Career Opportunity: School Programs Educator (Summer 2026)

Professional Job Summary

Wave Hill is seeking an enthusiastic School Programs Educator for a seasonal role during the Summer 2026 season in the Bronx, NY. This position is ideal for educators passionate about nature-based learning and the arts. Working with a rising 1st through 7th-grade audience, the Educator will co-teach on-site summer camp programs, facilitate hands-on activities, and assist with program administration. This role requires a collaborative spirit and a high level of comfort working in an outdoor, botanical garden setting.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Support & Facilitation

Co-Teaching: Lead nature-based summer camp sessions for elementary and middle school campers (Grades 1–7).
Activity Facilitation: Deliver engaging nature and art-based activities that foster curiosity about the environment.
Group Management: Assist Wave Hill staff with guided group tours and additional summer programming as needed.

Logistics & Administration

Program Prep: Prepare teaching spaces, pack material bags, and manage supplies such as art kits, clipboards, and scientific tools.
Operations: Manage camper check-in at the front gate and coordinate dismissal procedures.
Documentation: Perform administrative tasks, including taking daily attendance and ensuring all safety protocols are followed.

Safety & Environment

Camper Safety: Prioritize the physical well-being of campers, especially during outdoor exploration in varying terrains.
Outdoor Engagement: Work comfortably outdoors throughout the summer, navigating mixed-material pathways and varying elevations.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience: Previous experience working with elementary or middle school children is essential; experience in non-formal settings like summer camps or nature centers is highly preferred.
Subject Interest: A demonstrable passion for life sciences, nature, and the arts.
Physical Stamina: Ability to traverse hilly terrain and work in summer weather conditions.
Soft Skills: Clear communication, a collaborative team mindset, and flexibility when handling unexpected situations.

About the Company

Wave Hill is a 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and the Palisades in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Its mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of the landscape, preserve its magnificent views, and explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education, and the arts. Wave Hill is a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) and is known for its world-class gardens and historic architecture.

Market & Industry Context

Seasonal outdoor education is a vital sector of the NYC summer economy, particularly in the Bronx, where green spaces like Wave Hill provide critical “nature-deficit” relief for urban youth.

According to recent labor statistics, seasonal camp roles in New York City have seen a steady increase in demand as parents prioritize “whole-child” development outside of the traditional classroom. Educators in these roles gain specialized experience in Environmental Education (EE), a field that bridges the gap between recreation and formal life science.

Career Growth & Progression Path

Environmental Education: This role provides foundational hours for those seeking certification in environmental education or interpretation.
Museum & Garden Careers: Experience at a prestigious institution like Wave Hill is a strong differentiator for roles in botanical gardens, zoos, or science museums.
Leadership Roles: Successful seasonal educators are often invited back for future seasons or considered for year-round coordinator positions within the Education Department.

Interview Preparation Insights

Nature-Based Pedagogy: Be prepared to share a specific example of an art or science activity you have led for children. How did you make it interactive?
Safety Awareness: Expect questions on how you manage a group of active children in an outdoor setting with potential hazards (heat, uneven terrain, insects).
Team Synergy: Wave Hill emphasizes a collaborative approach. Think about a time you had to pivot a plan quickly while working with a co-teacher.
The “Outdoor” Factor: Confirm your enthusiasm for working in the summer heat. Mentally prepare to describe your comfort level with the physical demands of a 28-acre garden.

Salary & Compensation Insight

Hourly Rate: $20.00 per hour.
Schedule: 35 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm).
Duration: July 6 through August 7, 2026 (includes four weeks of camp and two weeks of preparation).
Training: Additional paid training hours may be required prior to the start date.

Work Environment & Location Insights

The workspace is a blend of the historic Wave Hill House and the expansive outdoor gardens. The lower level of Wave Hill House is wheelchair accessible and ADA-compliant. However, applicants should note that the education office is on the third floor and requires climbing 19 steps. The role is physically active, involving significant walking across varying elevations and “mixed-material” pathways (gravel, grass, stone).

Short Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

Wave Hill is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, or sexual orientation. Wave Hill is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities; requests can be directed to humanresources@wavehill.org.

Category	Details & Specifications
Employer	Bold Charter School
Location	New York, NY, United States
Hiring Cycle	School Year 2026-2027
Grade Span	Serving K-7 in 2025-26; expanding to K-12
Environment	Results-oriented, joyful, and rigorous “master teacher” model

Compensation & Professional Growth

Component	Details
Starting Salary	$80,000 – $90,000 annually
Market Position	Top range of comparable NYC charter school roles
Benefits	Comprehensive package included
Support Model	Regular coaching, feedback, and urgency-based implementation
Career Path	Opportunities to transition into master teaching and transformative leadership

Core Responsibilities & Culture

Focus Area	Actionable Tasks & Philosophy
Curriculum	Teach rigorous performing arts content that inspires intellectual curiosity.
Culture Building	Model Bold’s core values; foster a positive student and team environment.
Professionalism	Implement feedback with “grace and urgency” to improve student achievement.
Engagement	Develop high-investment relationships with families through regular outreach.
Mindset	Apply a “mission-first” approach to all classroom and school-wide decisions.

Candidate Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of lead teaching experience in a high-performing school.
Education: Bachelor’s degree required (with an outstanding record of achievement/leadership); Graduate degree preferred.
Certification: Must hold a valid NYS teaching certification.
Key Attributes: Relentless pursuit of excellence, critical thinking skills, and a collaborative spirit.

Teacher Comparison: Specialty Roles in NYC

Metric	Bold Performing Arts	Challenge Prep Health	AoPS Language Arts
Base Salary	$80k – $90k	Based on exp. (Equity lens)	$40/hour (Part-time)
Degree Req.	Bachelor’s (Master’s pref.)	Bachelor’s + Field Exp.	Bachelor’s
NYS Cert.	Strictly Required	Preferred	Not Required
Teaching Model	Coaching/Feedback Heavy	Evidence-based/SEL	Student-led/Advanced

To apply for this job please visit www.wavehill.org.