Environmental Program Educator

About Solano Resource Conservation District

Solano Resource Conservation District (Solano RCD) is a special district to the State of California which works closely with a variety of local and regional partners to enhance and protect Solano County watersheds through strategic restoration activities, water education and outreach programs, and by offering conservation planning and watershed coordination services to local residents and landowners. Solano RCD staff and its Board of Directors strive towards excellence, equity, inclusion, collaboration, and appreciation in the work performed and welcome candidates who share these same values.

This position varies from 30% to 50% of full time equivalent (FTE) from August through June in the 2026-27 school year. Depending on the anticipated number of hours, educators may receive 50% of organization benefits, including a health stipend and holiday pay. Total number of actual work hours will vary each week and depending on needs of each educator and the program.

Program schedules are planned in advance and arranged to accommodate employee needs. This position is seasonal and non-exempt.

Individuals selected for this position will occasionally report to the Solano RCD office located in Dixon, CA, and will also attend lessons and field trips in the cities of Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville, Vallejo, and some unincorporated areas of Solano County.

The Program Educator is responsible for facilitating a variety of water-focused environmental education programs provided to school-age youth throughout Solano County. The work of the Program Educator is to ignite curiosity and inspire children and teens to explore, understand, and care for their local watershed.

The employee will be required to work on scheduled days between Monday and Friday, from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Work schedules can be arranged in advance as requested by Program Educator.

This position will implement several Solano RCD watershed education programs throughout Solano County, which may include two or more of the following programs: the Watershed Explorers Program (3rd grade), the Suisun Marsh Watershed Program (6th grade), the Biomonitoring Program (High School), and the School Water Education Program (K-12). Major responsibilities include:

• Provide classroom lessons through prepared in-person presentations and hands‑on activities based on discussions, modeling, and problem solving.
• Engage groups of 10-15 students in an outdoor setting through prepared field trip activities. Take students on a nature hike and provide activities such as nature journaling, making and recording observations, finding evidence to draw conclusions, etc.
• Support development of new or existing program activities by providing feedback and ideas.
• Work to ensure that program participants feel safe and included.

• Participate in weekly staff meetings and trainings on ecology, teaching techniques, field safety, and student management. Coordinate and maintain program supplies and equipment.
• Support on hauling, packing and cleaning field trip supplies.
• Occasionally deliver supplies to schools, trip sites, the Dixon office, or other staff.

• Complete and submit timesheet and mileage forms.
• Respond to work‑related phone calls and emails.

Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (or degree in progress) from an accredited college or university in ecology, biology, environmental science, K-12 education, environmental education; or a sufficient background consisting of relevant experience or skills transferable to the position (minimum 2 years’ experience in relevant field).

• Strong ability to lead and excite K-12 students in classroom and nature‑based settings.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of outdoor science and environmental education.
• Basic understanding of the natural resources, water resources, and cultural history of Solano County.
• Strong capacity to interact with communities that are typically underrepresented…