical Garden offers public events, school workshops, kids programs and teacher training programs throughout the year following QBG’s mission of cultural connection to plants and ecological sustainability. The Garden seeks seasonal Instructors who are passionate about environmental education to fulfill our teaching and programmatic needs.

Instructors may conduct such activities as workshops, group tours, special event activity tables, and lessons on Garden grounds or at local schools, community facilities, neighborhood festivals, etc. These programs cater to groups of all ages, especially children and families.

The Artistic Programming Coordinator (APC) works closely with the Director & Senior Curator of the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art in the planning, development, and implementation of exhibitions, residencies, performances, and related programs. The APC is a creative, intrepid, organized and intellectually curious individual who is committed to the arts on Staten Island.

The ideal candidate will have experience organizing arts programming in the visual and performing arts in non-traditional venues, and enjoys working with artists, guest curators, and organizational partners. The APC is knowledgeable about broad contemporary art subjects and practices, and is adept at working on multiple projects simultaneously. This position works collaboratively with other departments including Community Impact, External Affairs, Finance & Administration, and Operations & Facilities.

The APC is a dynamic individual with an interdisciplinary approach to arts programming. Candidates should be enterprising and self-motivated, with strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven workplace. Candidates should have experience producing exhibitions, performances, panel discussions, artist talks, workshops, and residencies. This position requires the flexibility to work weekends and evenings to facilitate and/or represent the organization at events and community programming.

This position reports to the Director & Senior Curator of the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art.

The Director of Programs will be responsible for developing, leading, and overseeing all education and public programs for Queens Botanical Garden. As the Garden prepares to break ground on a $32 million Education Center in late spring 2025, the Director of Programs will work with the Executive Director, Education and Public Programs teams to innovate programmatic offerings that reflect the Garden’s mission as the place where “people, plants, and cultures meet” and build upon our respected environmental education programs, dynamic public programs, sustainable management and operations, and culturally responsive activities. The Education Center, which will include a 16,000 square foot building and its surrounding landscapes, presents a critical moment of growth and opportunity for the Garden’s programs. The Director of Programs will harness the unique attributes of the Garden’s 39 acres, including the upcoming Education Center, to strengthen and expand upon the Garden’s current suite of programs. Their leadership will further solidify QBG’s role as the premier place of environmental education, cultural experiences, and unexpected, interactive encounters with the natural world in the heart of Queens.

Reporting to the Executive Director, and working closely with the Director of Development, Deputy Director/Director of Operations, and other key staff, the Director of Programs will provide leadership of all program development and operations, ensure program quality of the highest level, build partnerships with schools, non-profits, institutions, and other stakeholders, and work to bring in resources for QBG education and public programs. The Director of Programs will be a member of the Garden’s five-person senior leadership team, and must be versed in organizational leadership and management practices.

The QBG Farm grows fruits and vegetables with a focus on soil health and care, without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Crops harvested are 90-100% donated to emergency food relief. The Farm Manager will be responsible for preparing, planting and maintaining a 1-acre farm using exclusively organic methods. This position will report directly to the Director of Programs. The position oversees volunteers and interns on the farm, oversight and implementation of crop production, maintenance of farm infrastructure and as well as supporting the use of the farm by other QBG programs.