Seasonal Program Educator

~ A non-regulatory special district to the State of California, Solano Resource Conservation District (RCD) was originally formed in 1944 to provide flood protection in the Ulatis watershed. ~

Today we work closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and wide variety of other partners throughout the County on a watershed scale. In 2000 we changed our name to reflect this broader mission.

Our Goals:

• Restore Solano County watersheds and natural resources to health
• Protect natural resources through vibrant partnerships, strategic restoration, and effective education programs.
• Educate children and adults about watershed science and effective stewardship
• Enhance our watersheds and their habitats to better serve all beneficial purposes

Position Overview

The employer is the Board of Directors of the Solano Resource Conservation District (Solano RCD), and day to day supervision will be under the Education Program Director. The title of the position is Program Educator. This position is approximately 25-50% of full time equivalent (FTE) hours when field trips are in season (October-May). Consistent hours are not guaranteed and may vary due to funding.

This position is currently located in the Dixon Field Office of the Solano Resource Conservation District in Solano County, California. Program Educators may present classroom lessons at K-12 schools and colleges in cities (Rio Vista, Dixon, Vacaville, Fairfield, Vallejo and Benicia) and unincorporated areas throughout Solano County. Field trip locations include several open spaces, city and state parks, park corridors, and privately managed areas throughout Solano County. These locations vary in terms of accessibility, elevation, size, climate, visitation/attendance and ecology.

The Suisun Marsh Watershed Education Program serves sixth grade students and runs September-December. The Watershed Explorers Program works with third grade students and runs January-May. The School Water Education Program runs year-round and serves grades K-12. The High School Biomonitoring Program runs January-May and serves high school and occasionally college students. Program activities typically occur between 8 am and 2 pm. Educators will work 1-5 days per week, depending on the month. For more information on these programs, and to view videos of previous years' programming, please visit our website.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Education Program Director, the Program Educator will provide classroom and/or field trip instruction for the Suisun Marsh Watershed Program, the School Water Education Program (SWEP), the High School Biomonitoring Program and/or the Watershed Explorers Program.
• Additional opportunities, including new programs and community outreach, may be provided.
• The educator will lead groups of 10-20 students through several environmental education or restoration activities at various locations.
• The educator should have a background working with children, knowledge of the local flora and fauna, and appropriate enthusiasm and class management skills to lead and excite students ages 8-18 through unfamiliar activities in nature-based settings.

Qualifications

• Applicant must have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Applicant must have the ability work outdoors in wildland settings, which may include exposure to insects and wildlife, temperature extremes, and inclement weather.
• Applicant should be a team player with an ability to work with staff and students who have a diverse range of backgrounds, motivations and interests.
• A valid driver's license and liability insurance is required.

Desired Skills:

• Experience working with children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and grade levels.
• Basic knowledge of the principles of ecology and watershed science.
• Ability to successfully lead and excite a group of students.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with both children and adults.
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna.
• Ability to learn and understand program curricula, including new or current standards and trends.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively as a member of a team.

Compensation: Depends on experience. No medical/health/dental or retirement benefits will be offered.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume to Marianne Butler. Position is open until filled.