Seasonal Program Educator (Part-Time Seasonal, Non-Exempt)
Organization
Solano Resource Conservation District (Solano RCD) is a special district to the State of California who works closely with a variety of local and regional partners to restore and protect Solano County watersheds through strategic restoration activities, water education and outreach programs, and by offering conservation planning and watershed coordination services to local residents and landowners. Solano RCD staff and its Board of Directors strive towards excellence, equity, collaboration, and appreciation in the work performed and welcomes candidates who share these same values.
Position Summary
The employer is the Board of Directors of the Solano Resource Conservation District. Day to day supervision is provided by the Education Program Director and Education Program Manager. This position is approximately 50% of full time equivalent (FTE) from August 2021 through May 2022. Educators working half-time employment receive 50% of organization benefits including a health stipend and holiday pay. The total number of actual work hours will vary each week. Program Educator schedules can be planned months in advance and arranged to accommodate employee needs. This position is seasonal and non-exempt. Employment at the Solano RCD is employment at-will. Employment at-will may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice at any time by the employee or the District.
The Program Educator is responsible for facilitating a variety of water focused environmental education programs provided to school age youth throughout Solano County. The work of the Program Educator is to ignite curiosity and inspire children and teens to explore, understand, and care for their local watershed. During the 2021-2022 school year, educators may be facilitating activities via distance learning from their home or in the field using agency-owned laptops. Stipends for personal laptop use will be available.
Location
Solano RCD office is located in Dixon, California. Program Educators are expected to deliver standardized lessons and field trips for K-12 students in the cities of Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville, Vallejo and some unincorporated areas.
Duties and Responsibilities
80% K-12 Student Engagement
• Provide classroom lessons through prepared in-person (or virtual presentations) and hands-on activities based on discussions, modeling, and problem solving.
• Engage groups of 10-15 students in an outdoor setting through prepared field trip activities. Take students on a nature hike and provide activities such as nature journaling, making and recording observations, finding evidence to draw conclusions etc.
• Support development of new or existing program activities by providing feedback and ideas.
• Work to ensure that program participants feel safe and included.
10% Meetings and Trainings
• Participate in weekly staff meetings and trainings on ecology, teaching techniques, field safety, and student management.
5% Supply Coordination
• Coordinate and maintain program supplies and equipment.
• Occasionally deliver supplies to schools, trip sites, the Dixon office, or other staff. Revised May 10, 2021
5% Administration
• Complete and submit timesheet and mileage forms.
• Respond to work-related phone calls and emails.
Minimum Qualifications
• A Bachelor’s degree in the biological or physical sciences, K-12 education, environmental education, or any other related subject; or a sufficient background consisting of relevant experience or skills transferable to the position (minimum 2 years’ experience in relevant field).
• Either 1) a valid California Driver’s License and an insured vehicle, or 2) the ability to reliably arrive at the desired program location in a timely manner.
• Must complete a Department of Justice (DOJ) background check upon job offer.
Desired Qualifications
• Strong ability to lead and excite K-12 students in classroom and nature-based settings.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of outdoor science and environmental education.
• Basic understanding of the natural and cultural history of Solano County and the water resources of the region.
• Strong capacity to interact with communities that are typically underrepresented in outdoor spaces.
• Interest and ability to learn and present program curriculum based on current academic standards and teaching trends.
• Interest and ability to learn basic ecological and watershed science concepts.
• Strong time management and organization skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a small, collaborative team as well as independently.
• The ability to work in an outdoor setting, including walking on uneven terrain and in hot and cold temperatures.
• The ability to speak, read, and/or write in at least one language other than English.
Compensation
Pay Range is $18-$23 hour depending on experience.
How to Apply: Application materials will be accepted until June 1, 2021. Application materials must include a cover letter, resume, and three work-related references. Please submit materials to Marianne Butler at Marianne.Butler@solanorcd.org or by mailing them to 1170 N. Lincoln Street, Suite 110, Dixon, CA 95620.
For more information about the Solano RCD education programs and to view past program videos, please visit solanorcd.org or call (707) 678-1655 x 114.
Candidates will be evaluated without discrimination for any non-merit reason such as race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, or physical handicap.