Description

TreePeople is an environmental nonprofit organization that is mobilizing people, business, philanthropists, and public agencies to work together to create green, resilient communities by planting trees, capturing the rainwater, greening schools, and providing fun environmental educational activities. We inspire, engage, and support the community to increase the urban tree canopy and address climate threats and environmental justice in Los Angeles and across the region.

We are seeking an Eco Educator for the Natural Connections program that delivers environmental and sustainability education, family tours, and moonlight hikes to over 10,000 people each year at Coldwater Canyon Park, Salt Lake Park, Audubon Center at Debs Park, Cindy Montanez Natural Park, Rudy Ortega Park, and Stunt Ranch. The goal of the program is to connect people, especially youth, to outdoor spaces and create a more climate resilient city through the planting and care of trees; conserving, capturing and infiltrating water; creating healthy, productive soil; and more.

Responsibilities:? 

• Deliver intentional, fun, and educational experiences to youth, community, and family groups on most weekdays.
• Deliver weekend guided tours through natural spaces for young people, community, and family groups as needed.
• Deliver evening Moonlight hikes as needed.
• Supervise, support, and lead large groups of students participating in community plantings and mountain restoration events.
• Set up stations and ensure a clean and safe space prior to student arrival.
• Provide in-class educational opportunities at schools, local libraries, and other education-centric spaces.
• Maintain all equipment, displays, and props needed to carry out Natural Connections tours, Eco-Tours, Family Tours, and Moonlight Hikes.
• Support TreePeople’s Nursery, Park Operations, Urban Forestry, and Mountain Forestry teams as needed.
• Represent TreePeople in the classroom, community, and beyond.
• Participate in Education and TreePeople All-Staff gatherings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be committed to environmental sustainability and social justice.
• Must have experience working with young people and adults.
• Must demonstrate flexibility, patience, and strong time management skills.
• Experience and/or education in interpretive/environmental education, and/or performing arts is preferred.
• Strong communication skills and comfort speaking to a group or to individuals.
• Must be organized, detail oriented, and punctual.
• Able to work outside for hours at a time during tree planting events, tree care events, and canvassing.
• Able to dig holes, lift heavy equipment, and planting materials, including 15-gallon shade trees, 5-gallon water buckets, and tools.
• Able to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Able to stand and walk for long periods.
• Must have reliable transportation and be willing to drive to schools and parks all over Los Angeles County.
• Driver’s license and proof of insurance required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination required.

The ideal candidate possesses a sound grasp of ecology and environmental issues, a basic understanding of effective educational methods, cross-cultural sensitivity, and a playful sense of fun.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, this position requires standing (mostly as a presenter), walking, driving, as well as the ability to lift 25 pounds.