Full job description
About the Coastal Watershed Council
The Coastal Watershed Council is a dynamic and growing 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Santa Cruz, CA, working to transform the lower San Lorenzo River into a community destination by inspiring people to explore, enhance and protect this critical natural resource. When people care for the river, learn about its significance, and build a connection to nature, it benefits the river ecosystem and the community. CWC’s four key programs include youth empowerment, habitat enhancement, water quality improvements, and community building. CWC’s work takes place on unceded territory of Awaswas-speaking Uypi tribe.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Education Manager, the Environmental Educator is responsible for leading classroom instruction as part of the Coastal Watershed Council’s (CWC) Watershed Rangers youth education programs in school classrooms, after-school programs, and out-of-school programs in Santa Cruz County. This position collaborates with CWC staff, program partners and teachers to teach youth in grades K-7 about the importance of rivers, creeks, and watersheds in our daily lives. Lessons take place on school campuses and on field trips to the San Lorenzo River, nearby creeks, and Santa Cruz Riverwalk Park.
For more information on CWC’s Watershed Rangers program, please visit: https://coastal-watershed.org/at-or-after-school/
Environmental Educator Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and deliver in-school and out-of-school presentations and field trips in collaboration with partners, teachers and community groups.
- Maintain watershed awareness and environmental education curriculum to meet organizational goals and education standards, including managing physical inventory of education materials and participant documentation.
- Coordinate activities with program partners, funders, school sites and contractors through leading collaborative meetings and regular communication in order to sustain strong working relationships and achieve program outcomes.
- Analyze and use student and teacher participant data, program evaluation and feedback to report on outcomes and improve program. Write program reports including evaluation data and analysis of program successes and challenges.
- Participate in regional partnerships and manage collaborations with program partners.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
CWC Employee Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Strategize, evaluate, and prioritize activities to achieve project, organizational and fundraising goals and objectives.
- Contribute to the strategic development and improvement of CWC programs, budgets, practices and policies, with an emphasis on increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Provide cross-departmental support by actively participating in and aiding various programs, including positively representing and communicating about your contributions to CWC’s work
- Communicate quickly and effectively with supervisor and colleagues about project challenges and opportunities. Understand limitations and execute tasks to the best of your ability.
- Implement CWC safety protocols, including field and public health protocols.
- Keep workspaces clean, safe, and organized, and maintain a daily record of activities.
Education & Experience (required):
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related field.
- Minimum one (1) year of experience in a related field.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (required):
- Excel in classroom management
- Partner effectively with school teachers and administrators
- Tactfully interact with and manage students in classroom and field-based settings
- Good record-keeping, organization, time management, and attention to detail skills.
- Ability to create and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and outside partners.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of basic environmental principles and watershed concepts.
- Ability to lift and carry approximately 25 pounds.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (preferred):
- Ability to prepare and deliver lessons in English and Spanish.
Additional Information:
Direct Reports: 0
Travel Requirements: This position requires the use of a personal vehicle for work-related travel. Mileage is reimbursed at the current IRS standard mileage rate.
License and Certification Requirements:
- Valid California Driver’s License with a driving record that meets CWC insurance eligibility criteria (no more than two moving violations or at-fault accidents in the past three years, no major violations in the past five years, and no suspended, expired, or revoked license). Employees must provide a Motor Vehicle Record prior to hire and annually thereafter and maintain personal auto insurance with minimum limits of $100,000.
- First Aid/CPR certified or the ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify a candidate from employment and will be considered in relation to the job duties and responsibilities.
Disclaimer:
The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
The Coastal Watershed Council reserves the right to alter this description at any time. The Coastal Watershed Council practices the concept of equal employment opportunity with respect to hiring, promotions, transfers, pay discipline, fringe benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment. No individual will be discriminated against, and no employment decisions will be made, on the basis of an individual’s race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, protected disability, marital status, familial status, veteran status, height, weight, or citizenship.
CWC is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination. CWC prohibits unlawful discrimination in any term or condition of employment against any employee or applicant for employment because of the individual’s race, color, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, disability, membership or service in the U.S. Armed Forces, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all personnel transactions, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, training, compensation, benefits, leave of absence, transfer, promotion, demotion, discipline, layoff, and termination.
CWC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to making this the best place in the county to work, where we’re all proud of our work with the Santa Cruz community. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQI persons are highly encouraged to apply.
To apply:
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and due no later than Tuesday, July 7. Submit your application via email to Sam Adelson, Education Manager / Interim Programs Director, at sadelson@coastal-watershed.org. Please include “Environmental Educator” in the subject line of your email and attach a cover letter and your resume.
Pay: $27.35 – $32.85 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
