Employment Opportunities
Field Science Educator (full-time and part-time positions)
Summary
Our field science educators (FSEs) create and implement the programs that have made Headlands Institute (HI) one of California's leading non-profit environmental education centers. Headlands Institute serves a wide range of diverse communities from the Bay Area, the Central Valley, and beyond. HI seeks to include those students and adults who have traditionally had limited access to outdoor science and environmental education programs. For each program, the FSE develops a set of activities and hikes that meld the client's needs with the FSE’s unique strengths and HI's core themes. Each FSE works with 10-15 students for 1 to 5 day programs. Educators are expected to engage themselves physically, intellectually, and emotionally to design and implement individualized programs that are relevant to students’ lives.
The field science year takes place from September through June and educators are expected to work this season. Educators who are seeking year-round work have the option to apply for positions in other HI education departments that run programming during the summer including summer camp. youth programs, and school programs. Applicants may apply for school year and summer camp FSE positions concurrently. Please indicate your interest in your letter.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Design original curriculum each week, tailored to the age and needs of the school group, YNI’s Core Educational Framework, and the seasons.
- Empower youth and adults via positive reinforcement, role modeling, and success-based programming.
- Greet and orient all field science program participants to campus, dining hall and field; occasionally serve as lead instructor and contact person for entire school.
- Establish ground rules and discipline structure for hiking group and collaborate with adult chaperones and teachers on matters of student discipline.
- Deliver curriculum that is hands-on, field-based and applies theories of inquiry-based learning, responsible environmental behavior, multiple intelligences and thematic teaching.
- Cultivate a learning community that values cultural sensitivity and bring cultural relevancy to science content.
- Facilitate team and community building for hiking group and beyond.
- Lead groups safely over uneven terrain and in all kinds of weather for up to 7 miles per day.
- Exercise superb judgment around group and risk management , and consistently assess comfort and safety of groups in all weather conditions.
- Design and lead evening programs once or twice per week for up to 75 people.
- Administer and document first-aid as needed.
- Fulfill all essential duties and responsibilities of the evening support role once or twice per semester, as scheduled by the program assistant.
- Fulfill all essential duties and responsibilities of the on-call role once or twice per semester, as scheduled by the program assistant
- Work 2-3 weekends per semester.
- Evaluate performance of students and adults in written format at program end.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Experience, competencies, and education
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (advanced degree or teaching credential a plus) and 1-2 years relevant teaching experience
- Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification
- Experience teaching in the outdoors and a working knowledge of the natural sciences, coastal ecology, and/or marine biology
- Ability to perform physically demanding work in the outdoors and under harsh weather conditions on uneven terrain
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to implement and model excellent risk management practices and maintain a safe environment for our students and visitors
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings
Language skills
Spanish or Chinese language skills are a plus.
Compensation
Full-time compensation starts at $76 per day (plus additional compensation for evening/weekend work) and includes excellent housing, partial board, medical/dental plan, retirement plan, paid training and vacation benefits. An off-campus housing stipend is also available to those who choose not to live in provided housing.
Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at YNI. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
To apply, applicants should send a cover letter and resume to:
Field Science Educator Search
Attn: Emily Wang, Education Manager
Building 1033, GGNRA
Sausalito, CA 94965
Or email: fseposition@yni.org
Please include how you heard about this position in your letter.
Priority deadline is October 15 for spring positions and March 15 for summer and fall positions.
