NYC H2O, a New York City-based environmental nonprofit, is seeking a part-time Environmental Educator to teach place-based environmental stewardship programs in New York City schools to grades 5 - 12. The Environmental Educator will learn, update and teach curricula that engage youth in local environmental issues, geospatial data collection (eg. GIS), and environmental stewardship. In-school programs are primarily based in Harlem, Washington Heights, and Bushwick. Responsibilities have the potential to expand as time goes on.
Primary Responsibilities- Prepare and lead lessons at designated program sites, including schools in Harlem, Washington Heights, and Brooklyn
- Ensure that education and stewardship equipment is accounted for and in working condition
- Work with Research Program Manager to modify lesson plans and slides
- Supervise students of various ages in outdoor programming to ensure their safety and successful completion of field-based activities
- Work with classroom teachers, as needed, to design programs to meet classroom learning goals
- Organize and manage community and student-led street cleanups
- Perform horticultural maintenance of green infrastructure assets, including rain gardens, school gardens, pollinator gardens, and green streets
- Oversee the collection and management of GIS data within the ArcGIS suite, including Field Maps, Survey123, ArcGIS Online, Dashboards, and StoryMaps
- Mentor students in data and media collection methods for environmental research
- The candidate will be instrumental in expanding our programs to the Bronx and communities along the Harlem River.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental studies, ecology, geography, education, or related field and at least one (1) year of experience in education or working with middle and/or high school students, OR a combination of education and relevant experience that demonstrates the ability to work in classrooms and in the field with diverse groups of students
- Experience using GIS tools, or a willingness to learn quickly
- Ability to work within a team-oriented environment, as well as independently
- Knowledge of New York City's environments, culture, geography, and history
- Passion for the outdoors and grassroots activism
- Able to lift and carry up to 30lbs and are comfortable working outdoors
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to help interpret science concepts and to coordinate with others
- Creative, strategic, and analytical thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects and wear different "hats"
Work Commitment: Part-Time: 15-20 hours/week, with the possibility for extension
Compensation: $30 per hour
To apply, email your resume and a cover letter to Kevin Barrett at kevin@nych2o.org
About NYC H2O:
NYC H2O, nych2o.org, inspires and educates New Yorkers of all ages to learn about, enjoy, and protect their city's local water ecology. By offering experiential school, field trip, and community programs at historic reservoirs, parks, watersheds, bays, rivers, and wetlands, we encourage diverse NYC residents to engage with the outdoors and advocate for equitable access to urban nature and responsible public policy. Our activities promote knowledge of New York's local ecosystems and grassroots action for urban water resilience and environmental justice in a time of escalating climate change impacts.