Education Program Aide

San Diego Organizing Project; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation invites an Education Program Aide to deliver high-quality educational experiences to children and other groups, using hands-on, interactive teaching techniques. They will help facilitate K-12 student programs including onsite field trips, outreach events, day camps, and programming for families.

The Education Program Aide’s efforts support the Foundation’s mission to educate the community about the park and foster environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Education or related field.
• A minimum of two years of college coursework in Biology, Environmental Science, Education, or a related field.
• At least two years of teaching experience in a classroom, outdoor program, science center, zoo, or nature center.
• Proficiency in instructing student and public audiences, in a classroom and in the field.
• Possess a general knowledge of the native animals and ecosystems of San Diego.
• Excellent public speaking skills and expertise in engaging groups.
• Proven ability to work in a team or independent environment.
• Commitment to providing equitable access to nature.
• Leads nature hikes, crafts, and conservation learning activities.
• Delivers hands-on lessons connecting students with ecology and local culture.
• Supervises students following safety procedures.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality educational experiences to children and other groups.
• Facilitate K-12 student programs including onsite field trips, outreach events, day camps, and family programming.
• Lead nature hikes, crafts, and outdoor learning activities.
• Ensure safety procedures are followed and supervise students.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Education or related field

Two years of college coursework in Biology, Environmental Science, Education, or related field

Two years of teaching experience in classroom/outdoor program

Proficiency in instructing student and public audiences

Knowledge of San Diego native animals and ecosystems

Excellent public speaking

Teamwork or independent work capability

Commitment to equitable access to nature

Leads nature hikes and conservation activities

Delivers hands-on lessons on ecology and local history

Supervises safety procedures

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Job description

About the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation

Founded in 1988, the nonprofit Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation works in partnership with the City of San Diego to preserve and protect Mission Trails and provide and promote educational and recreational opportunities. Comprised of more than 8,000 acres, Mission Trails is one of the largest urban parks in the United States with more than two million visitors annually.

Position Overview

The Education Program Aide will deliver high-quality educational experiences to children and other groups, utilizing hands-on, interactive teaching techniques. They will help facilitate K-12 student programs including onsite field trips, outreach events, day camps, and programming for families. The Education Program Aide’s efforts will support the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation's mission to educate the community about the park and foster environmental stewardship.

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Education or related field
• A minimum of two years of college coursework in Biology, Environmental Science, Education, or a related field
• At least two years of teaching experience in a classroom, outdoor program, science center, zoo, or nature center
• Proficiency in instructing student and public audiences, in a classroom and in the field
• Possess a general knowledge of the native animals and ecosystems of San Diego
• Excellent public speaking skills and expertise in engaging groups
• Proven ability to work in a team or independent environment
• Commitment to providing equitable access to nature
• Implement learning and recreational activities with large and small student groups
• Leads nature hikes, craft projects, and conservation learning activities with large and small student groups on a variety of outdoor education subjects and settings
• Delivers hands-on lessons that connect students directly with native plants, wildlife ecology, and local cultural history.
• Supervises students in following safety procedures in outdoor and indoor activities
• Assists the education staff in ensuring the site is kept clean and orderly, and equipment andsupplies are stocked properly
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Work Site

Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor and Interpretive Center and lead groups on the trails from the Visitor Center and other locations in the park. Required to work in indoor and outdoor environments and some evenings and weekends.

Work Schedule

Hours for this position vary according to programmatic needs but are primarily during the school week with some occasional weekend program support.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, work with fingers, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions
• Valid Driver’s License
• Complete a background check and TB test through MTRP Foundation
• Current First Aid/CPR certification preferred or ability to obtain upon hire

This job description is intended as a guide to the general job responsibilities and is not inclusive of every duty the employee is expected to perform.

MTRP Foundation is an equal employment opportunity employer.