Columbia Springs Environmental Educator

Do you remember the first time you saw a banana slug? Did you spend your childhood
outside, exploring moss-covered forests or turning over rocks in the stream to see what
lives underneath? Join our fun and passionate team of Columbia Springs Educators and
guide the next generation of nature explorers! If you want to make a lasting impact on kids
in our community, this is the job for you. Columbia Springs is a non-profit dedicated to
connecting people with nature and inspiring stewardship. See website for more info:
www.columbiasprings.org

Columbia Springs Environmental Educators support our education programs in a diversity of
ways and should be enthusiastic about filing a variety of roles and learning new tasks
quickly. A week in the life of an educator might include leading an ecosystem field trip for
fifth graders at our 100 acre natural area, driving to a school the next day to lead a fish
dissection for third graders and the next day leading a bug program for 1 st graders!
Educators also lead summer day camp groups, provide educational activities at community
outreach events, and support our education programs in a variety of ways throughout the
year.

Duties and Responsibilities may include:
– Lead a full class of elementary students (20-30 students) through 2-4hr science and
nature field trip programs on-site at our 100 acre natural area and trout hatchery.
– Guide groups of up to 12 elementary students during our week-long summer nature
day camp programs.
– Support our Salmon in the Classroom program (which raises thousands of Coho
Salmon with in-school tanks all over Clark County!) by providing program support,
leading in-class activities and field trips.
– Conduct outdoor activities in all kinds of weather on earthed trails and uneven
terrain with a positive attitude.
– Manage the behavior of students through positive feedback and excellent classroom
management skills.
– Set-up and clean-up all educational activities each day.
– Assist education program coordinators with tasks as needed.

Hours:
– This position is year-round, but work will vary (avg 10-15hrs/week) based
on season, school holidays and program needs.
– Generally 5-6 hours per shift (usually between 9am-2pm), 1-3 shifts per week.
– Planned work dates and times will be provided by the Education Coordinator in
advance and are subject to change based on mutual agreement. Schedule can be
flexible when planned in advance.

Compensation: $14/hr with accrued paid sick leave.
Desired Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
– A bachelors degree in education or natural sciences OR 2-3 years relevant work
and/or academic achievement
– Demonstrated ability to lead exemplary educational programs
– Experience with inquiry-based environmental education and class management
– Basic understanding of PNW forest ecology, natural history subjects, and
environmental stewardship
– Outstanding verbal communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
– Demonstrated ability to take direction and follow through on assignments
– Possess a positive, ‘Can-Do’ attitude and curiosity of the natural world
– Ability to lift 50lbs and travel 3-4 miles over uneven trails / stairs
– Ability to work independently and also contribute to a strong team
– Strong problem-solving and “tinkering” skills
– Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for getting to schools for in-class
lessons (mileage will be reimbursed)

To Apply:
Please apply by September 1 st , 2019. Submit a cover letter stating why you are
interested in this position, resume and two (2) references, preferably past supervisors, to
Jenna Kallestad, Education Coordinator by email. If you are selected for an interview
you will be asked to complete a background check.
Email: schoolprograms@columbiasprings.org