Classroom-based Educator

Classroom-Based Environmental Educator

Location: (1 position) Yakima County, Washington

Date Available: September 3, 2025

Classification: Project Specific (no benefits except paid holidays and accrued sick time)

Salary Range: $21.00-$23.00 per hour depending on experience. Travel is required, using your own vehicle, and reimbursed at the current rate established by OFM (Office of Financial Management). $50.00/month cell phone stipend is also available.

Duration and Hours: 30-35 hours, but not to exceed 40 hours per week. This position is funded through May 31, 2025, and will be re-evaluated in May 2026 for sustainability based on available funds.

Summary: The Franklin Conservation District is hiring a classroom-based environmental educator to implement the Wheat Week, Drain Ranger and Jr. Drain Ranger Programs in Yakima County, Washington.  Educator provides high-quality conservation education programs to students grades K-5. Through this work, students gain a better understanding of the science behind complex environmental issues and will become better able to address these issues responsibly.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate and teach Wheat Week, Drain Rangers, and Jr. Drain Rangers lessons to area schools
• Disseminate information to local school districts and teachers via email and phone
• Provide high-quality and energetic lessons to area schools and school groups
• Assist in the further development of the FCD’s Education and Outreach Programs
• Able to perform and prioritize work tasks with little supervision
• Maintain accurate records of lessons taught, number of students and teachers taught
• Maintain and clean equipment on a daily basis
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, prioritize, and use professional judgment
• Foster positive relationships with school district staff and community partners.

Required Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, environmental education, natural resources, or related field
• At least one year of experience working in a classroom setting teaching children
• Demonstrated experience in managing students in hands-on learning either indoors or outdoors
• WSP/FBI background clearance required
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft and Google products (PowerPoint, Excel, Google Drive, etc.)

Traits That You Must Possess:

• Proactive self-starter. A strong sense of taking initiative moving forward without waiting to be told what to do and how to do it.
• Flexible and can thrive in a fast-paced environment where you may have to wear several hats.
• Possess confidence while being humble: lack excessive ego or concern about status. Willing to share credit, emphasize team over self and define success collectively rather than individually.
• Hungry: always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. Constantly thinking about the next step and opportunity.
• Smart: have common sense about people. Good judgement and intuition around the subtleties of group dynamics and the impact of your words and actions.

These statements MUST resonate with you:

“Yes, that is possible. Let me handle it, I’ll figure it out.”

“I am not sure, but I will find out for you.”

“I have not done that before, but I can do it.”

About our Team:

We want this position to be one that you can be passionate about and look forward to embracing. We want you to grow, be challenged, and have fun while doing things that you are skilled at and enjoy.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office or at home office environment (flexible); however, travel is required to local schools and program sites. Must be able to lift and carry a maximum of 35 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

MUST HAVE VALID DRIVERS LICENSE AND CAR INSURANCE

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer. It is the policy of the Franklin Conservation District to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirement.