Who we are
Founded in 1978, Friends of Ballona Wetlands is a non-profit organization whose mission is championing the restoration and protection of Los Angeles’ last coastal wetland and educating our diverse community as stewards of nature. We believe that connecting people with the beauty and importance of natural systems can help them make choices that benefit the land and all the species depending on it.
What we need
We are seeking a passionate environmental educator to help expand our Explore Ballona! Education Program. Our ideal candidate is a hard-working team player, responsible, enthusiastic and adaptable.
Our Explore Ballona! Education Program includes field trip programming, both at the wetlands and in classrooms, for preK through high school students. It also includes multiple weeks of day camp during the summer, a youth development program and periodic tours for the public and other youth groups. This position will assist with and lead aspects of all Explore Ballona! Education Programs and assist with curriculum updates, social media education efforts and organization events.
Preferred Experience and Skills
• 1-3 years’ experience working with children and/or youth, preferably in environmental science or natural history settings
• 1-3 years’ experience working with underserved and/or diverse audiences
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in education, natural sciences or related field
• Willingness to work indoors and outdoors – expect dirt, mud, sand, and heat
• Ability to speak and read/write a language in addition to English
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Proactive, organized and strong attention to detail
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain and lift up to 30 pounds
• Reliable transportation required
Responsibilities
• Lead environmental education field trips for students, including set-up and break-down
• Lead pre and post field trip lessons in-classrooms throughout Los Angeles
• Assist in the planning, coordination, staffing and managing of camp and youth development programs
• Assist in the development and expansion of K-12 curriculum and resources
• (Preferred) Translate curriculum and resources into language(s) other than English
• Create educational content for various social media platforms
• Assist with office work as needed, including stats, reporting, etc.
• Provide program support for community events on weekends as needed
• Assist with the general needs of the organization and its projects at the discretion of the Manager of Environmental Education as appropriate
Physical Demands
The employee is often required to work in outdoor conditions, reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear. All Friends of Ballona Wetlands staff are required to be fully vaccinated, as available, for COVID-19. Please note, our office is on the second floor and is not wheelchair accessible.
Schedule
• Full time, typically, Monday-Friday, 40 hours/week
• At least two weekend days per month to assist with community events and outreach
• Special events on evenings and weekends
• Location is at 211 Culver Blvd. Suite C, Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Benefits
Hourly Rate / Salary: $20.00-$22.11/hour ($41,600 - $46,000 annually) dependent on experience
Health insurance, a retirement plan, and vacation benefits are included as part of employment. In accordance with California Labor Law, employees receive up to 56 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year. All Friends of Ballona Wetlands recognized Holidays will be compensated in accordance to time worked.
Friends of Ballona Wetlands is always eager to diversify its staff and reflect our community. Candidates of diverse backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged to apply. Friends of Ballona Wetlands provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including but not limited to pregnancy), gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation, military or veteran status, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, national origin, age, physical and/or mental disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements Friends of Ballona Wetlands complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
If you are excited about the prospect of joining a small team of environmental educators who are creating and providing high-quality environmental education experiences for young people throughout Los Angeles which deepen their understanding, enjoyment and stewardship of the world around them, please send your cover letter and resume to employment@ballonafriends.org to apply!
Friends of Ballona Wetlands is an equal opportunity employer. Interviews will be conducted until the position is filled. A teaching demonstration may be requested of applicants. A background screening will be required as part of our onboarding process. No calls, please.
