Peterson Bay Field Station Educator
The Peterson Bay Field Station Educator will co-lead multi-day, overnight camps and educational groups of all ages at the semi-rustic and semi-remote Peterson Bay Field Station and surrounding Kachemak Bay State Park. This person will also lead interpretive natural history programs for small but varied groups of visitors. They will work alongside the Peterson Bay Field Station Coordinator, CACS Program Director, and other educators to learn together about best practices in experiential, place-based interpretation and education and to gain knowledge of Alaskan coastal ecology. Field sites feature rocky intertidal areas of outstanding diversity, a coastal forest trail system, and salt and freshwater wetlands.
This position reports to the Peterson Bay Field Station Coordinator.
Position runs from May 26 – September 1, 2026 (end date negotiable).
Pay is $19.00/hour with shared housing provided ($22.00/hour without housing).
Due to the nature of overnight programs, the schedule will be somewhat irregular and will include evening and weekend work. Some weeks will be busier than others, but staff can expect to average about 80 hours per 2-week pay period.
Core Duties:
Co-lead CACS overnight camps for youth (ages 9-12). These include programming, evening activities, meal planning and preparation, chaperoning of participants, organization of supplies, documenting with photos/video, and submitting written feedback on the camp. Assist with planning, clean-up, and debrief.
Co-lead day and overnight (2-5 days) coastal ecology programs for student groups (3rd grade-undergrad). Lead age-appropriate, place-based educational activities and occasional service learning projects. Develop and ensure a safe, fun, and positive environment for all participants.
Work cooperatively with other staff, group leads, and chaperones to provide high-quality experiences for participants. Administer basic first aid and support anxious, homesick or otherwise uncomfortable participants. Respond to behavioral needs in a safe and positive manner.
Facilitate group transitions in the Homer Harbor and orient groups to the Field Station.
Additional Duties:
Participate in shadowing programs of co-workers and providing peer to peer feedback.
Live on-site at the Peterson Bay Field Station for 3-7 days per week. This is a semi-remote location, only accessible by boat. Water taxi transportation is provided for work related trips.
Maintain CACS program supplies, assist with upkeep of intertidal touch tanks, and perform routine facility and trail maintenance at the Peterson Bay Field Station, including trail clearing, troubleshooting water system problems, and maintenance of the composting toilets.
Provide photos for social media and advertising, conduct participant evaluations of programs (as needed), and complete basic administrative tasks.
We are a staff that works as a team and adapts to our communities’ needs; therefore this position may work on additional programs and duties as mutually agreed upon.
Training & Mentorship:
Required participation in paid naturalist training at the Peterson Bay Field Station and Homer at the start of the summer, which will include training on natural sciences, interpretation, and the cultures of Kachemak Bay. Additional opportunities offered throughout the summer for paid professional development in specific areas related to your work.
Qualifications:
First Aid/CPR Certification required; Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder preferred.
Experience or demonstrated desire to work with youth and adults in outdoor settings, especially overnight/multi-day programs.
Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment and live in a semi-remote location with visiting groups and other naturalists.
Willingness to learn on the job and adapt to changing circumstances (such as weather, group needs, etc.)
Knowledge of or strong interest in learning more about basic intertidal, marine, and forest ecology, and Alaska Native cultures; particularly Dena’ina and Sugpiaq/Alutiiq ethnobotany and land stewardship.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise directions, communicate complex science concepts, and make people feel welcome. Ability to receive and give direction and feedback on a variety of topics.
Commitment to CACS’s work towards justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in our programs, and to our vision of healthy ecosystems, engaged and connected communities, and inspired environmental stewards.
Demonstrated good judgment and experience with risk management in challenging settings.
Valid drivers license preferred.
We’ve left our list of desired qualifications flexible in recognition of the many forms of knowledge and experience that can exist both within and outside of typical employment or academic pathways. If you are passionate about the work and think you could do it well, please apply!
Our application form will ask for a 1-page résumé, a 1-page cover letter describing your desire to work with Coastal Studies as an organization, and a short-answer question asking you to describe your interest in the specific position. If you have questions about our application process, please navigate back to our Employment page and explore the FAQ.
