Part-Time Nature Educator for Youth Programs

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Inc; California (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Inc is seeking a part-time Nature Educator to support school field trips, youth and family programs, and offsite outreach. You will lead groups of K-5 students on garden tours, collaborate with the Education Department, and help prepare materials and activities.

This seasonal role emphasizes creativity, flexibility, and strong verbal communication with children and adults, with occasional weekend work and travel to partner locations as needed.

Qualifications

• Pass a Livescan background check and Mandated Reporter training as required by California state law.
• Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification is required.
• Travel to offsite locations for afterschool programs and outreach events.
• Valid California Driver’s license and use of personal vehicle for work, with weekly travel to Santa Barbara and Goleta.
• Knowledge of ecology, botany, and natural history of California preferred.
• Spanish fluency preferred.
• Excellent time management and communication skills.
• Flexibility and ability to respond to diverse group situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise groups of 5-15 students (K-5) on garden exploration tours incorporating STEM, NGSS, and CA Environmental Literacy standards.
• Serve as tour hosts, welcome groups, collect information, and distribute passes.
• Provide afterschool programming at partner locations based on K-6 Garden Pathfinder curriculum.
• Facilitate outdoor play, exploration, and curiosity with Garden guests.
• Coordinate Pathfinder programming on select Saturdays for kids aged 8-12.
• Participate in offsite outreach at events like Science Nights and Earth Day.
• Support family events and interpretive activities; assist with materials prep and data entry.

Job description

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Inc is seeking a part-time Nature Educator to support school field trips, youth and family programs, and offsite outreach. You will lead groups of K-5 students on garden tours, collaborate with the Education Department, and help prepare materials and activities.

This seasonal role emphasizes creativity, flexibility, and strong verbal communication with children and adults, with occasional weekend work and travel to partner locations as needed.