Environmental Stewardship Educator
Reports to: Director of Education
Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt, 40 hours/week
Compensation: $26.50 + benefits
MEarth is a non-profit environmental organization which educates and inspires through environmental stewardship. The organization serves children in Monterey County and the surrounding region at the Hilton Bialek Habitat in Carmel Valley. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated educator to work with students K-12th grade in an outdoor environment.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Teach K–12 environmental stewardship classes using MEarth’s facilities and NGSS, in support of MEarth’s values of hands-on, standards-aligned learning.
- Teaching PK-12th grade students about healthy eating and lifestyle choices by leading them through the growing and harvesting of foods from our one acre edible garden in merit of MEarth’s dedication to cultivating lifelong wellness and sustainability through hands-on, garden-based nutrition education that empowers students to make informed food choices.
- Support or lead restoration projects onsite and in local natural areas, in virtue of MEarth’s commitment to connecting students with real-world ecosystem care.
- Supervise volunteers who support educational programs, in virtue of MEarth’s goal to foster collaborative, guided, and meaningful engagement.
- Support and/or lead collaborative programming with guest speakers and community partners in virtue of MEarth’s dedication to fostering collaborative, community-based education that extends beyond the classroom and supports holistic student development.
- Coordinate daily and weekly logistics for summer camp, in virtue of MEarth’s dedication to delivering organized, safe, and engaging learning experiences.
- Contribute to lesson planning and curriculum development as needed, in virtue of MEarth’s commitment to experiential, standards-based education.
- Lead outdoor education programs independently or with staff, in virtue of MEarth’s belief in the power of immersive, nature-based learning.
- Provide additional program, habitat, or admin support as needed, in virtue of MEarth’s adaptability and integrated approach to organizational success.
- Perform daily cleaning tasks, including dishwashing and laundry, which may comprise 25%–33% of weekly work hours depending on programming.
Key Qualifications:
- Experience and interest in developing standards-aligned science curriculum
- Ability to make outdoor learning and education fun and engaging
- Educational background in environmental science, education, and/or related field
- Minimum of 1-3 years of experience managing and teaching groups of students in various environments (formal and/or informal, outdoors, indoors, classroom, camp, tutoring, etc.)
- Knowledge of local ecological systems
- Organic gardening and/or farming experience
- Culinary arts or kitchen experience
- Demonstrated commitment to providing equity and inclusion in environmental education
- Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced, creative work environment, as well as work independently in a highly organized manner with a keen eye for detail
Additional Beneficial Qualifications:
- Experience working in the nonprofit sector
- Well versed in Apple products and Google platforms (Gmail, Google Calendars, Google Drive).
- Passion for inspiring youth leadership
- Experience working with underserved communities in nutrition and outdoor education
- Experience facilitating events/workshops
- Knowledge and direct experience integrating seasonal garden produce into nutrition curriculum, sourcing ingredients, scaling recipes, bulk purchasing etc.
- Experience developing and documenting curriculum for K-12th grade education programs
- Experience utilizing impact evaluation tools
- Fluency in a foreign language (especially Spanish) is a plus
Required Physical Capabilities:
Incorporated with one or more of the essential functions of this position are the following essential physical requirements
- Ability to see for purposes of reading instructions, labels, and other printed matter and for the safe operation of equipment.
- Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels in person and/or on the telephone.
- Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand a normal conversation in person and/or on the telephone.
- Ability to operate a computer, typewriter, calculator, copy machine, telephone and other office equipment with dexterity and in a safe and efficient manner.
- Ability to routinely lift and carry supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions:
- This position requires bending, crouching, or kneeling to access information and assist students/volunteers/interns from ground level to 4.5 feet above the ground.
- Pushing, pulling, and lifting instructional equipment and supplies may be required.
- Sitting on chairs/ground/floor, cleaning program areas, and leaning over for prolonged periods of time.
- Walking on uneven surfaces and working outdoors for extended periods.
Background Check Requirements:
Successful completion of the hiring process requires passing a multi-agency Livescan fingerprint/background check and a TB test. These expenses are covered by MEarth.
How to Apply:
To apply, complete the Google Form HERE.
In the form, you will be prompted to:
- Submit a cover letter or statement explaining why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills, experiences, and values align with the mission of MEarth.
- Upload your resume.
Additionally, please provide the contact information for three professional references who can speak to your qualifications and work experience. You can list these references directly in the form.
-You must log in with a Google account to access the form.
-If you need to email your materials, please use: info@MEarthCarmel.org
Additional Information:
This job description is not all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
Employment at MEarth is at-will.
MEarth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
No phone calls, please.