Program Coordinator/Environmental Educator

KIDS for the BAY

PROGRAM COORDINATOR/ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR

Position Terms: Full-time, 40 hours per week, in-person, regular non-exempt position with benefits

Position Start Date: September 1, 2026

Position End Date: July 30, 2027

Application Deadline: Apply early; interviews will be held as applications are received

Location: East San Francisco Bay Area, California, based in Berkeley

Organizational Information

KIDS for the BAY (KftB) is an environmental education organization now in our 34th year of operation. We deliver engaging, hands-on programs to our partner elementary schools throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our programs connect school students with nature on field trips to creek, bay and ocean habitats, engage students in science learning that supports Next Generation Science Standards and inspire students to become active Environmentalists. We provide professional development in environmental science education for our partner teachers. We also run an exciting Summer Camp for children ages 5 – 11 to explore in nature, learn hands-on science and become environmental stewards. For more information about our mission, impact and programs, please visit our website at kidsforthebay.org. KIDS for the BAY is a project of Earth Island Institute.

Our office is located in the Lorin District of Berkeley, walking distance from Ashby BART station and surrounded by popular coffee shops, restaurants and unique neighborhood stores, as well as a weekly Farmers Market. One-two days each week will be spent in the office and three-four days each week will be spent traveling to teach programs at partner school sites, field trip and Summer Camp locations. KftB offers a friendly, supportive working environment with professional development opportunities.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is passionate about teaching children environmental education and supporting their teachers and families, especially in under-resourced elementary school communities. They care deeply about connecting children with nature, hands-on science learning, promoting positive solutions to environmental problems and diversity, equity and inclusion. This person is an engaging teacher, has a lot of energy and enthusiasm for this work, is highly organized, and has excellent writing skills. They are willing to multitask on a daily basis to meet the needs of working in an effective grassroots nonprofit organization that provides quality, community-based programs. The ideal candidate is excited to develop their skills in environmental education and nonprofit work and to help advance the work of KIDS for the BAY.

Responsibilities

Environmental Educator (approximately 70% time)

Teach School-Based Programs:

• Teach environmental science curricula to elementary school students in the classroom and in the outdoors
• Lead nature-based field trips to creek, bay, delta and ocean habitats and follow all safety guidelines
• Outreach to schools to recruit new teacher participants and conduct orientation, planning, evaluation and follow-up meetings with teachers
• Model environmental science lessons and provide support for elementary school teachers
• Liaise with community project partners and coordinate service-learning Environmental Action Projects

Teach Summer Camp:

• Lead hands-on nature, environmental science, art and play activities in the outdoors each week of camp
• Coordinate the activities, materials and equipment needed for each day of camp
• Maintain a safe, fun, respectful, positive camp environment for all campers, camp staff and families

Program Coordinator (approximately 30% time)

• Coordinate program outreach, registration and scheduling
• Organize teaching equipment, supplies, and curricula materials
• Coordinate teacher follow-up support program with partner teachers
• Prepare reporting materials including: narrative reports, photo documents, year-in-review flyers, program receipts etc.
• Gather pictures, quotes and highlights and prepare blog page stories to support communications projects

Qualifications and Experience

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Teaching experience in the classroom and/or outdoors in nature, at the elementary school level, with culturally and economically diverse populations
• Program coordination and/or communications experience
• Bachelor's degree in environmental/biological sciences, education, or related subject

Desired Experience and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of environmental literacy, San Francisco Bay Area ecology, aquatic and watershed science, environmental issues and solutions, and Next Generation Science Standards
• Bilingual in Spanish or other commonly spoken languages in the San Francisco Bay Area

Required Work Traits/Skills:

• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Upbeat, positive, mature attitude and professional communication approach
• Enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to carry out teaching and program coordination responsibilities
• Ability to multitask while maintaining attention to detail and high quality of work
• Excellent organizational skills, effective time management, and efficient planning
• Excellent writing skills
• Willingness to follow direction from supervisor, as well as self-direct/manage tasks independently
• Ability to lift, carry and organize equipment for educational programs
• Desire and ability to work in the outdoors with youth, including walking and hiking along trails while carrying light equipment, exploring a variety of habitats and playing active games with children

Other Requirements:

• Educational equipment for programs must be transported from the office to each school or field trip site, therefore a reliable car is required for this position. Work-related travel is reimbursed at the federal mileage rate.

Compensation

The salary for this position is $48,000 per year. The salary is non-negotiable. Health benefits (medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave are provided.

Application Procedures

Application Deadline: Apply early; interviews will be held as applications are received

Position Start Date: September 1, 2026

Position End Date: July 30, 2027

Please submit your cover letter, resume and the link to your Linkedin page and please include a list of at least two references with full name, title, place of work, relationship to you, and current contact information (phone and email) including at least one direct supervisor, by email to: jobs@kidsforthebay.org

Please write: Program Coordinator/Environmental Educator Application in the subject line.

A background check by a Live Scan service provider will be required to complete the hiring process.

Health benefits (medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave are provided.

• English required
• Bilingual in Spanish or other commonly spoken languages in the San Francisco Bay Area desired