JOB SUMMARY:
We welcome families and students to discover the wonders of nature in our Field Trips, Seasonal Camps, and early childhood Eco-Tots programs for kids. We’ve designed our outdoor spaces for children and their adults or teachers to explore our diverse ecological landscape with all of their senses. Educators are responsible for creating this safe, engaging, dynamic, "yes" space for children or all ages and their guardian(s). Educators create rhythms, activities, and thoughtfully curated prompts to engage children's sensory wonder and engage their guardian(s) and teacher(s) in conversations aligned with The Ecology Center's vision and mission. Educators set a tone of stewardship and presence, hospitality, and work to develop a community who engages in meaningful work that is worthy of imitation.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is responsible for maintaining a beautiful and rich outdoor learning classroom/DIY space/playspace and various activation spaces throughout the farm for children beginning at age 1. The educator is responsible for conducting sessions featuring a “Grow-Eat-Make-Peace” agroecological theme. There are multiple sessions offered or groups scheduled per day, year-round. In addition, the teacher will greet and interact with children, teachers, and families, encouraging them to engage with onsite activities. The Eco-Tots Educators will work collaboratively with our Public Education Programs Manager and Education Director and support staff to help promote the programs, to communicate with prospective clients, and to assist families in learning about other The Ecology Center programs such as Eco-Tots, Microgreens, Farm Raised, Field Trips, Seasonal Camps, Festivals, and other Farm Events. Likewise, they are key players in the planning, production, and clean-up of these programs, festivals, and events.
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications:
Demonstrate commitment to working out of the values of The Ecology Center.
Have strong interpersonal skills. Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers and the general public.
Ability to actively and clearly communicate with supervisors and directors to set goals, review KPIs, accept feedback and make changes to maximize success.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
Technical Skills: Applicants must be confident in using: Word processing software, Spreadsheet software, Email management, Data entry, Digital calendars, Text messaging, Video conferencing, Guest Relations software (e.g., check-in app). Experience:
Have parent-child class/group teaching experience, or have equivalent work experience. License/Certification: Hold an Early Childhood teaching certification from a recognized institution, or have equivalent work experience.
SCHEDULE: As needed. Day shifts; Typically beginning at 8am and ending at 3:30pm. Programming may occur every day of the week.
HOW TO APPLY: Complete an online questionnaire. https://forms.gle/nCYuYqj8Wbew9NXD8 and come back and finish your Paycom application
Skills Required
- Commitment to The Ecology Center’s values
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public
- Ability to communicate with supervisors and directors, set goals, review KPIs, accept feedback, and make changes
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
- Confidence using word processing, spreadsheet, email management, data entry, digital calendars, text messaging, video conferencing, and guest relations software
- Parent-child class or group teaching experience, or equivalent work experience
- Early Childhood teaching certification from a recognized institution, or equivalent work experience
- Bilingual English and Spanish
What We Do
The Ecology Center is a Berkeley-based nonprofit that transforms sustainability ideals into everyday practice. Founded in 1969, it advances environmental and community health through education, demonstration, replication, and advocacy. Programs include curbside recycling operations, weekly farmers’ markets, youth development and climate work, and policy advocacy to improve urban community wellbeing while serving local residents and policymakers.
