OPEN UNTIL FILLED: 

We will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis, beginning in March 2025 

SHORT TERM:

Apr 9, 11, 16, 21 or 22 (trainings)

Apr 28 – June 12 (field trips)June 18 (final discussion)

HOURS:

9:00am – 2:00pm

LOCATION:

Simpson Park/ Talking Water Gardens, Albany, Oregon 

2025 Urban Eco Job Announcement PDF 

OVERVIEW
The Calapooia Watershed Council (CWC) seeks individuals who want to be a part of a student-centered, dynamic outdoor education program to serve as part-time, temporary Urban Ecology Educators. The Educators will work closely with the Education Program Manager to assist with the delivery of outdoor learning experiences for 5th grade students at Simpson Park & Talking Water Gardens in Albany.

This position provides flexible opportunities for educators. Field trip days begin at 9am and end at 2pm

Pay is $22 an hour, with 2 floating holidays. At this time we cannot offer any other benefits. Educators need not be available for all dates, and preference will be given to those who can attend 50% or more of the trips.

ABOUT US
The Calapooia Watershed Council CWC was created by residents of the watershed in 1999, and is a community organization that promotes voluntary actions to improve the health of the watershed. The Council is a leader in youth watershed education, and is currently completing numerous habitat restoration projects.

The Calapooia Watershed Council (CWC) is committed to addressing the inequities inherent in traditional environmental education programs. We have invested time and money into the creation of inclusive, supportive, student-centered experiences, based on empathy and respect for youth and their experiences. As part of our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Justice work, the CWC Education Program is ever-evolving, with a focus on the student experience and fostering connections with the natural world. As part of this transition, we are moving away from the traditional volunteer-led program to one where paid educators receive more intensive training and community building that strengthens our team and prepares us to be dynamic and flexible in program delivery, and to optimize the experience of all students who participate.

ABOUT URBAN ECOLOGY

The 2025 CWC Urban Ecology Program serves 5th grade students in Linn County. Field trips run from April 28th – June 12th and educators guide students as they sharpen their observation skills, explore Talking Water Gardens, and participate in other activities designed to foster and strengthen connections with the natural world.

Groups of 25 – 60 students arrive at 9:30 and receive a group introduction before moving into small groups to proceed through the day with their designated educator. Groups reconvene for lunch, then move through afternoon activities in small groups, culminating in a group debrief. Before the students depart at 2pm. Trips take place Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri. Educators will receive paid training and support throughout the program from the CWC Education Program Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• in charge of students, teach, group mgmt.
• Participate in 4 paid educator trainings
• Facilitate outdoor learning experiences for up to 15 fifth grade students
• Engage students with flexible and dynamic learning experiences to best meet students where they are
• Foster community within student learning groups
• Periodically meet with the Education Program Manager to discuss progress, strategy, and challenges.
• Assist with field trip set up and break down.

ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS

• Commitment to providing outdoor education experiences that center the youth experience
• Experience working with youth from economically and racially diverse backgrounds including low income students, Black, Indigenous, and Students of Color
• Familiarity with forest and river ecology or willingness to learn
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in content delivery methods and activities
• Ability to be flexible in a dynamic environment
• Budding or developed interests in Equity, diversity, inclusion and justice within environmental education

TO QUALIFY, applicants must:
● Pass a criminal background check
● Have a valid driver’s license and vehicle, or ability to arrange reliable transportation to and from the field trip sites
● We would prefer educators who are CPR and first aid certified, or are willing to become certified

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The CWC is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Field Trip Dates.
For each field trip, Educators will arrive on site at 9am and remain until 2pm. Scheduling is flexible, applicants need not be available on all dates to be considered for the position.

*NOTE there are no Urban Ecology trips the week of May 26 (Memorial Day)