Yurt Environmental Educator
The Yurt Environmental Educator will work out of the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies’ Yurt on the Spit at the Homer Harbor, with easy access to sandy beaches, the harbor docks, and some rocky areas good for intertidal exploration. The Educator will have two main areas of focus: planning and leading SPIT Kids youth programs and leading daily dock tours for families and adults. Participants in SPIT Kids are 6-10 years old, and the outdoor exploration-focused program runs in the mornings three days a week. The Educator will also lead daily 1-hour Creatures of the Dock Tours in the Homer Harbor, where guests are guided in hands-on exploration of the unique invertebrates and fish that live on and around the sides of the floating dock. SPIT Kids and Dock Tour activities are well-developed, but provide ample opportunities for creativity and flexibility.
This position reports to the Yurt Coordinator.
Position runs from May 26 – September 1, 2026 (end date negotiable).
Pay is $19/hour with shared housing provided ($22/hour without housing)
Core Duties:
Plan and lead fun and educational art, science, and nature observation activities for SPIT Kids participants.
Assist with other youth programs as scheduled, including CACS Day Camp (ages 7-9) and Creatures of the Dock Tours or Living Ocean trips for organized youth groups such as Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, etc.
Plan and lead engaging and informative Creatures of the Dock Tours for visitors of all ages. Adjust each tour to fit the group and the day’s weather.
Develop and ensure a safe, fun, and positive environment for all participants in SPIT Kids. Work cooperatively with guardians and other CACS staff and volunteers to provide high-quality experiences for participants. Administer basic first aid. Set behavior expectations and implement positive behavior supports.
Serve as point of contact for guardians and work closely with coworkers to address any special challenges or needs that may arise.
Ensure safety of visitors of all ages while on tours and set group guidelines that are respectful of the other individuals working at the Homer Harbor. Model positive interactions with human communities and the natural world, lead planned stewardship activities, and use ‘teachable moments’ to communicate the importance of stewardship and respect.
Perform front-facing customer service duties including but not limited to: Collecting program fees, answering questions, performing basic administrative tasks, and selling promotional items. Represent Coastal Studies to the public in a professional and friendly manner.
Additional Duties:
Provide photos for social media and advertising, conduct participant evaluations of programs (as needed), and complete basic administrative tasks.
Assist with weekly SPIT Kids (ages 6-10) program once a week. Assist with other youth programs as scheduled, including CACS Day Camp (ages 7-9).
Maintain CACS program supplies and perform daily/weekly cleaning of the Yurt.
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.
Experience or demonstrated desire to work with children and adults in outdoor settings.
Commitment to facilitating experiential, place-based, fun, and inclusive learning experiences for all ages.
Knowledge of – or strong interest in learning about – basic intertidal and marine ecology and history and culture of the Homer area.
Strong communication skills to create respectful and welcoming environments for learning and working.
Ability to work in a highly collaborative work environment, including skills for providing and receiving feedback.
Willingness to learn on the job and adapt to changing circumstances (such as weather, group needs, etc.)
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 risk management experience in dynamic outdoor settings.
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.
