The Spring Environmental Educator will co-lead overnight educational programs with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (CACS) in semi-remote and semi-rustic locations around Kachemak Bay. This person will work alongside the Peterson Bay Field Station Coordinator and other environmental educators to lead programs, learn together about best practices in experiential, place-based education and to gain knowledge of Alaskan coastal ecology. Educational programs are well-developed and supported but provide opportunities for creativity and flexibility. 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 March 25 – May 23, 2027, with the opportunity to apply and transition into a summer position with the organization.
Pay is $24.00/hour. Includes 2 weeks of paid training.
Shared staff housing in Homer can be provided for $120/week rent, deducted from paycheck per a separately signed rental agreement.
Due to the nature of overnight programs, the schedule may be somewhat irregular and will include evening and occasional weekend work. Some weeks will be busier than others, but staff can expect to average about 80 hours per 2 week pay period. This position is not eligible for overtime rates of pay, but is paid for every hour worked.
Core Duties:
Co-lead day and overnight (2-3 days) coastal ecology programs for student groups (K-12, but primarily 4th-6th grades) at semi-remote locations.
Lead coastal ecology education activities on topics such as tide pooling, forest ecology hikes, plankton tow, geology, and Alaska Native history & culture. Assist teachers in the facilitation of evening activities such as campfires and beach walks.
Develop and ensure a safe, fun, and positive learning environment for students. Work cooperatively with teachers, administrators, parents, chaperones, and other CACS staff and volunteers to provide high-quality experiences for participants. Administer basic first aid and comfort homesick or otherwise upset participants.
Communicate in a clear and timely fashion with coworkers and supervisors.
Facilitate group transitions in the Homer Harbor and orient groups to the Field Station.
Additional Duties:
Maintain CACS program supplies, assist with upkeep of intertidal touch tanks, and perform routine facility and trail maintenance at the Peterson Bay Field Station and other relevant facilities, including snow removal, 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.
Qualifications:
First Aid/CPR Certification required; Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder preferred. Youth Mental Health First Aid or equivalent training required (or willingness to obtain prior to start date).
Experience working with youth in outdoor educational settings, especially overnight programs.
Demonstrated good judgment and experience with risk management in challenging settings.
Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment and live in a semi-remote location with school groups and other educators.
Strong situational awareness and proactive approaches to maintenance needs and group dynamics.
Willingness to learn on the job and adapt to changing circumstances (such as weather, boat scheduling, 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 justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in environmental education and willingness to understand race, class, gender, and other equity issues to create a more inclusive program.
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!
To apply: Please send an email to jobs@akcoastalstudies.org. A complete application will include a 1-page résumé, contact info for 3 references (email preferred), a 1-page cover letter describing your interest in working with Coastal Studies and relevant work and life experience you would bring to the position.
Please ensure attached documents are in PDF format and do not exceed the requested lengths.
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