Environmental Educator (Public Recruitment)

This recruitment is open to the general public. Applicants eligible for priority consideration under the District's Reduction in Force (RIF) procedures should apply through the separate "Environmental Educator, RIF-Eligible Employees Only" recruitment.

About the role

Under the direct supervision of the Education Supervisor, the Environmental Educator guides education programs across the District's field sites. Educators provide engaging, hands-on, NGSS-aligned instruction in outdoor settings, virtual classrooms, and on school campuses while supporting program operations and serving as site leads when needed. This position ensures programs are conducted safely, effectively, and in alignment with organizational standards and educational goals. Educators may have opportunities to take on additional leadership assignments.

We are recruiting both a core team and an on-call/intermittent team of educators. Applicants can state their preference and availability during the application process.

• Core educator position: Expected to work 8–20 hours per week, 3–5 days per week.
• On-call team members: Expected to work 4–20 hours per month, primarily from September through July.

Hours and workload may fluctuate throughout the year based on program schedules and needs. Work is expected to start early September 2026.

Responsibilities

Education Program Delivery

• Lead hands-on environmental education programs for K–12 students in outdoor, virtual, and school-based settings.
• Deliver engaging lessons focused on local ecosystems, biodiversity, watershed health, conservation, and stewardship.
• Adapt instruction to meet the needs of diverse age groups, learning styles, and group sizes.
• Maintain educational materials, supplies, and field equipment.
• Collaborate with Education Department staff to continuously improve program quality and participant experience.
• Support and follow safe, effective, and high-quality implementation of environmental education activities.
• Ensure program spaces are left clean, organized, and in good condition following use.

Outreach & Engagement

• Support community outreach and engagement efforts.
• Represent the organization professionally with students, teachers, volunteers, and community members.
• Maintain positive, professional interactions with partner site staff, land managers, teachers, and members of the public encountered during programming.
• Support care and organization of field materials, supplies, and equipment during program use.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs other related duties as assigned in support of District operations and priorities.

Competencies

• Environmental Interpretation & Resource Knowledge: Applies knowledge of natural and cultural resources to create meaningful education learning experiences.
• Audience Engagement & Employing Techniques: Engages diverse audiences using effective instructional, interpretive, and group learning styles & techniques.
• Oral Communication & Facilitation: Communicates clearly to engage audiences, facilitate learning, and encourage participation.
• Adaptability & Problem Solving: Responds effectively to changing field conditions, staffing needs, and operational challenges while maintaining program quality and safety.
• Community Centered & Inclusive Practice: Demonstrates understanding and experience partnering with underserved communities to lead relevant, community-informed programs.
• Professionalism & Accountability: Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment while leading field programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Passion for environmental education and connecting people to local ecosystems.
• Experience working with youth in educational, outdoor, interpretive, or community-based settings.
• Strong communication and student management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Reliable, organized, adaptable, and flexible to variable outdoor public environments.
• Comfortable leading groups outdoors and in virtual settings.
• Ability to travel to program locations throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
• Bilingual English & Spanish fluent speakers are highly encouraged to apply.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass a background check if offered a position (requirement).

Work Environment

• Field-based position conducted primarily outdoors in varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk on uneven terrain, bend, kneel, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Needs reliable transportation.
• May include early mornings, evenings, or weekends depending on program schedules.
• Works directly with educators, students, and partner site representatives in outdoor settings.

Program Locations

• Sepulveda Basin
• Malibu Lagoon
• Tapia Park (nestled within Malibu Creek State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains)
• On-Campus (can be as far as Oxnard)
• Virtual programs
• Community outreach events around the greater community

Pay

Hourly pay range is $20–23 per hour.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling based on program assignments.
• Paid sick leave.
• Access to professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in local communities.