Job Type: Permanent
Salary Details: $18/hr
Deadline: Sep 10, 2023

Columbia Springs Environmental Educators support our education programs in a diversity of ways and should be enthusiastic about filling a variety of roles and learning new tasks quickly. A week in the life of an educator might include leading an ecosystem field trip for fifth graders at our 100-acre natural area, driving to a school the next day to lead a fish dissection for third graders, and the next day leading a bug program for 1st graders! After a program ends you may find educators cleaning microscopes, sweeping classrooms, and discussing how to adapt program materials to better meet the needs of students. Educators can also continue into summer by leading summer day camp groups, providing educational activities at community outreach events, and supporting our education programs in a variety of ways throughout the year.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead a full class of elementary students (20-30 students) through 2-4hr science and nature field trip programs on-site at our 100-acre natural area and trout hatchery.
  • Support our Salmon in the Classroom program (which raises thousands of Coho Salmon with in-school tanks all over Clark County!) by providing program support, leading in-class activities (like fish dissections or fingerling ID lessons), leading fish release field trips, or adopting weekly cleaning duties of an in-school tank.
  • Conduct outdoor activities in all kinds of weather on earthen trails and uneven terrain with a positive attitude.
  • Manage the behavior of students through positive feedback and excellent classroom management skills.
  • Set-up and clean-up all educational activities each day.
  • Support education program coordinators with tasks as needed.
  • Reflect on successes and shortcomings of educational programming to help continually improve educational experiences.
  • Guide groups of up to 12 elementary students during our week-long summer nature day camp programs.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

We recognize that there are many different paths, experiences, and less traditional backgrounds that add value to one’s work and encourage applicants to apply even if they do not have all of the preferred skills, and feel that this position would be a great fit. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

  • 1-3 years relevant work OR 1-3 years of academic achievement OR a bachelor’s degree in education or natural sciences or related field
  • Experience with inquiry-based environmental education and class management
  • Commitment to anti-racist practices and principles, cultural competency and an interest in uprooting systemic and historical inequities in STEM
  • Basic understanding of PNW forest ecology, natural history subjects, and environmental stewardship or a strong desire to learn
  • Outstanding verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • Reliable and punctual; possess a positive, ‘Can-Do’ attitude and curiosity of the natural world
  • Ability to lift 30lbs and travel 3-4 miles over uneven trails / stairs
  • Desire and ability to work independently and also contribute to a strong team
  • Reliable transportation.

Hours and Work Location:

  • This position is year-round, but work will vary (avg 18-20hrs/week) based on season, school holidays and program needs. During school breaks there will be very limited hours.
  • Generally, 5-7 hours per shift (usually between 8:30am-3pm), 2-3 shifts per week.
  • Planned work dates and times will be provided in advance and are subject to change based on mutual agreement. Schedule can be flexible when planned in advance.
  • Almost all hours will be completed at Columbia Springs. There may be occasional projects that are suitable to be completed at home, but they will be infrequent.

Timeline: We are looking for someone who can commit to being part of our team for at least the fall/winter term (October – December).

Please apply before Sunday, September 10th at midnight. Phone interviews will take place September 12th-14th. In-person interviews will take place September 19th-22nd.

Start date: Between September 25th-29th.

To Apply 

Submit a single pdf that includes a cover letter sharing why you are interested in this position and how it will fit into your life, a resume with relevant experience and the contact information for two (2) references, preferably past supervisors, to Katherine Cory at katherine@columbiasprings.org If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to complete a background check and prepare a short teaching sample on the subject of your choice.