We’re hiring!

Join our team as a part-time educator

ECO’s Educator is the face of the organization. They provide a key connection between our schools, outdoor sites, and students. Educators create the educational setting and ambiance to help students meaningfully engage with nature. They work closely with the Program Manager to understand our program’s parameters and specifics, from curriculum delivery to outdoor project management. They will regularly work on school grounds to maintain student safety, create an engaging and enjoyable outdoor and classroom experience, and deliver the curriculum.

This position provides indoor, in-school, and outdoor programming as an Educator for our elementary and secondary school programs. As an ECO Educator, you will be able to gain a wide variety of knowledge and experience through the quality and depth of our programming. It takes all of us working together and independently to make ECO strong and resilient.

The Essentials

Part-time, hours negotiable, non-exempt
$20.00-$24.00 an hour 
Benefits: FTE equivalent of 80 hours of PTO + 15 floating holidays
50% employer-paid health, dental/vision insurance
401(k) employer 2% match
Schedule: Monday - Friday, daytime hours, with in-class days scheduled Tuesday- Thursday, primarily
Location: Based in Portland, OR; working from home and at sites around Portland Metro
Start Date: January 2027
This is a temporary position through June 15th with an option to extend.

Application deadline: Open until filled; applications submitted by December 1 will be given priority

How to Apply

Prepare a one-page cover letter that describes how your life and professional experiences are a good fit for this position and why you’re excited about the opportunity to support ECO and the students we engage. Include a two-page resume and save it along with your cover letter as a single PDF file. Do not attach any other documents to your initial application.

Email materials to alexandra@ecologyoutdoors.org with the subject line: Educator, First & Last Name.

ECO is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the organization. We seek to develop a diverse candidate pool and welcome nominations and applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin. As an ECO team member, your work will help educate and inspire students from all backgrounds and perspectives by making their nature-based experiences truly meaningful and long-lasting. To best serve our communities, we need passionate, committed staff with steadfast faith and trust in the ability of a small group of dedicated individuals to make our world a better place. Our team culture is evident in respectful, open, and authentic communications that support ECO’s mission and our engagement of students in nature’s classroom.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a unique background and may not be a formally trained educator. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role. We believe that diversity is the key to human creativity in our daily adventures.

Roles & Responsibilities

Program Delivery 

  • Collaborate with the Program Manager to deliver ECO programs in elementary and secondary schools and at our habitat enhancement sites

  • Co-lead groups of 25 to 30 students both indoors and outdoors

  • Deliver ECO curriculum in elementary and secondary school settings

  • Deliver lesson content and activity instructions; assist students in completing activities

  • Prepare, set up, and clean up all teaching materials

  • Deliver ECO curriculum in outdoor settings connected to service-learning projects

  • Bring engaging energy and enthusiasm to the curriculum, field sites, and schools

  • Create and maintain a safe and brave space for students’ well-being

  • Maintain positive relationships with school, guardians, and community partners 

Other Duties

  • Curriculum development

  • Support program managers throughout the year as needed (collect and analyze survey data, track program metrics, etc)

  • Document lessons with photos and videos and upload to our digital photo galleries and assist with social media

  • Keep tools, supplies, and equipment organized

  • Participate in staff meetings to discuss programs, curriculum, and new ideas

  • Utilize Monday.com and Google Calendar to view and be responsible for your calendar, schedule, and other project tasks

  • Consistently begin each day prepared and on time

  • Have reliable transportation to sites

  • Other tasks as needed, as ECO is a small nonprofit 

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • A high level of Spanish-language proficiency will be given priority as ECO has Spanish-language ecology programming

  • Combination of relevant education, training, and experience that demonstrates your ability to fulfill the duties of this position

  • Demonstrate self-motivation, independence, and a positive attitude

  • Commitment to, and enthusiasm for, ECO’s mission and cultural values

  • Commitment to working with diverse teammates

  • Ability to multitask and adapt quickly to changing situations

  • Background knowledge in natural resources/ecology/gardening

  • Willingness to grow and evolve with the organization

  • Knowledge of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and trauma-informed practice