Seasonal Educator

During the school year, the Educators teach classes of 4th-8th grade students about forest ecosystems and salmon through classroom lessons, field study trips, and stewardship events (e.g., planting trees or removing introduced weeds). Field trip sites include Lake Sammamish State Park and Tiger Mountain State Forest. During the summer, the Educators co-lead the Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS) and Burien Green Teens high school internships, including classroom- and field-based lessons about restoration ecology, green careers, environmental justice, and more. Educators should expect to work in close collaboration with the Education team and program partners as well as independently. 

Season length: March 5 to November 22, 2024.

The successful Educator will demonstrate a passion for helping young people — especially those from communities that are underrepresented in environmental fields and/or new to environmental topics — make personal positive connections with nature. This position is ideal for someone with a strong environmental background who enjoys working outdoors in variable weather. Applicants ideally have experience leading groups of students in outdoor settings, teaching in a classroom setting, mentoring teens, and/or performing ecological restoration work. Educators also support community volunteer events and outreach events. 

Candidates should expect to discuss their experience incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into their work or personal ethic. Every Greenway Trust employee plays an active part in carrying out our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and beyond. 

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust works to steward a landscape that stretches 100 miles from the shores of Puget Sound, across the Cascade Mountains, to Central Washington. The Greenway Trust also coordinates the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area (NHA), which honors the historical and cultural significance of this place and helps to preserve and celebrate its living heritage. The Education Program contributes to the goals of the NHA by engaging 4th-12th grade students in environmental education programs that equip them with knowledge, skills, and inspiration needed to be curious, caring stewards of nature and that may lead them to future careers in conservation. 

Reports to: Education Program Manager 

Schedule: Full-time, 8.5-month seasonal, non-exempt position. The schedule is typically Monday to Friday with periodic evening and Saturday events. Estimated 20% office and 80% field time. 

Location: The Greenway Trust has a hybrid model that combines both remote and in-person work. This position will be based at the Greenway Trust’s Field Office (1980 NW Sammamish Rd., Issaquah, WA 98027). This position requires a reliable personal vehicle for travel to schools, the Greenway Trust’s Seattle office, and field trip sites around King County that include the Greenway Trust’s Seattle office (map), Lake Sammamish State Park, Tiger Mountain State Park, Riverview Learning Center, Puget Sound Skills Center, Salmon Creek Ravine. 

Vehicles and Mileage Reimbursement: The Educators will have access to a Greenway vehicle for work purposes; a valid driver’s license, insurable driving record, and completion of internal training is required. When usage of a personal vehicle is required (e.g., travel to schools), Educators are reimbursed at the federal reimbursement rate for mileage. 

Gear & Equipment:  

• Provided gear: Long- and short-sleeved shirts and a hat. 
• Loaned gear and equipment: Rain jacket, personal protective equipment (e.g., work gloves, first aid kit), laptop computer, and cell phone. 
• Educators are expected to provide personal gear, including sturdy hiking shoes and a backpack. 
• Gear stipend: To help seasonal staff purchase or replace personal gear needed to be successful in the field, the Greenway Trust provides a $250 gear stipend.

How to Apply: Send a resume and cover letter explaining your interest and capabilities to apply@mtsgreenway.org, with the subject line “Seasonal Educator.” Your cover letter should not exceed two pages, and should provide examples of the following: 

• Your experience leading activities for groups of youth between 10 and 18 years old. 
• Your experience connecting historically underrepresented communities with nature. 
• Your familiarity with Pacific Northwest plants and wildlife, lifecycle and habitat needs of Pacific salmon, and human impacts on watershed health. 

Finalists will be asked to provide three references. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We believe that when we are connected to nature, our lives are better. We are healthier, happier, and our communities are stronger. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Greenway Trust because we want to better reflect the diverse communities that make up the Greenway NHA, because we believe that equity and inclusion are vital to our mission, and because we want to do our part to create a more just society. We are committed to creating lasting structural changes internally in our workplace and externally in the communities we serve. 

Equal Opportunity Provider: The Greenway Trust is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, ancestry, genetic information, use of a service animal, honorably discharged veteran, military status, political ideology, personal appearance, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. Each person is evaluated on the basis of personal aptitude and merit.