Science Educator

Sierra Nevada Journeys; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer 4

PTO accrual 12 days/year

Discretionary annual bonus

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Journeys is seeking an Education professional in Sacramento, CA to teach and expand outdoor science programs for K‑6 students, including field studies and Family STEM Nights.

The role emphasizes collaboration on curriculum, assessment, and operations within a nonprofit setting dedicated to accessible science education. CPR/First Aid and reliable transportation are required.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children; commitment to equity, inclusion and cultural relevancy.
• Excellent written, phone, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to pass background check and maintain up-to-date immunizations as required.

Responsibilities

• Teach Sierra Nevada Journeys Programs, including a multi-part STEM program with field studies.
• Lead field studies with K-6 students at local nature sites; manage duration up to 3.5 hours.
• Facilitate Family STEM Nights and afterschool activities; coordinate volunteers and materials.

Skills

Experience with children

Equity & inclusion

Excellent communication

Independent worker

Education

Red Cross CPR & First Aid certification

Job description

$20- $23 per hour DOE ($41,600-$45,760 annual equivalent)

Full-Time Year-Round position - Up to 40 hours a week

Start Date: August 2026

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

THE POSITION

Sierra Nevada Journeys is seeking dynamic education professionals to help expand the program base in Sacramento, CA. This position requires a motivated individual who has experience working with kids and is passionate about building scientific literacy and critical thinking skills through outdoor science education. The ideal candidate is prepared to teach in a variety of settings (classroom, outdoors, afterschool program, and Family STEM Nights) and support the overall education operations of all school and field‑based programs. They should also be prepared to collaborate on curriculum design and revision, program evaluation, and administrative support of the overall education operations. The position requires an individual who can work well on their own and on a team, and who is committed to supporting a nonprofit that is working to improve access to the outdoors through high‑quality, inclusive and accessible programming. Science Educators will report directly to Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Senior Program Director.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Education (85%)

• Teach Sierra Nevada Journeys Programs
• Teach a multi‑part STEM program (Classrooms Unleashed) which includes an in‑class lesson and an outdoor science field study at a local nature site. Topics include Earth Science, Life Science, and Environmental Science.
• Lead field studies with 12–20 students, K‑6th grade, at local nature sites. Field trips are up to 3.5 hours long.
• Lead Family STEM Nights at elementary schools and partnering community‑based organizations. Serve as site contact, lead and organize volunteers, organize supplies, and emcee the event.
• Facilitate afterschool programs: 60–90 minute hands‑on STEM and team‑building activities with up to 30 students.
• Serve as summer day camp counselor: facilitate STEM learning activities and traditional summer camp activities for elementary‑aged children at local outdoor sites. Depending on program need, act as camp lead by supporting counselors, communicating with parents, serving as site contact, and helping plan curriculum.

Program Administration & Curriculum Development (15%)

• Support school and field‑based program administration by collaborating with colleagues to design high‑quality curriculum and materials for Classrooms Unleashed, Family STEM Nights, afterschool programs, summer programs, and special projects.
• Maintain physical and digital organizational systems (filing student waivers, assessments, teacher materials, program materials, etc.).
• Manage and organize inventory of program and office supplies.
• Administer and grade student assessments and conduct teacher and chaperone evaluations.
• Enter assessment data.
• Represent Sierra Nevada Journeys at outreach and educational tabling events.
• Participate in training, peer coaching and mentorship of Family STEM Night volunteers.
• Support or lead trainings for volunteers and new staff members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with children.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion and cultural relevancy.
• Current Red Cross CPR and First Aid (or willingness to fulfill this requirement prior to start date).
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to commute daily to schools and field trip sites within a 45‑minute drive of the Sierra Nevada Journeys office (with occasional longer commutes). Mileage reimbursement provided.
• Ability to pass background check.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to stand, walk for extended periods, lift and carry program supplies up to 20 lbs, and work outdoors in all weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
• All employees and volunteers are required to attest in writing they have up‑to‑date immunizations against the diseases required for public school attendance in the state in which they work.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience teaching in formal or informal education settings.
• Experience working in summer camp or afterschool settings.
• Passionate commitment to educational equity and understanding of issues of systemic oppression.
• Teaching credential.
• Excellent written, phone, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and be accountable to deliverables.
• Attention to detail and organization.
• Experience with and understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards.

Compensation And Benefits

• $20‑$22 per hour ($41,600‑$45,760 annual equivalent) depending on experience.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance (90 % employer‑paid for employees and 30 % employer‑paid for dependents).
• Phone use reimbursement at $5 per paycheck.
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 4 % employer match.
• Earned paid time off starting from the first day of employment. PTO accrues at 12 days per year.
• Potential for an additional 3 % pay for bilingual fluency in Spanish or other languages that support our programs.
• Winter Break: 2 weeks of reduced hours during the December/January holiday break; partially paid time off during this time does not count against PTO accrual.
• Employee discounts, including 50 % off Sierra Nevada Journeys’ youth camps for immediate family.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Annual discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance.

Employment with an innovative organization focused on improving outdoor education delivery.

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.