PortlandBased Educator

Created in 2015 by two Black women, ELSO, Incorporated provides culturally relevant education and leadership development opportunities that invite youth to Experience Life Science Outdoors (ELSO). Our mission is to catalyze learning and expand access to positive career outcomes for a more just future for all. ELSO seeks to reduce the achievement gap in STEAMED (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, Environment, Design) education and professions while creating a sense of belonging for people in the natural and built environments.

ELSO uses a multi-cultural approach to STEAMED education that is rooted in environmental justice and cultural history.

This is a contracted in person student-facing position which will support spring programming related to ELSO’s Consulting Services work and the Youth Climate Education Project through collaborative design and delivery of classroom activities and community engagement events at schools and sites across the Portland-Metro region.

This position supports ELSO’s Workforce Development Programs, working under the Workforce Development Program Manager to co-develop workshops and activities, train and mentor camp guides and interns, and facilitate STEAMED workshops and experiences for youth ages 14-College. The Seasonal Educator will assist with college and high school recruitment efforts for interns and fellows, support program logistics, and contribute to program evaluations and debriefs.

This shared role provides a unique opportunity to engage with multiple departments, collaborate on curriculum design, and gain hands-on experience in youth leadership development, community engagement, and workforce pathway programming.

This position is adjacent to ELSO’s Consulting Services Department which works with clients across the nation to educate and support organizations in deepening and furthering their investment, partnership, and engagement with people and communities. This position works adjacent to the Youth Climate Education Project (YCEP), a 4-year project awarded in fall of 2021 by the Portland Clean Energy Fund to create an outdoor learning environment at Prescott Elementary School in NE Portland to activate community resilience and climate education through community engagement and infrastructure development.

• Collaborate with the Workforce Development Program Manager and Consulting Team to develop lesson plans, activities, and curriculum for programs and training sessions.
• Train and mentor camp guides and interns, providing instructional support and guidance during program sessions.
• Facilitate in-person and hybrid workshops and activities with Interns and Fellows.
• Attend all in-person tours, community events, and workshops to help support Workforce Team.
• Assist with planning and logistics for program sessions, including materials preparation, classroom setup, and activity management.
• Participate in college and high school recruitment efforts to attract interns and fellows for ELSO programs.
• Engage youth in hands-on learning, inquiry-based activities, and service-learning projects.
• Collaborate with Workforce Development Program Manager and other staff to ensure program quality and alignment with learning objectives.
• Participate in program evaluations, debriefs, and feedback sessions to improve curriculum and instructional delivery.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment for all participants.

• Maintain excellent communication and teamwork with consulting services clients.
• Participate in regular meeting sessions with key Client staff to follow project work plan and deliverables throughout the contract period.
• Maintain communication with Consulting Services Director on successes and challenges of programs and partnerships.
• Meet deadlines and attend all planned direct service activities.
• Lead ongoing direct service programming with youth and community members as written into specific client deliverables. This may include, but is not limited to…
• Develop content for and facilitate informational tables and activities at client-led student & family engagement events such as back to school nights,…