Program Coordinator / Environmental Educator, KIDS for the BAY

Kidsforthebay; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 43,200 - 52,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Job summary

Kidsforthebay in Berkeley is seeking a passionate Environmental Educator to teach environmental science curricula to elementary school students. This full-time, in-person role involves leading nature-based field trips and coordinating with teachers and community partners.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences and has teaching experience. The position offers a salary of $48,000 per year, health benefits, and a supportive working environment.

Qualifications

• Teaching experience in the classroom and/or outdoors at the elementary school level.
• Program coordination and/or communications experience required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Teach environmental science curricula to elementary school students.
• Lead nature-based field trips to various habitats.
• Coordinate program outreach, registration, and scheduling.

Skills

Teaching experience

Program coordination

Excellent writing skills

Organizational skills

Commitment to diversity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental/biological sciences

Job description

Position Terms

Position Terms: Full-time, 40 hours per week, in-person, regular non-exempt position with benefits.

Position Start Date: September 1, 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 our 34th 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.

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 teach programs at partner school sites, field trip and Summer Camp locations. KftB offers 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 teacher, has 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 working in 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

Environmental Educator (approximately 70% time)

• 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.
• 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 Coordinator (approximately 30% time)

• Coordinate program outreach, registration and scheduling.
• Organize teaching equipment, supplies, and curricula materials.
• Coordinate teacher follow‑up support program with partner teachers.
• Prepare reporting materials including narrative reports, photo documents, year‑in‑review flyers, program receipts, etc.
• Gather pictures, quotes and highlights and prepare blog page stories to support communications projects.

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 coordination 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 languages 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 program coordination 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 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 reliable car is required for this position. Work‑related travel is reimbursed at the federal mileage rate.

Compensation

The salary for this position is $48,000 per year. The salary is non‑negotiable. Health benefits (medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave are provided.

A background check by a Live Scan service provider will be required to complete the hiring process.