Join the Explore Ecology Team!
- ART FROM SCRAP PROGRAM
- SCHOOL GARDENS PROGRAM
- ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
- WORKING AT EXPLORE ECOLOGY

Explore Ecology Environmental Education Program (North & South County)
Environmental Educator
An Environmental Educator’s primary role is to conduct field trips and in class lessons focusing on water quality and waste reduction while educating and inspiring the next generation of elementary aged environmental stewards. Main duties include: leading field trips and in class lessons, data tracking and reporting, maintaining teaching supplies and field trip sites, educational event preparation and implementation and more as assigned. The Environmental Educator reports to the Environmental Education Program Coordinator (EEPC).
Pay and Benefits
- Hourly Pay: $17.00
- Part-Time Employee – 20-25 hours
- 2 weeks per year of paid vacation
- 9 days per year of sick time off
- Up to 8 Paid Holidays per year
Role and Responsibilities
- Lead Environmental education lessons both on school campuses and at various field trip sites.
- Maintain lesson supply kits
- Drive to various school and field trip sites located throughout Santa Barbara County
- Perform administrative duties related to evaluation, and tracking student performance and teacher satisfaction
- Assist and support the EEPC in marketing and scheduling lessons and field trips
- Maintains all teaching kits in a well stocked and clean condition
- Staff occasional evening and weekend special events
Work Environment
- Standing, bending, and stooping, for extended periods of time (up to 8 hours)
- Extensive contact with the public
- Walking and climbing as required
- Unassisted heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs.)
Scheduling
- Shift Work Exclusively.
- Part Time: approximately 20-25 hours per week / 3 shifts
- Must be able to work on evenings and weekends (Saturday and/or Sunday), as scheduled.
Additional Qualifications and Education Requirements
- A degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Studies, Resource Conservation, related field or equivalent experience
- Must pass LiveScan (fingerprint background check) and TB test
- Self-starter, motivated to lead an innovative environmental education program and inspire the school community to follow through with techniques learned during the presentations. Excellent written & oral communication skills (Spanish language skills desirable)
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities
- Excellent rapport with children; experience with primary school setting, including a familiarity with curricular standards, and classroom activities. Ability to supervise and engage small and large groups of elementary students
- Comfortable working from multiple locations & traveling between job sites and Explore Ecology offices
- Able to provide prompt transportation within Santa Barbara County and provide proof of insurance
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, e-mail and internet (daily access to email)
- Ability to attend regular staff meetings
- Ability to commit 20-25 hours per week, including occasional weekends
Preferred Skills
- Environmental knowledge of waste reduction, water quality, and composting systems with an understanding of ecology and how environmental issues are related
- Strong teaching skills and experience in conducting in-class presentations to groups of elementary aged students
- Excellent administrative and data entry skills: Accurate, detail oriented, organized, time efficient, self-directed, able to multitask
- Ability to be flexible and work both independently and as a team
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Quick to learn multiple environmental lesson presentations
- Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and in groups; able to work with people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds
Explore Ecology is a Santa Barbara based non-profit organization that educates over 38,000 children a year, inspiring them to engage with the natural world, think critically, and experience the value of environmental stewardship. Explore Ecology programs include the Art From Scrap Creative ReUse Store and Gallery, Environmental Education, Watershed Resource Center, and School Gardens.
Explore Ecology actively promotes an environment of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion. We support all employees regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, race, ethnic origin, color, religion, national origin, creed, marital status, disabled veteran status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, and/or physical disability that does not inhibit the performance of the specific core tasks of this position.