Program Instructor

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 be based out of the Sacramento office.

Responsibilities

• Education (95%)
  • Outdoor field studies – Lead groups of 12-20 students, K-6th grade, through a variety of field-based science activities at local nature sites during the field study portion of the Classrooms Unleashed program. Field trip programs are up to 3 hours long.
  • Family STEM Nights – Lead family engagement events held at elementary schools and partnering 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.
• Program Administration & Curriculum Development (5%)
  • 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.

Requirements

• Sacramento Office Availability: Monday–Friday, 8 am–2 pm plus some evening availability from 5-7:30 pm.
• 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.

Pay

• $19 - $20 per hour (DOE).
• Potential for an additional 3% pay for Spanish fluency or other languages relevant to supporting our programs. Determination is at the sole discretion of Sierra Nevada Journeys.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Phone use reimbursement at $5 per paycheck.

Schedule

• Full-Time Seasonal Position between 30 & 40 hours per week (Fall).
• Start Date: September to mid-November 2026.
• Educators who complete the fall season will receive a $100 completion bonus.
• Eligible for any paid holidays that fall within contracted dates (i.e., September to mid-November).

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO) – Two paid time off days accrued per full season.
• Sick Time Off – Two sick days accrued per full season (per California State Law).
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan and up to a 4% employer match.
• 50% discount off Sierra Nevada Journeys’ youth camps for immediate family.
• 12 paid holidays each calendar year for full-time employees (eligible for those falling within contracted dates).
• Employment with an innovative organization focused on improving outdoor education delivery.