Education Assistant

Apply by Feb. 5th. Start date is Feb. 24, 2025.

Job Summary:

An education assistant is a full-time employee who will lead or assist on education activities, primarily children and youth programs, and help with events for RPC, ensuring a successful, professional and excellent experience for all participants. This staff member acts as a representative of RPC and the Redwood National Park to promote the mission of both organizations. An education assistant leads activities at the Howland Hill Outdoor School. And assists during other responsibilities as needed. Hours may include weekdays, evenings & eligible for overtime after 40 hours. Permanent one-year termed position with benefits in a drug-free, smoke-free workplace. This position reports to the Director of Volunteer and Transportation Retail Operations but receives day to day operations from the National Park Service outdoor school coordinators. The position is in accordance with the Redwood Parks Conservancy Employee Handbook.

Essential Job Functions: Working under the guidance of the Howland Hill Outdoor School lead Ranger, duties will include:

• Researching, developing, and delivering K-12 environmental education programs to school groups of up to 35 students in an outdoor school setting
• Researching, developing, and delivering in-class programs for multiple grade levels in schools
• Creating curriculum-based education programs that align with California State Standard Benchmarks, Next Generation Science Standards, and that support the RPC and park’s mission.
• Creating program materials and props for successful delivery of programs.
• Scheduling and developing the Howland Hill School yearly program calendar by contacting teachers.
• Scheduling programs in accordance with school schedules.
• Participating in youth and family outreach programs and community activities.
• Ensuring on the job safety and health for all participants.
• Develop trip and lesson plans for individual outings.
• Create and gather outing specific program materials when necessary.
• Scout routes, schools, and areas prior to leading/assisting on trips.
• Lead outings for youth ages 5-18, adults, seniors, and college students.
• Ensure participants’ safety, fun and complete satisfaction.
• Be familiar with and follow all Redwood Parks Conservancy and Redwood National Park guidelines;
• Register participants, lead group introductions and manage expectations before activities.
• Work with staff to develop and implement engaging new lesson plans for youth outdoor education.
• Attend professional development trainings.
• Manage classroom behavior and implement a discipline and reward system.
• Share educational concepts, including natural history, cultural, historical information, and environmental knowledge with participants on outings.
• Lead and/or assist on summer day camps.
• Represent the organization at community events and outreaches.
• Monitor environmental conditions (high water, storms, lightning, heat, cold, etc.) before and during an outing.
• Care for participants’ needs, handle emergencies and contingencies.
• Ensure all relevant paperwork is completed and returned to the office in a timely manner including participant evaluations, risk waivers, final trip reports, etc.
• Follow low-impact, Leave-No-Trace environmental practices in all instances
• Be an ambassador for Redwood Parks Conservancy and the Redwood National and State Parks.
• Other duties as assigned.
• This job description can be modified by the RPC Executive Director, with at least 30 days’ notice.

Other Job Functions:

• Attends regular staff meetings as a productive and engaged member of the RPC team.
• Answers phone calls and emails in a professional manner.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and professional demeanor; strong ability to work effectively with all levels of management, staff, park partners, visitors, and all suppliers.
• Ability to manage and work with groups of children.
• Knowledge of Redwood National and State Parks and other neighboring public lands.
• Ability to work independently, in a team environment with minimal supervision at times.
• Ability to proactively engage participants to ensure a positive experience.
• Willing to work in an ever-changing environment, to meet changing demands.
• Willing to work varied hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays if needed.
• Serve as a role model for other staff.
• Ability to be highly dependable and at work on time during a 40-hour work week.

Physical Abilities:

• Able to sit or stand for several hours at a time.
• Able to constantly kneel, bend, and twist to move product in a warehouse or store setting.
• Able to pull, push, or carry objects weighing 40 lbs., with occasional heavier weight.
• The role also requires the ability to hike over rough terrain at a steep incline for up to five miles.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to meet the physical abilities noted above.
• Previous education experience required.
• California Driver’s License and proof of insurance.
• Ability to pass a background check to be allowed to work within a public-school building.
• Reliable transportation to be at work when scheduled.
• Willing to work in a somewhat remote location, with minimal supervision.

About Redwood Parks Conservancy:

Merged from two organizations founded in 1978 and 1986, Redwood Parks Conservancy (RPC) is a nonprofit cooperating association whose mission is to foster understanding, enjoyment and stewardship by providing support to our partner agencies – the National Park Service, California State Parks, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service – who are entrusted with the care of northern California’s public lands. Our vision statement is as follows: Northern California’s coastal public lands are special places, rich with historical, cultural and natural resources that inspire those who visit them. Through expanded education, these unique resources will be enjoyed and protected for generations to come.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• After school
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $25