Program Instructor

Sierra-Nevada-Journeys; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Sick Time Off

403(b) retirement plan

Employer match

Multilingual pay potential

Discounts on youth camps

Phone reimbursement

Paid holidays

Staff development opportunities

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Journeys in Sacramento, CA is seeking Seasonal Program Instructors to deliver outdoor science education across classrooms, nature sites, summer camps and Family STEM Nights. The role emphasizes building scientific literacy and critical thinking in K-6th grade groups.

As a Fall season educator, you will lead field studies, coordinate volunteers, and support program operations while earning $19–$20 per hour and receiving PTO, sick time, and retirement options.

Qualifications

• Sacramento office availability: Mon-Fri 8am-2pm, with some evenings 5-7:30pm.
• Current Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before start date).
• Ability to commute daily to schools and field trip sites (10-45 minutes from assigned office).
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Passionate commitment to working with children of all backgrounds.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and maintain a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Outdoor field studies - Lead a group of 12-20 students, K-6th, at local nature sites during field study portions.
• Family STEM Nights - Lead events, serve as site contact, organize volunteers, emcee.
• Afterschool Programs - Facilitate 60-90-minute STEM activities with up to 30 students.
• Summer Season - Support program operations and administration tasks.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and outreach events.

Skills

CPR/First Aid

Public speaking

Reliable transportation

Background check

Passion for working with children

Job description

Program Instructor
$19- $20 per hour DOE
Full-Time Seasonal Position between 30 & 40 hours per week (Fall)
Start Date: September to mid-November 2026
Location: Sacramento, CA

Sierra Nevada Journeys seeks dynamic education professionals to help expand our program base in Sacramento, CA. This position requires a motivated individual passionate about building scientific literacy and critical thinking skills through outdoor science education. The ideal candidate is prepared to teach in various settings (classroom, outdoors, summer camps, and Family STEM Nights) and support the overall education operations of the Classrooms Unleashed program.

Seasonal Science Educator(s) will report to the Senior Program Director and will work closely with their local Program Coordinators in Sacramento. Staff will either be based out of the Sacramento office.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Education (95%)

• Outdoor field studies - Lead group of 12-20 students, K-6th grade, through a variety of field-based science activities at local nature sites during the field studyportionof the Classrooms Unleashed program.Field trip programs are up to 3 hours long.
• Family STEM Nights - Lead family engagement events held at elementary schools andpartnering community-based organizations. Serve as site contact, lead and organize volunteers, organize and set up station supplies, and "emcee" the event.
• Afterschool Programs - Facilitate 60-90-minute, hands-on STEM and team-building activities with up to 30 students in the classroom and in the schoolyard.
• Summer Season
• Assist with program administration duties such as printing student notebooks, prepping lesson bins, grading student assessments, and inputting program evaluation responses.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and support outreach events such as job fairs and educational tabling events.

TIME FRAME

This position is available for the fall season- September to mid-November

Educators who complete the fall season will receive a $100 completion bonus.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Sacramento Office Availability: Monday-Friday, 8 am-2 pmplus some evening availability from 5-7:30pm.
• Current Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before start date).
• Ability to commute daily to schools and field trip sites (10-45 minutes from assigned office).
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Passionate commitment to working with children of all backgrounds.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, andmaintaina positive attitude.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Competitive Compensation Package $19 - $20 per hour
• Paid Time Off (PTO) -Twopaid time off daysaccruedper full season
• Sick Time Off:Twosick daysaccruedper full season (per California State Law)
• Accrual period for PTO and Sick Time is based on start datea
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan and up to a 4% employer match
• Potential for anadditional3% pay for Spanish fluency or other languages relevant to supporting our programs
• The determination of the employeesdesignatedto receive multilingual pay is at the sole discretion of Sierra Nevada Journeys.
• 50% discount off Sierra Nevada Journeys' youth camps for immediate family
• Phone use reimbursement at $5 per paycheck
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan and up to a 4% match by Sierra Nevada Journeys
• Paid Holidays: Sierra Nevada Journeys provides 12 paid holidays each calendar year for full-time employees. In this role, you are eligible for any holidays that fall within your contracted dates (i.e., February through mid-November).
• Employment with an innovative organization focused on improving outdoor education delivery

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ individuals who represent the rich diversity of cultures, language groups, and abilities of its surrounding communities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status or genetic information.