The Escondido Creek Conservancy is seeking part-time, seasonal Environmental Education Facilitators to support their Habitats program for 3rd grade students from the Escondido Union School District during the 2021-22 school year.

BACKGROUND: Located in the County of San Diego, California, The Escondido Creek Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring the Escondido Creek watershed. The Conservancy also supports educational programs and compatible outdoor recreation within the watershed and in the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve—a 784-acre park featuring 11 miles of trails. The Conservancy’s Habitats program serves all 3rd graders in the Escondido Union School District and introduces these students to local habitats in the Elfin Forest, where they discover the interrelationships between native wildlife, plants, the biological communities they inhabit, and the impact of human activities on these ecosystems.

DUTIES: The Environmental Education Facilitator will work with the Conservancy’s Education Director and Education Manager to support the Habitats program. Responsibilities include:

• Participating in paid program training
• Assisting with in-classroom (and/or virtual) lessons at schools throughout Escondido
• Leading groups of students on educational fieldtrips, primarily at the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
• Carrying out other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: This is an entry-level position for someone with at least 1 year of experience working with youth. Applicants should be team players comfortable working in classrooms, outdoors, and in virtual settings. Patience working with children and a positive attitude is essential. Reliable transportation and flexible weekday availability are required. Successful applicants must pass a background check. First Aid/CPR certification is also required but will be provided by the Conservancy, if necessary. A bachelor’s degree in education, conservation, or a related field is beneficial, but not required. Familiarity with national and state education standards (NGSS) and inquiry-based learning concepts is a plus, but not required.

HOURS: The position involves approximately 0–20 hours of work per week over the course of the fall/spring semesters, and is anticipated to begin in late October 2021. Schedule is variable but fieldtrips generally take place on weekdays 8:30am–12:30pm, 2–4 days/week. There is a possibility of additional hours to support other programs, contingent upon funding.

PAY: The pay rate is $22/hour.