Science Barge / S.T.E.M. Education Assistant

Groundwork Hudson Valley is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to “changing places and changing lives” in the lower Hudson Valley. Our mission is to create sustainable environmental change in urban neighborhoods through community-based partnerships that promote equity, youth leadership, and economic opportunity. Program areas include climate resilience, sustainability education, and youth leadership development. Groundwork partners with neighborhood residents, private and non-profit partners, local businesses, and government officials to identify environmental improvements that will advance equitable, healthy, vibrant communities and empower the next generation of community leaders.

Groundwork Hudson Valley is hiring one Part-Time Science Barge / S.T.E.M. Education Assistant to support all the activities of its Sustainability Education Program. The ideal candidate has an interest in sustainability education, urban agriculture, and environmental science/studies, with experience teaching and with growing food.

The goal of the Sustainability Education Department is to educate students and residents of Yonkers and the greater tri-state area about the tenants of environmental sustainability, climate change and resiliency, renewable energy, food security, and alternative growing systems. The Program operates the Science Barge, featuring a 1,100 square foot greenhouse where tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, and other crops are grown using recirculating hydroponics and aquaponics. The greenhouse is powered by a renewable energy package that includes solar, wind, and a generator running on bio-fuel. Education programs and tours are available for students during the school year (virtual and live), and to the public from late spring through fall the Science Barge is open on weekends.

Job Summary

The Science Barge / S.T.E.M. Education Assistant will work in the outdoor classroom and in the greenhouse, supporting the Science Barge facility in growing food for our community in our Science Barge growing systems, and assisting with hands-on, sustainability-centered education programs delivered to a broad range of students. Under the direction of the Sustainability Education Manager and Associate, the Science Barge / S.T.E.M. Education Assistant will perform greenhouse work to maximize growing food for the community and help maintain the barge facility.  As needed, she/he will assist with classes on topics that include botany, river ecology, renewable energy, waste management, climate science, resilience practices, and others. The Science Barge / S.T.E.M. Education Assistant will also lead tours and activities for students and visitors to the Science Barge.  From late spring through the fall, the Science Barge / S.T.E.M. Education Assistant will also participate in staffing the Science Barge during weekends when it is open to the public.

Responsibilities

• Routine greenhouse maintenance: sweeping, mopping, pruning, trellising vines, filling water reservoirs, using integrated pest management systems, etc.
• Working outdoors and maintaining outdoor growing beds.
• Monitoring the hydroponic systems and adjusting nutrient and pH levels.
• Trouble-shooting greenhouse issues with Sustainability Education Associate.
• Co-teaching programs with the Sustainability Education Manager/Associate.
• Overseeing and helping with science projects on the Science Barge.
• Engaging the public on weekends with tours of the Science Barge.
• Tracking number of visitors and volunteer hours on the Science Barge.
• Staffing the Science Barge on weekends alongside staff from late May till the end of October.
• Assisting with occasional big events.

Qualifications

• Background and interest in environmental education and sustainability preferred.
• Background and interest in hydroponics, urban agriculture, sustainability and climate science.
• Experience in outdoor/informal environmental education.
• Some college coursework in the science field required.
• Enthusiasm for teaching and skilled in class management.
• Physically able to lift 40lbs and to work outdoors.
• Self-starter, ability to work independently and to take direction.
• Has a passion for the guiding values and mission of Groundwork, including a commitment to environmental equity and justice.

Work Schedule

This is a part-time position.

Working hours are 25 hours per week through November with the following schedule: (3) weekdays in April, half of May and first half November.  One (1) weekday plus two (2) weekend days from the 2^nd half of May through October. A two-week paid training period is included in this schedule.

Compensation

The salary for this position is $20.00 per hour. 

Start Date

April 1, 2025.