Non-exempt Education Program Manager
10-20 hours per week
(Potential increase in hours)
Hourly rate: $23-$26 per hour
Organization
Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has worked with our community for over 30 years to identify and lead actions that achieve and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley and beyond. Our work improves the land, climate, water, and biodiversity – the foundation of our region’s high quality of life.
Each year, we provide in-depth environmental science instruction to over 1,100 students, manage over 5,000 acres of public and private land including Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, raise thousands of native plants, restore native habitat, and provide research and technical support on timely issues affecting the region. With an annual budget of over $3 million, our professional staff manages numerous large grants and contracts, often in partnership with other nonprofits and agencies that, by working together, significantly leverage our work and impact.
Position Summary:
The Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) seeks a passionate and motivated Environmental Educator to join our dynamic education team. We are a 34-year-old nonprofit dedicated to promoting ecological health and environmental awareness in the Sonoma Valley community. Our education programs inspire youth and adults to engage with and take action for their local environment. In an effort to help connect and serve our diverse community, bilingual Spanish/English candidates are highly encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in education and environmental sciences.
The Environmental Educator will support SEC’s educational programs, including the K-12 Watershed Education Program, community workshops, public outings, volunteer events, and the EnviroLeader High School Program. This part-time position (10-20 hours per week) potentially leads to a full-time role.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Deliver SEC’s K-12 Watershed Education Program to grades 2-6 students through hands-on classroom lessons and field trips.
- Coordinate with Sonoma Garden Park staff to support, teach, and supervise the high school “Enviroleaders” (temporary SEC employees).
- Coordinate our new overnight campout opportunities at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park with teachers. Oversee camp/class chaperones.
- Lead outdoor experiences, ensuring participant safety and risk management.
- Assist in organizing and leading community outings for adults, youth, and families on Ag + Open Space protected properties.
- Conduct outreach with teachers, parents, community members, and partner organizations.
- Collaborate with community organizations to co-create culturally relevant programming.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Knowledge of local ecology, including Sonoma Valley’s geography, flora, fauna, and history.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and email communication.
- Equally proficient in Google Workspace applications.
- Being bilingual in English and Spanish is highly valued
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Experience working with diverse cultural groups and a commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.
Education and Experience:
- A college degree or relevant work experience in education, environmental science, or a related field that would enable one to perform the job duties.
- Experience leading groups, especially youth, in outdoor or educational settings.
- Experience in environmental education for bilingual audiences is preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Physically capable of working outdoors in various weather conditions and on uneven terrain; able to safely push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to use standard office equipment, computer, scanner, phone, etc.
Additional Requirements:
- CPR / First Aid / Epi-Pen / Narcan certification, or willingness to obtain within 6 weeks of employment and recertify in a timely manner (paid by SEC).
- Ability to pass a DMV check, have a current driver’s license in good standing, and current insurance.
- Ability to pass a DOJ/FBI LiveScan background check (fingerprinting) and a Megan’s Law check.
Benefits:
- Paid vacation, sick time, seven scheduled holidays + three floating holidays.
- If one maintains an average of 20 hours per week, one is eligible for one of two Kaiser Health Plans. See Human Resources Manager for more information.
- Voluntary, self-funded pre-tax retirement plan through TIAA.
- Opportunities for professional development, including training in environmental education best practices, leadership development programs, and other relevant workshops.
- Use of company vehicles for work-related travel (valid CA driver’s license and current personal auto insurance required).
- Optional company-paid cell phone plan (Eligible on the 1st of the month after 60 days after hire.)
- Employee Assistance Program.
Sonoma Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be given equal consideration, and all persons will have equal access to programs, services, and employment opportunities. People with diverse backgrounds and of all ethnicities and genders are encouraged to apply. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify our Human Resources Department.
To Apply:
Please apply using BambooHR HRIS by clicking here:
https://sonomaecologycenter.bamboohr.com/careers/56
Alternatively, email humanresources@sonomaecologycenter.org and write Environmental Educator in the Header. Please attach your resume, cover letter, and three references, preferably in one PDF. No phone calls, please. For more information about the Sonoma Ecology Center, please visit www.sonomaecologycenter.org.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.