Floater Program Educator

About Us

Harlem Grown is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability and nutrition. We operate local urban farms, increase access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents, and provide farm-based development programs to Harlem youth.

Founded in 2011 by Tony Hillery with one school partnership, one urban farm and an idea to help Harlem children, today Harlem Grown’s farms and greenhouses are used as classrooms and as venues to cultivate a connection to the environment and food among young people. Harlem Grown operates 14 urban agricultural sites featuring soil-based urban farms, hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber. All of our sites are located between 122nd and 152nd Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan.

Our Programs

Harlem Grown cultivates deep community roots by growing fresh food, strong youth, and lasting relationships. We meet children where they live, learn, and grow—offering opportunities that extend beyond our farms to the classroom and into their futures. Through Food and Farm Education, we help youth build healthy habits, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to their community. Our urban farms provide free produce and nutritious meals for families while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. Through 14 urban farms and year-round programming, we provide free produce, nutritious meals, and cooking lessons while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. In addition, our programs increase economic opportunity for families and develop leadership and advocacy skills so participants can drive transformational change in their communities.

At Harlem Grown, we grow healthy children and communities through hands-on education, access to resources, and long-term youth support. Our Food and Farm Education —including summer camp, in-school and after-school programs, mobile education, service learning, and farm tours—delivers farm-based lessons to children in our community. We offer free community resources like farmstands, Saturdays on the farm, and events that provide fresh food and create spaces for support and connection. Through academic support, internships, and career readiness programs, we help our young people build confidence and skills to thrive from elementary school through adulthood.

Type: Part-time positions available | Hourly

Location: Various community center/school locations available in Harlem

Schedule: Monday – Friday 1pm-6pm; Occasional Saturdays

Position Overview

The Floater Program Educator will support Harlem Grown’s Youth Programming and DYCD COMPASS after-school and summer programs by substituting in leading and/or assisting in engaging, hands-on activities related to food and farm education. This person is a self-starter and excited to bring their food, gardening, or STEM teaching background to our K-5th grade participants. Flexibility and adaptability are essential to this role, as daily assignments will vary across program sites, age groups, and activities, sometimes with short notice. The ideal candidate should feel comfortable stepping into different teaching and support roles to help each day run smoothly. The floater will work closely with Food & Farm Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, Program Leadership, and other Harlem Grown staff to ensure that programs are safe, educational, and fun. Through interactive lessons, creative projects, and real-world connections, the floater educator supports Harlem Grown’s mission to inspire youth through urban farming, wellness, and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

Program Delivery & Youth Engagement

• Plan and lead/co-lead engaging, standards-aligned STEM activities rooted in food, farming, sustainability, nutrition, wellness, cooking, and environmental education.
• Provide active supervision of participants during all program activities, transitions, meals, field trips, and dismissal to ensure youth safety and engagement.
• Maintain child safety and classroom management
• Build strong relationships with youth and their families and contribute to a supportive program space
• Follow and model a positive behavior management approach that promotes guidance, reinforces Harlem Grown’s values, and supports a respectful, nurturing environment.
• Participate in training and professional development sessions.

Program Implementation

• Work with the Program Leadership Team to align activities with overall curriculum goals.
• Assist with preparation, setup, and cleanup for daily programming.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging program environment by adhering to Harlem Grown’s internal protocols, DYCD requirements, and all relevant health and safety guidelines.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and program events.
• Represent Harlem Grown at community events, school visits, or farm-based learning experiences.
• Support data collection, reflection, and continuous improvement efforts as directed by program leadership.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of experience teaching, coaching, or facilitating programs with children under age 13 years.
• Demonstrated expertise in content areas related to food, gardening, STEM education
• Ability to engage and motivate youth across grades K–5.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Comfort working outdoors and doing hands-on garden work
• Ability to bend, kneel, and lift up to 50lbs of gardening and programming supplies
• Energetic, reliable, and team-oriented; able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to Harlem Grown’s mission.
• Meet OCFS background check requirements.

Preferred

• Strong connection to Harlem or similar urban communities.
• Associate’s degree in education, youth development, social work, or related field.
• Familiarity with DYCD COMPASS program standards and OCFS SACC regulations.
• Experience integrating sustainability, urban farming, or nutrition education into instruction.
• Bilingual (Spanish fluency a plus)

At Harlem Grown, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We are an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where each individual feels as if their identity, experience, and values are represented and supported. We are dedicated to creating a space where children, especially those of color, are given the opportunity and skills to lead healthy and ambitious lives. We strongly believe in building a team that reflects and appreciates the underrepresented population of students, families, and people that we serve. Become a member of our family.

Hourly Range

$24—$26 USD

At Harlem Grown, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We are an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where each individual feels as if their identity, experience, and values are represented and supported. We are dedicated to creating a space where children, especially those of color, are given the opportunity and skills to lead healthy and ambitious lives. We strongly believe in building a team that reflects and appreciates the underrepresented population of students, families, and people that we serve. Become a member of our family.