EcoCenter Programs Coordinator

About Environmental Volunteers

Environmental Volunteers (EV) is an award-winning environmental education nonprofit with 53+ years of helping kids (and grown-ups!) fall in love with nature. We deliver hands-on science programs in classrooms, on field trips, and at our EcoCenter in the Palo Alto Baylands, building curiosity, confidence, and a sense of environmental stewardship along the way.

The Role

We’re hiring a part-time EcoCenter Programs Coordinator, someone with big “fun camp counselor” vibes who can lead with warmth, enthusiasm, and a sense of play. You’ll be the friendly face welcoming families during open hours, guiding nature walks, and running hands-on science programs at the EcoCenter.

This role is ideal for someone who loves working with elementary-age kids (and can also comfortably engage teens and adults), enjoys being outside, and can shift gears easily. One minute you’re teaching about pickleweed, the next you’re helping host a nature game indoors at the EcoCenter.

This staff member will work up to a maximum of 19 hours/week, at programs located at our EcoCenter in Palo Alto and occasional off-site locations within Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, as needed. Work hours will be centered around Fridays and Saturdays, and one other day (ideally Wednesday or Thursday).

Timeframe: Now through summer, 2026, with potential to extend into a longer-term role.

Key Responsibilities

1) Program Delivery

• Be the lead interpretive docent during EcoCenter Open Hours, welcoming visitors and making the space feel alive.
• Lead weekend EcoCenter programs: hands-on science activities, family programs, and nature walks.
• Represent EV at outreach/tabling events by sharing our mission with joy and clarity.
• Model respect for people, wildlife, and the environment in everything you do.

2) Program Development and Evaluation

• Support the development of new curriculum and activities.
• Spearhead our efforts to strengthen the visitor experience through evaluation/data collection (quick counts, feedback forms, what worked, what didn’t, what kids loved).
• Assist with recruiting, training and engaging EcoCenter teen and adult volunteers, as needed

3) Marketing and Outreach

• Post EcoCenter events on community calendars and help share on social media.
• Assist with marketing tasks (flyers, captions, website/resource updates) with guidance from EV staff.

4) General Organizational Support

• Support staff during major events and general operations.
• Occasionally serve as point-of-contact for after-hours rentals.
• Assist with local in-school programs when schedules align.
• Help maintain education kits and supplies (science tools, materials, etc.).

The Heart of This Job

If you’ve ever thought, “Kids deserve the kind of nature experiences and hands-on science that makes their eyes light up,” and you’re the type of person who can turn a nature walk into an adventure, this role is for you.

You’re a Great Fit If You…

• Have camp counselor energy: upbeat, welcoming, playful, kind, and confident.
• Feel personally connected to the outdoors and/or nature science education
• Love working with young school kids (and can also connect with teens and adults).
• Are comfortable speaking to groups, families, classrooms, and community members.
• Can handle a fluid schedule and keep track of details.
• Are reliable, dependable, and show up ready to help.
• Have basic internet and computer skills, with a willingness to learn specific platforms (Google suite, Canva, MailChimp, etc)
• Have a Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent experience. But your energy and attitude matter most!
• Have past experience working with children in an educational setting (formal or informal), such as summer camps, nature centers, or others.

Work Environment & Training

• You’ll work in a lively, collaborative space with a “jump in and help” culture.
• EV will provide training on all of our curriculum, history, and talking points. This will include, but is not limited to, Nature Center Interpretation and Outreach, Baylands Ecology and Nature Interpretation (aka Nature Walks), Hands-on Science Curriculum, and Outreach and Marketing (aka Tabling).
• Some travel to local schools/events in the Bay Area may be required.

Logistics & Requirements

• You must have reliable transportation, a valid California driver’s license, and current auto insurance.
• Because we work with children: fingerprinting and background check are required within 3 weeks of hire (and possibly a TB risk assessment/test if warranted).
• EV is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any basis prohibited by law.

Compensation:

• Starting salary of $22/hour

This position is part-time, but has the potential to expand to a permanent full-time position. Full-time positions offer full benefits.