STRAW Bilingual Conservation Educator at Point Blue Conservation Science
Location: Based in Petaluma, California
Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Extended Seasonal
Anticipated Duration: August 3, 2026-April 30, 2027 (possibility for extension)
Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Compensation and Benefits: $28.94/hour. Point Blue provides a comprehensive benefit package including employer paid medical and dental for staff and 75% for dependents. Other benefits include life insurance, long- and short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans as well as time off benefits.
About Point Blue:
Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit with over 160 staff and scientists based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture. We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.
We are committed to removing barriers based on racial, gender, cultural, and other factors and believe that equal representation is essential to the success of Point Blue's mission and vision. We seek and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams.
Job Summary:
The
STRAW Bilingual Conservation Educator position works as part of a collaborative team responsible for meeting program objectives, including providing meaningful opportunities for students and teachers to learn about and make a positive change in their local community through wetland and riparian restoration in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. The STRAW Bilingual Conservation Educator will teach a significant portion of our total school-based lessons and support many student restoration days.
Essential Functions:
STRAW Program: 90-95%
- Teaching independently and with another educator throughout the Bay Area, in both English and Spanish
- Primarily outdoors
- On school campuses
- Prepare students for upcoming restoration day
- Teach Multi- Visit Program (MVP) lessons
- Teach supplemental lessons to classes who will not attend a restoration day
- Model teaching science outdoors for K-12 teachers
- Provide enrichment to students through teaching outdoors (benefits include social emotional learning, kinesthetic learning, 3D model making/ engineering skill development, and more)
- At restoration days with students and adult chaperones
- Lead large and small groups of students (i.e. opening and closing circles, learning stations, chaperone circles, planting demonstrations, facilitating student planting groups, etc.).
- Lead, coordinate, and schedule school visits to deliver lessons throughout the Bay Area
- Attend and support restoration days with students, chaperones, and teachers throughout the Bay Area
- Design and edit restoration science, native plant nursery, and place-based curriculum
- Create/translate lesson plans and materials into Spanish, prepare and lead programs in Spanish
- Build relationships with STRAW teachers, support them with resources, ideas, and check ins
- Support STRAW Faculty (retired teachers) with logistics, scheduling, teaching technology
- Attend environmental education collaborative meetings and build relationships with local environmental educators and support environmental education efforts regionally.
- Share teaching tips and inspiration with the STRAW team during all team meetings .
- Provide support and guidance to STRAW Apprentices in developing their skills as educators.
- Support the Conservation Community College Internship (which takes place in June and July annually) through all stages: recruitment, hiring, teaching, coordinating.
- Outreach to local high schools, junior colleges, and universities to raise awareness about careers in conservation science.
- Support with education related grant writing and reporting.
Other Duties as Assigned: 5-10%
- Participate in cross programmatic initiatives and working groups (i.e. DEI WG, Indigenous Partnership Dialogue group, etc.)
Supervisory Responsibility:
- None; provides guidance to STRAW Apprentices and volunteers
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Minimum 1 year teaching experience with K-12 students either in formal or informal settings
- Demonstrated classroom management skills, especially outdoors
- Understanding of questioning strategies
- Foundational knowledge regarding several teaching philosophies, including place-based learning, inquiry-based learning, service learning, and culturally relevant teaching
- Familiarity with various teaching techniques
- Familiarity with lesson planning, Next Generation Science Standards, and assessment tools
- Demonstrated risk management when teaching outside
- Fluent and confident speaking and writing in Spanish
- A strong interest in education, specifically environmental education
- An interest in the field of community-based ecological restoration science/ watershed conservation
- Clear, thoughtful communicator
- Attentive to details, thorough
- Adaptable/ flexible
- Organized, skilled at managing schedule and time
- Enjoys working on a team
- An eagerness to learn, especially about teaching techniques, community based restoration, and equity in education
- Understanding of the myriad of relationships students may have with the outdoors based on class, race, and gender
Certifications and/or Licenses:
- Valid California driver's license and favorable driving history, and proof of auto insurance
- Must meet school district requirements to work with school children
- Ability to meet Wilderness First Responder/ Wilderness First Aid certification requirements
Preferred Education and Experience:
This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, preferably in Education or a related field, and 1 year of teaching experience with K-12 students.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
- This position operates in professional offices, from home, restoration sites, and K-12 school environments.
- This position operates in remote field locations with uneven terrain, limited vehicle access, limited cell phone receptions, and sometimes in a solitary capacity. Must be able to work a full week outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, etc.
- Ability to move up to 30 pounds occasionally
Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:
- Days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm, with variation during the restoration season. Some restoration days or school visits could start as early as 6:30am.
- Very occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand with advanced notice.
- Travel is expected for this position to schools and field site locations, mostly within Sonoma and Marin County. Travel to STRAW field sites in South Bay and Plumas County may be required, with overnight stays, funded through work with advanced notice.
Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.
