Environmental Educator

The Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) seeks a passionate and motivated Environmental Educator to join our dynamic education team. We are a 34-year-old nonprofit dedicated to promoting ecological health and environmental awareness in the Sonoma Valley community. Our education programs inspire youth and adults to engage with and take action for their local environment. In an effort to help connect and serve our diverse community, bilingual Spanish/English candidates are highly encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in education and environmental sciences.

The Environmental Educator will support SEC’s educational programs, including the K-12 Watershed Education Program, community workshops, public outings, volunteer events, and the EnviroLeader High School Program. This part-time position (10-20 hours per week) potentially leads to a full-time role.

Organization:
Sonoma Ecology Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to work with and for our community to identify and lead actions that achieve and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley. We drive important land, water, biodiversity, research, and climate initiatives in the North Bay and beyond. We have 40 staff members and manage multiple grants and contracts, often in partnership with other agencies, so that we may better leverage our important resources and knowledge base.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Deliver SEC’s K-12 Watershed Education Program to grades 2-6 students through hands-on classroom lessons and field trips.
• Coordinate with Sonoma Garden Park staff to support, teach, and supervise the high school “Enviroleaders” (temporary SEC employees).
• Coordinate our new overnight campout opportunities at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park with teachers. Oversee camp/class chaperones.
• Lead outdoor experiences, ensuring participant safety and risk management.
• Assist in organizing and leading community outings for adults, youth, and families on Ag + Open Space protected properties.
• Conduct outreach with teachers, parents, community members, and partner organizations.
• Collaborate with community organizations to co-create culturally relevant programming.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of local ecology, including Sonoma Valley’s geography, flora, fauna, and history.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and email communication.
• Equally proficient in Google Workspace applications.
• Being bilingual in English and Spanish is highly valued
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Experience working with diverse cultural groups and a commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

Education and Experience:

• A college degree or relevant work experience in education, environmental science, or a related field that would enable one to perform the job duties.
• Experience leading groups, especially youth, in outdoor or educational settings.
• Experience in environmental education for bilingual audiences is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically capable of working outdoors in various weather conditions and on uneven terrain; able to safely push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, computer, scanner, phone, etc.

Additional Requirements:

• CPR / First Aid / Epi-Pen / Narcan certification, or willingness to obtain within 6 weeks of employment and recertify in a timely manner (paid by SEC).
• Ability to pass a DMV check, have a current driver’s license in good standing, and current insurance.
• Ability to pass a DOJ/FBI LiveScan background check (fingerprinting) and a Megan’s Law check.

Benefits:

• Paid vacation, sick time, seven scheduled holidays + three floating holidays.
• If one maintains an average of 20 hours per week, one is eligible for one of two Kaiser Health Plans.  See Human Resources Manager for more information.
• Voluntary, self-funded pre-tax retirement plan through TIAA.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training in environmental education best practices, leadership development programs, and other relevant workshops.
• Use of company vehicles for work-related travel (valid CA driver’s license and current personal auto insurance required).
• Optional company-paid personal cell phone plan (Eligible on the 1st of the month after 60 days after hire.)
• Employee Assistance Program.

 Sonoma Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be given equal consideration, and all persons will have equal access to programs, services, and employment opportunities. People with diverse backgrounds and of all ethnicities and genders are encouraged to apply. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify our Human Resources Department.  

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.