Science Educator

Sierra Nevada Journeys seeks dynamic education professionals to help expand the program base in Reno, NV. This position requires a motivated individual who has experience working with kids and is passionate about building scientific literacy and critical thinking skills through outdoor science education. The ideal candidate is prepared to teach in various settings (classroom, outdoors, afterschool program, and Family STEM Nights) and support the overall education operations of the Classrooms Unleashed program. They should also be prepared to collaborate on curriculum design and revision, program evaluation, and administrative support of the overall education operations of the Classrooms Unleashed program. The position requires an individual who can work well on their own and a team and who is committed to supporting a nonprofit that is working to improve access to the outdoors through high-quality, inclusive, and accessible programming. Science Educators will report directly to Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Reno Program Director.  

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Education (70%)

Teach Sierra Nevada Journeys programs in the classroom and field and lead Family STEM Nights. Typical programs may include the following:

• Classrooms Unleashed – Most teaching will be done through this multi-part program. This program includes two in-class lessons and an outdoor science field study at a local nature site. Topics include Earth Science, Life Science, Environmental Science, and Physical Science and Engineering.
  • Outdoor field studies – This involves leading groups of 12-20 students, K-6th grade, through a variety of field-based science activities at local nature sites during the field study portion of the Classrooms Unleashed program.
• Family STEM Nights – Lead family engagement events at elementary schools and partnering community-based organizations. Serve as site contact, lead and organize volunteers, organize and set up station supplies, and “emcee” the event.
• Afterschool Programs – Facilitate 60–90-minute, hands-on STEM and team-building activities with up to 30 students in the classroom and in the schoolyard.
• Summer Day Camp – Facilitate summer day camp programs at local outdoor sites. Lead groups of 15 elementary-aged children through STEM learning activities and traditional summer camp activities. 

Program Administration & Curriculum Development (30%)

• Support Classrooms Unleashed program administration, including scheduling classroom lessons, creating student notebooks and teacher information packets, communicating with teachers, etc.
• Collaborate with colleagues to design high-quality curriculum and materials for Classrooms Unleashed, Family STEM Nights, afterschool programs, summer programs, and special projects
• Maintain physical and digital organizational systems (i.e., filing student waivers, assessments, teacher materials, program materials, etc.)
• Manage and organize an inventory of program and office supplies
• Develop, deliver, and grade student assessments
• Enter and analyze assessment data and teacher program evaluation data
• Represent Sierra Nevada Journeys to the public at outreach and educational tabling events
• Participate in training, peer coaching, and mentorship of interns and fellows

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Substitute teaching license. Current licensure is not required to apply, but if considered for the position, you must be willing to pursue it.
• Experience working with children
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural relevancy
• Current Red Cross CPR and First Aid (or willing to fulfill this requirement before the start date)
• Ability to commute daily to schools and field trip sites within a 45-minute drive of the Sacramento office (with occasional longer commutes). Sierra Nevada Journeys provides mileage reimbursement.
• Ability to pass a background check
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and maintain a positive attitude
• All employees and volunteers are required to attest in writing they have up-to-date immunizations against the diseases required for public school attendance in the state in which they work

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• NV multi-subject teaching credential
• 2+ years of experience teaching in formal or informal education settings
• Passionate commitment to educational equity and understanding of issues of systemic oppression
• Excellent written, phone, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and to be accountable to deliverables
• Attention to detail and organization
• Experience with and understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards

 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• $20-$22/hour ($41,600-$45,760 annual equivalent)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (covers 90% for employees and 25% for dependents)
• Paid time off and 11 paid holidays per year
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan and up to a 4% match by Sierra Nevada Journeys Annual discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance
• Mileage reimbursement
• $500/year professional development stipend toward relevant professional goals
• Dynamic work environment, mission-driven work = fun and fulfilling career
• Innovative company focused on high-quality programs and increasing access to the outdoors