Environmental Educator

Kidsforthebay; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Job summary

KIDS for the BAY (KftB) in Berkeley, CA, seeks an energetic Teacher for a full-time, in-person, fixed-term role through July 2027. You will teach environmental science to elementary students, lead field trips to bay and creek habitats, and collaborate with teachers and families in under-resourced communities.

The position requires strong writing, organization, and the ability to multitask across classroom, field, and camp activities, with travel to partner sites and occasional in-office days.

Qualifications

• Teaching experience with elementary students in classroom or outdoors
• Program administration or communications experience
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental/biological sciences, education, or related subject

Responsibilities

• Teach environmental science curricula in the classroom and outdoors
• Lead nature-based field trips to bay, creek, delta and ocean habitats
• Outreach to schools to recruit teacher participants and conduct orientation, planning, evaluation
• Model environmental science lessons and support teachers
• Coordinate activities, materials and equipment for camp days
• Maintain a safe, fun, respectful camp environment
• Organize teaching equipment and supplies
• Write program reports and capture highlights for communications

Skills

Multitasking

Writing skills

Organizational skills

Community outreach

Teaching enthusiasm

Positive attitude

Bilingual (Spanish or others)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental/biological sciences, education, or related subject

Job description

Position Terms: Full-time, temporary, in-person, regular non-exempt position with health benefits, paid holidays and sick leave provided.

Position Start Date: September - October, 2026

Position End Date: July 30, 2027

Location: East San Francisco Bay Area, California, based in Berkeley

Organizational Information

KIDS for the BAY (KftB) is an environmental education organization now in its 35th year of operation. We deliver engaging, hands-on programs to our partner elementary schools throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our programs connect school students with nature on field trips to creek, bay and ocean habitats, engage students in science learning that supports Next Generation Science Standards and inspire students to become active Environmentalists. We provide professional development in environmental science education for our partner teachers. We also run an exciting Summer Camp for children ages 5 - 11 to explore in nature, learn hands-on science and become environmental stewards. For more information about our mission, impact and programs, please visit our website at kidsforthebay.org . KIDS for the BAY is a project of Earth Island Institute .

Our office is located in the Lorin District of Berkeley, walking distance from Ashby BART station and surrounded by popular coffee shops, restaurants and unique neighborhood stores, as well as a weekly Farmers’ Market. One-two days each week will be spent in the office and three-four days each week will be spent traveling to work at our partner school sites and our special field trip and Summer Camp locations. KftB provides a friendly, supportive working environment with professional development opportunities.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is passionate about teaching children environmental education and supporting their teachers and families, especially in under-resourced elementary school communities. They care deeply about connecting children with nature, hands-on science learning, promoting positive solutions to environmental problems, and diversity, equity and inclusion. This person is an engaging and joyful teacher with a lot of energy and enthusiasm for this work, is highly organized, and has excellent writing skills. They are willing to multitask on a daily basis to meet the needs of an effective grassroots nonprofit organization that provides quality, community-based programs. The ideal candidate is excited to develop their skills in environmental education and nonprofit work, and to help advance the work of KIDS for the BAY.

Responsibilities

Teach School-Based Programs:

• Teach environmental science curricula to elementary school students in the classroom and in the outdoors
• Lead nature-based field trips to creek, bay, delta and ocean habitats and follow all safety guidelines
• Outreach to schools to recruit new teacher participants and conduct orientation, planning, evaluation and follow-up meetings with teachers
• Model environmental science lessons and provide support for elementary school teachers
• Provide our teacher follow-up support program for partner teachers
• Liaise with community project partners and coordinate service-learning Environmental Action Projects
• Lead hands-on nature, environmental science, art and play activities in the outdoors each week of camp
• Coordinate the activities, materials and equipment needed for each day of camp
• Maintain a safe, fun, respectful, positive camp environment for all campers, camp staff and families

Program Support:

• Organize teaching equipment and supplies
• Gather pictures, quotes and highlights to support communications projects
• Write program reports

Qualifications and Experience

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Teaching experience in the classroom and/or outdoors in nature, at the elementary school level, with culturally and economically diverse populations
• Program administration and/or communications experience
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental/biological sciences, education, or related subject

Desired Experience and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of environmental literacy, San Francisco Bay Area ecology, aquatic and watershed science, environmental issues and solutions, and Next Generation Science Standards
• Bilingual in Spanish or other commonly spoken language in the San Francisco Bay Area

Required Work Traits/Skills:

• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Upbeat, positive, mature attitude and professional communication approach
• Enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to carry out teaching and communications responsibilities
• Ability to multitask while maintaining attention to detail and high quality of work
• Excellent organizational skills, effective time management, and efficient planning
• Excellent writing skills
• Willingness to follow direction from supervisor, as well as self-direct/manage tasks independently
• Ability to lift, carry and organize equipment for educational programs
• Desire and ability to work in the outdoors with youth, including walking and hiking along trails for several miles while carrying light equipment, exploring a variety of habitats and playing active games with children

Other Requirements:

• Educational equipment for programs must be transported from the office to each school or field trip site, therefore a California Driver’s License and a reliable car are required for this position. Work-related travel is reimbursed at the federal mileage rate.

Compensation

• The salary is $3,840 per month ($1,920 each bi-monthly pay period). The salary is non-negotiable.
• Paid holidays (including 14 days each year and one week off for winter break) and paid sick leave are provided.
• Health benefits (medical, dental, vision) are also provided.
• Paid vacation is not provided.