CAREERS AT JBRPC

Working at Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) offers a unique opportunity to apply your skills and passion for parks and the environment across our New York city, state and national parks. JBRPC works with non-profit and governmental partners to help implement capital projects, nature-based and stewardship programs, and community engagement efforts in support of over 10,000 acres of parkland in Brooklyn and Queens. JBRPC promotes creativity and seeks applicants with unique ideas and a spirit of public service. JBRPC, a program of the Fund for the City of New York, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace.

School & Public Programs Educator (Full-time)

Location: Jamaica Bay–Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) sites, including Floyd Bennett Field and other parks within the JBRPC catchment; hybrid office/field-based work
Start Date: June 2026
Schedule: 35 hours, Sunday - Thursday base schedule with flexibility for events
Salary Range: $52,000- $58,000 based on experience
Application Deadline: May 22, 2026

Position Description:

Organizational Overview

Jamaica Bay is New York City’s largest and most ecologically productive open space — an unparalleled oasis of nature covering 44 square miles of open water, tidal wetlands, and coastal parklands altogether twice the size of Manhattan — that directly serves more than 1 million New Yorkers in adjacent neighborhoods and more than 3 million who live within the Jamaica Bay watershed in southeastern Brooklyn and Queens. As a unique public-private partnership that works across city, state and federal agencies, JBRPC brings together community stakeholders, elected officials, academic researchers, and others toward a common goal: improving public parklands for enjoyment and ecosystem health. JBRPC is a partner project of the Fund for the City of New York (FCNY), which serves as its fiscal sponsor.

JBRPC’s education programs serve thousands of students and educators annually, with direct facilitation of virtual and in-person field trips that engage students in park stewardship, citizen science, and ecological exploration. Likewise, JBRPC engages audiences of all ages in its free public programs, offering participants recreational opportunities, educational engagement, and a sense of community, all within the diversity of parkland that make up Jamaica Bay and Rockaway parks. Collectively, JBRPC’s education and public programs portfolios serve thousands of New Yorkers and visitors, encourage repeat visitation, park stewardship, and increased awareness and investment in Jamaica Bay and Rockaway parks.

School & Public Programs Educator Overview

JBRPC is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic School & Public Programs Educator to support the continued development and delivery of its education and public programs. This role will grow JBRPC’s program capacity by facilitating grant-funded school field trips, early childhood family programs (Park Pals), and public programs across multiple park sites, with a particular emphasis on Floyd Bennett Field.

The ideal candidate has experience in informal and/or formal education, is comfortable working with diverse audiences in outdoor settings, and is excited to support hands-on, place-based learning experiences in public parklands. This is an entry-level, non-supervisory position that plays a key role in delivering high-quality educational programming while collaborating closely with the Education team.

Reporting to the Education and Public Programs Manager, the Educator should be comfortable engaging a wide range of audiences, with diverse interests, abilities, and backgrounds, and be committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all who participate in our programs. The ideal candidate will have experience leading STEAM activities for children in a formal or informal setting, an enthusiasm for learning, and an interest in the work of JBRPC.

The position requires travel to park sites throughout Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway peninsula as well as off-site at area schools and in-office work at our headquarters in Rockaway Park. Remote work opportunities may change over time and based on the season.

Core Responsibilities:

Learn our diverse suite of programming and facilitate high-quality, standards-aligned, in-person and virtual educational programs for public school students (1–12), with a primary focus on elementary field trips.
Lead the Park Pals program, develop and edit curriculum, and deliver early childhood family programs, engaging young children and caregivers through developmentally appropriate, play-based learning.
Support and facilitate public programs, including community events, festivals, tabling, and stewardship activities on weekends.
Adapt program content to meet the needs of diverse learners, including varying age groups, learning styles, and abilities.
Support the implementation of grant-funded education initiatives, including the Pollinator Learning Program and other environmental education offerings.
Collect program data, including attendance, participation figures, and key evaluation metrics.
Ensure program delivery aligns with grant goals, timelines, and reporting requirements.
Collaborate with the Education and Public Programs Manager and other Education team members to refine curriculum, program logistics, and facilitation strategies.
Own the full lifecycle of select public programs, from material preparation and site setup to post-program breakdown, particularly when serving as the lead.
Provide coverage support for other education and public programs as needed.
Support inventory management of education supplies and field equipment.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Museum Education, Environmental Science, Parks and Recreation, or a related field.
At least one year of experience working in formal or informal education settings (schools, museums, parks, nature centers, or community programs).
Demonstrated experience in creating, developing, and facilitating inquiry-based learning experiences, including active facilitation of student-driven questioning.
Capability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, as well as the ability to perform physical labor (able to lift 25 pounds, regularly).
Ability to work at the natural shoreline and on unstable ground.
Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet program needs, including occasional evenings, early mornings, and weekends, is required.
Strong communication skills and ability to engage diverse audiences.
Confidence with the Windows Office suite, Google Suite, and basic digital communication tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, and MS Teams.
NYS Driver's License (or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire).

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Education, Museum Education, Environmental Education, or a related field.
Experience leading early childhood programs involving caregivers and young children.
Familiarity with NYC public schools and Title I school communities.
Basic familiarity with education data collection or evaluation practices.

Schedule and Compensation:

The School and Public Programs Educator is a full-time regular (year-round) exempt position.

JBRPC is a partner project of the Fund for the City of New York (FCNY), which serves as its fiscal sponsor. JBRPC staff are employees of FCNY and are thus eligible for FCNY’s benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance options, a retirement plan with generous employer match, paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays), and other benefits. FCNY is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply:

Please complete our application via the linked form below All applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered.

Apply