Urban Environmental Steward & Educator: PLACE Mentor

About the Organization

The Bronx is Blooming is a non-profit environmental organization which seeks to inspire a culture of environmental stewardship and community advocacy by engaging Bronx communities and youth as leaders in the revitalization of local parks. Our Program for Leadership Advancement in Community Environments (PLACE) focuses on educating high school to college age participants about environmental justice, as well as environmental stewardship, leadership skills, and professional development. 

Job Description

The PLACE Mentor will work alongside BiB’s PLACE Program and Environmental Program Managers to facilitate this summer’s PLACE Program. As primary duties, the Mentor leads a team of 8-12 high school to college aged participants in community and corporate service events in Bronx parks. The Mentor’s role is to educate and mentor volunteers and PLACE students, coordinate park project logistics, and lead hands-on environmental stewardship. 

PLACE has three stages:
 

• PLACE Mentors are trained in horticultural and project management skills to successfully lead a group of Bronx high school and college aged PLACE participants.
• Mentors will be assigned to a single Bronx park, where they will lead a team of 8-12 PLACE participants. During this stage, Mentors work diligently, teaching planting techniques, tree stewardship, invasive species removal, and the benefits of our work to their group members. 
• Towards the end of the summer, the Mentors prepare their groups to lead volunteers, running restoration and planting projects that improve their parks. Mentors are expected to facilitate and provide feedback to participants as they take on more responsibility.  

Depending on the mentor’s individual skills, they may also be asked to assist in grant writing, data analysis, newsletter creation, and other tasks as determined with the Director of The Bronx is Blooming.

Qualifications

Required:

Willingness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Interest in the environment and youth development
Ability to work independently and to be self-motivated

Preferred:

Academic background in Environmental Studies or related field
Experience with mentorship
Leadership experience
Horticultural knowledge

Time Commitment
Full Time: June through mid-August. 32-35 hrs/wk. 4-5 days per week. May continue part time through the fall if interested.

Pay
$17-18 per hour