Conservation Educator

The Orange County Water Authority (OCWA) is seeking a Conservation Educator to teach its Conservation Education programs to students throughout Orange County, NY school districts using the OCWA’s curriculum. 

Job Title:  Conservation Educator

Reports To:  Executive Director, Administrator, Senior Education Team

The educator will perform work under the general supervision of the Executive Director, but will exercise independent judgment in performing duties in consultation with the OCWA Administrator, and the Senior Education Team.

Job Description:  The primary focus of the OCWA’s Conservation Education program is in-person, classroom-based educational outreach in schools throughout Orange County, NY.  These programs are offered free to County schools and support and enhance grade level curriculum and learning standards, while focusing on water conservation & protection, local and regional watersheds & drinking water resources, and related environmental topics.  In addition, educators lead and participate in other field trips, events, programs, conferences, and workshops throughout the year in different regional locations and capacities.  This is an independent contracting position. The Conservation Educator is responsible for maintaining their own office space, transportation, equipment, and insurance in order to carry out all the duties required of the position.  

Role & Responsibilities:

• Independent lesson preparation & delivery of in-person outreach programs, including managing all materials, supplies, and equipment needed to carry out OCWA Conservation Education programs
• Program planning, logistics, scheduling, and communication
• Ongoing mentorship and collaboration with senior OCWA Education team
• Maintaining strong relationships with teachers, school administrators, regional organizations, the OCWA team, and other professionals in the field
• Independently participate in ongoing learning to stay up to date with current understandings and best practices in the field
• Attendance at OCWA meetings via conference call or in-person at the OCWA offices in Goshen, NY as requested
• Educator is expected to occasionally attend outside events to promote the Conservation Education program and educate students and citizens of Orange County – these sometimes take place on evenings or weekends

Qualifications & Skills:  

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in related field, such as Environmental Science, Education, Natural Resource Management, etc
• Minimum 3 years experience working professionally in a related field – either in an educational role, working with youth in another capacity, or in a related scientific field.  Internship and volunteer experience will be considered.
• The ideal candidate is a gifted teacher with skills and experience working with diverse populations and in diverse educational settings.  The role requires energy, enthusiasm, self-motivation, adaptability, creativity, and innovation.  The OCWA Educator must uphold a kind and welcoming presence where all people are valued, respected, and encouraged.
• Educator must be comfortable working in outdoor spaces with variable terrain and weather.  The position can be physically demanding and fast-paced.
• Educators represent the OCWA and must present with professionalism in their role at all times.
• Depth of subject area knowledge and competency teaching children from early elementary up through high school, and sometimes at the college level, as well as to adults and the public.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills – Educator must correspond with and maintain relationships with teachers, administrators, and other professionals in the field, as well as participate in other aspects of the role that require strength in this area, including but not limited to giving presentations, writing proposals and grants, public speaking, developing written lesson plans, etc.
• Highly organized with strong time-management and scheduling skills; Punctual
• Proficiency with relevant technologies and educational resources – for example, google suite, classroom technologies, basic graphic design, social media, photography and video production
• Candidate must submit to a background check and sign a contract with the OCWA
• On the job training in schools with OCWA’s Conservation Education team will be provided to orient and familiarize the new Educator with the breadth of the OCWA’s Conservation Education curriculum and other roles and responsibilities of the position.

Compensation:

• Hourly rate for training period (approx. May thru Fall 2026)
• Set rate structure per class for school programs with flexibility to set program schedule – more classes, earn more ($35 – $80 per class)
• Hourly rate for lesson prep, meeting attendance, etc
• Day rate for outside events