Science Educator

Overview

Science Educator — $20- $23 per hour DOE (annual equivalent $41,600-$45,760). Full-time year-round position — up to 40 hours a week.

Start Date:

August 2026. Please submit a resume and cover letter.

Sierra Nevada Journeys is seeking dynamic education professionals to expand the program base in Sacramento, CA. The position requires a motivated individual who has experience working with kids and is passionate about building scientific literacy and critical thinking skills through outdoor science education. The ideal candidate can teach in a variety of settings (classroom, outdoors, after school program, and Family STEM Nights) and support the overall education operations of school and field-based programs.

The role includes collaboration on curriculum design and revision, program evaluation, and administrative support for education operations. The Educator works independently and as part of a team and supports a nonprofit improving access to the outdoors through high-quality, inclusive programming. Science Educators report to Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Senior Program Director.

Education (85%)

• Teach Sierra Nevada Journeys programs:
• Classrooms Unleashed – Teach a multi-part STEM program, including an in-class lesson and an outdoor science field study at a local nature site. Topics include Earth Science, Life Science, and Environmental Science.
• Outdoor field studies – Lead groups of 12-20 students, K–6th grade, through field-based science activities at local nature sites during the field study portion. Field trips are up to 3.5 hours.
• Family STEM Nights – Lead family engagement events at elementary schools and partnering community organizations; serve as site contact; lead and organize volunteers; prepare station supplies; and emcee the event.
• After school Programs – Facilitate 60–90 minute, hands-on STEM and team-building activities with up to 30 students in classrooms and schoolyards.
• Summer Day Camp – Act as summer day camp counselor, facilitate programs at local outdoor sites, lead groups of 15 elementary-aged children in STEM activities and traditional camp activities; when needed, serve as summer camp lead, communicate with parents, act as site contact, and help plan and prepare curriculum.

Program Administration & Curriculum Development (15%)

• Support school and field-based program administration by collaborating to design high-quality curriculum and materials for all programs; maintain physical and digital organizational systems (waivers, assessments, teacher materials, program materials, etc.); manage inventory of program and office supplies; administer and grade student assessments and conduct teacher/chaperone evaluations; enter assessment data.
• Represent Sierra Nevada Journeys at outreach and educational tabling events; participate in training, peer coaching, and mentorship of volunteers; support or lead trainings for volunteers and new staff; perform other duties as assigned.

• Experience working with children
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural relevancy
• Current Red Cross CPR and First Aid (or willingness to fulfill before start date)
• Access to reliable transportation
• Ability to commute daily to schools and field trip sites within a 45-minute drive of the office (occasional longer commutes); mileage reimbursement provided
• Ability to pass a background check
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and maintain a positive attitude
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift and carry program supplies up to 20 lbs, and work outdoors in all weather conditions and uneven terrain
• All employees and volunteers must attest in writing that they have up-to-date immunizations required for public school attendance in the state where they work

• 2+ years of experience teaching in formal or informal settings
• Experience in summer camps or after school settings
• Strong commitment to educational equity and understanding of systemic oppression
• Teaching credential
• Excellent written, phone, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and be accountable for deliverables
• Attention to detail and organization
• Experienc…