Seasonal Lead Summer Environmental Educator

You’re someone with experience in outdoor education or teaching in an informal setting (e.g. camps, parks, museums, community centers or comparable spaces), especially in socioeconomically and racially diverse environments. You love nature, and have some knowledge of ecology or natural history, ideally in the Pacific Northwest. With the launch of sliding scale camp, we’re excited to welcome families that mirror the full diversity of our city. As a Summer Lead Educator, you’ll also help mentor a team of young adult Assistant Educators from Bird Alliance of Oregon ’s Green Leaders program, a partnership with Hacienda Community Development Corporation. It’s essential that all educators have a strong comfort working in multiracial teams, a dedication to creating an anti-racist learning environment, and a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion through their practice. Candidates with lived experience working with youth of color, immigrants, and people from working class families are highly encouraged to apply.

Camps take place at our sanctuary in NW Portland, in parks and green spaces throughout the region, or in some cases include overnight programs at Marmot Cabin outside of Sandy or expeditions to California and Washington. Bird Alliance of Oregon  has made a strong commitment to protect summer staff time - the regular schedule is designed to ensure an eight hour work day with early release on Fridays, and we work with educators to take one week off camp each season.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in consistent teams of 3-5 educators to lead 10 weeks of camp with a set age group
• Learn and teach 3, week-long curricula (repeated three times). Lead your team in camp debriefs and ensure everyone feels supported as a part of your team. 
• Lead culturally responsive camps that build an inclusive and welcoming environment for all children
• Be responsive to various emotional and physical needs of the campers with age-appropriate behavior management interventions
• Celebrate the work of communities of color, LGBTQIA practitioners, and other historically marginalized voices in science and conservation throughout our programs
• Facilitate circle times and creative expression throughout the camp week
• Participate in a culture of mentorship and collaboration that supports the growth of Green Leaders and as well as other educators
• Assist with logistics around camp transportation, food, and equipment

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 2+ years of experience leading programs with children of diverse ages and backgrounds
• 1+ years of experience leading programs in informal or outdoor settings
• 2 + years of experience facilitating positive behavior management with youth
• Demonstrated cultural competency and enthusiasm for working with diverse populations, including communities of color, immigrants, and underserved communities
• Knowledge of general forest ecology, Pacific Northwest natural history preferred
• Comfort leading programs in the field and in remote settings, including overnights
• Able to work weekdays which include multiple overnight programs 
• Second language abilities in addition to English (Spanish, Mandarin/Cantonese, Vietnamese, Somali, Russian) are desirable. Native speakers preferred
• Experience as a young adult participating in youth development programs with a focus on environmental fields a plus

Working Conditions

• Ability to hike 1.5 miles on uneven terrain

• Must possess a current driver’s license

• Ability to be certified in Basic First Aid and CPR

• Ability to follow COVID-19 safety procedures and guidelines

• Some positions, but not all, will require the ability to lift up to 40 pounds to waist level, lead programs in remote settings and/or overnight experiences

• May require constant bending at times

Application

Bird Alliance of Oregon  does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, national origin, political affiliation or mental or physical handicap. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Bird Alliance of Oregon  is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment, reflecting the diversity of our community in its board, staff, volunteers, and members; ensuring its internal culture, business practices, and programs are welcoming and advancing its diversity goals; and empowering people to make positive changes in their community and environment. More background on our diversity efforts can be found at audubonportland.org/about.