Environmental Educator

KIDS for the BAY

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR

 

Position Terms: Full-time, temporary, in-person, regular non-exempt position with health benefits, paid holidays and sick leave provided. 

Position Start Date: September - October, 2026

Position End Date: July 30, 2027

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 its 35th 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 atkidsforthebay.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. One-two days each week will be spent in the office and three-four days each week will be spent traveling to work at our partner school sites and our special field trip and Summer Camp locations. KftB provides a friendly, supportive working environment with 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 elementary school communities. They care deeply about connecting children with nature, hands-on science learning, promoting positive solutions to environmental problems, and diversity, equity and inclusion. This person is an engaging and joyful teacher with a lot of energy and enthusiasm for this work, is highly organized, and has excellent communication skills. They are willing to multitask on a daily basis to meet the needs of an effective grassroots nonprofit organization that provides quality, community-based programs. The ideal candidate is excited to develop their skills in environmental education and nonprofit work, and to help advance the work of KIDS for the BAY.

 

Responsibilities

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, delta and ocean habitats and follow all safety guidelines
• 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  
• Provide our teacher follow-up support program for partner 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 
• Coordinate 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 Support:

• Organize teaching equipment and supplies
• Help prepare curricula materials
• Gather pictures, quotes and highlights to support communications projects
• Write program reports

 

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/or communications experience
• Bachelor's degree in environmental/biological sciences, education, or related subject

Desired Experience and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of environmental literacy, San Francisco Bay Area ecology, aquatic and watershed science, environmental issues and solutions, and Next Generation Science Standards
• Bilingual in Spanish or other commonly spoken languages 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 communications 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 supervisors, 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 for several miles 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 California Driver's License and a reliable car are required for this position. Work-related travel is reimbursed at the federal mileage rate.

 

Compensation

The salary is $3,840 per month ($1,920 each bi-monthly pay period). The salary is non-negotiable. Paid holidays (including 14 days each year and one week off for winter break) and sick leave are provided. Health benefits (medical, dental, vision) are also provided. Paid vacation is not provided.

 

Application Procedures

Application Deadline: Apply early; interviews will be held as applications are received    

Position Start Date: September - October 2026

Position End Date: July 30, 2027

 

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:[email protected] 

 

Please write Environmental Educator Application in the subject line. 

A background check by a Live Scan service provider will be required to complete the hiring process.