Program Coordinator / Environmental Educator
Position Terms: Full-time position with full benefits
Start Date: January, 2023
Application Deadline: Apply early; interviews will be held as applications are received
Location: East San Francisco Bay Area, California, based in Berkeley
Organizational Information
KIDS for the BAY (KftB) is an environmental education organization now in our 32nd year of operation. We deliver engaging, hands-on programs to our partner elementary schools throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our programs connect school students with nature on field trips to creek, bay and ocean habitats, engage students in science learning that supports Next Generation Science Standards and inspire students to become active environmentalists. We provide professional development in environmental science education for our partner teachers. We also run an exciting Summer Camp for children ages 5 – 11 to explore in nature, learn hands-on science and become environmental stewards. For more information about our mission, impact and programs, please visit our website at www.kidsforthebay.org. KIDS for the BAY is a project of Earth Island Institute.
Our office is located in the Lorin District of Berkeley, walking distance from Ashby BART station and surrounded by popular coffee shops, restaurants and unique neighborhood stores, as well as a weekly Farmers Market. Several working days each week will be spent in the office and several days each week will be spent traveling to work at our partner school sites and our special field trip and Summer Camp locations. KftB offers a friendly, supportive working environment, with excellent professional development opportunities.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is passionate about teaching children environmental education and supporting their teachers and families, especially in under-resourced school communities. They care deeply about education, diversity, equity and inclusion, hands-on science learning and promoting positive solutions to environmental problems. This person is an engaging teacher, has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, is highly organized, and has excellent writing skills. They are willing to multitask on a daily basis to meet the needs of working in an effective grassroots nonprofit organization that provides quality, community-based programs. This position has significant growth potential for a person committed to a career in the field of environmental education.
Responsibilities
Environmental Educator (70%)
Teach School-Based Programs:
- Teach environmental science curricula to elementary school students in the classroom and in the outdoors
- Lead nature-based field trips to creek, bay and ocean habitats
- Outreach to schools to recruit new teacher participants and conduct orientation, planning, evaluation and follow-up meetings with teachers
- Model environmental science lessons and provide support for elementary school teachers
- Liaise with community project partners and coordinate service-learning Environmental Action Projects
Teach Summer Camp:
- Lead hands-on nature, environmental science, art and play activities in the outdoors each week of camp
- Manage the activities, materials and equipment needed for each day of camp
- Maintain a safe, fun, respectful, positive camp environment for all campers, camp staff and families
Program Coordinator (30%)
- Coordinate program outreach, registration and scheduling
- Organize teaching equipment, supplies, and curricular materials
- Coordinate teacher follow-up support program
- Coordinate funder contracts, grants and communications including: preparing reports with photo documents and other deliverables, creating annual program reports and year-in-review flyers, assisting with making funder presentations
- Gather pictures, quotes and highlights, prepare blog page stories and support communications projects
Qualifications and Experience
Required Experience and Qualifications:
- Teaching experience in the classroom and/or outdoors in nature, at the elementary school level, with culturally and economically diverse populations
- Program administration and communications experience
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, education, environmental/biological sciences or related subjects
Desired Experience and Qualifications:
- Knowledge of environmental literacy, San Francisco Bay Area ecology, aquatic science, citizen science, environmental health and justice issues and Next Generation Science Standards
- Bilingual in Spanish or other commonly spoken language in the San Francisco Bay Area
Required Work Traits/Skills:
- Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Upbeat, positive, mature attitude and professional communication approach
- Enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to carry out teaching and program coordination responsibilities
- Ability to multitask while maintaining attention to detail and high quality of work
- Excellent organizational skills, effective time management, and efficient planning
- Excellent writing skills
- Willingness to follow direction from supervisor, as well as self-direct/manage tasks independently
- Ability to lift, carry and organize equipment for educational programs
- Desire and ability to work in the outdoors with youth, including walking and hiking along trails while carrying light equipment, exploring a variety of habitats and playing active games with children
Other Requirements:
- Educational equipment for programs must be transported from the office to each school or field trip site, therefore a reliable car is required for this position. Work-related travel is reimbursed at the federal mileage rate.
Compensation
The starting salary is $42,000 per year. Full benefits (medical, dental, vision) and paid vacation are provided.
Application Procedures
Application Deadline: Apply early; interviews will be held as applications are received
Start date: Winter 2023
Please submit your cover letter and resume and please include a list of at least two references with full name, title, place of work, relationship to you, and current contact information (phone and email) including at least one direct supervisor, by email to: jobs@kidsforthebay.org
Please write: Program Coordinator/Environmental Educator Application in the subject line.
A background check by a Live Scan service provider will be required to complete the hiring process.