Middle School Education Technician in Visalia, California at Sequoia Riverlands Trust

About Sequoia Riverlands Trust

Sequoia Riverlands Trust is a regional nonprofit land trust focused on the Tulare Basin, which comprises the southern San Joaquin Valley and Sierra foothills of Kern, Kings, Tulare, and Fresno counties, with additional conservation projects in 5 other California counties. We are accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, and our mission to conserve the lands and waters of California’s heartland is supported by our ambitious programs in conservation easements (habitat and farmland), land stewardship, restoration, conservation outreach, and education.

We envision a future in which a network of protected natural and working lands thrives in the region we serve, with business, agriculture, and society aligned around sustainable land and water management practices.

OVERVIEW

The Education Technician will work closely with Sequoia Riverlands Trust’s Education & Volunteer Department, Visalia Unified School District staff, and community partners to implement Nature Explorers, an afterschool environmental education program offered through Visalia Unified School District’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP).

This position supports the middle school Nature Explorers program (7th–8th grade). Through a combination of classroom-based learning and outdoor experiences, students explore local ecosystems, conservation topics, and environmental stewardship while building connections to the natural world.

Education Technicians play an important role in creating a positive and engaging learning environment by leading activities, facilitating discussions, supporting student learning, and encouraging curiosity and exploration.Describe the role and team the candidate will be joining

PROGRAM SCHEDULE & RESPONSIBILITES

The middle school Nature Explorers program operates after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Mondays and Fridays consist of classroom-based programming at participating middle school sites which will rotate throughout the year. Wednesdays are spent at Kaweah Oaks Preserve, where students participate in field-based environmental activities and outdoor exploration experiences.

Education Technicians work directly with students in both classroom and outdoor settings throughout the program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

General Responsibilities

• Work closely with SRT Education & Volunteer staff, Visalia Unified School District staff, ELOP staff, and community partners to support the implementation of the Nature Explorers afterschool program
• Facilitate hands-on environmental education activities and outdoor learning experiences for youth
• Help create a positive, inclusive, engaging, and safe learning environment for students of all backgrounds and abilities
• Assist with preparation, organization, transportation, and clean-up of educational materials and program supplies
• Communicate effectively with staff and program partners regarding schedules, student needs, and program logistics
• Support student engagement, participation, and group management during classroom sessions and field trips
• Follow all SRT and VUSD safety procedures and youth protection policies

• Support afterschool programming on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
• Assist with facilitating classroom-based environmental education curriculum and project-based learning activities
• Lead and support field trip activities at Kaweah Oaks Preserve on Wednesdays
• Support student participation in outdoor exploration, scientific observation, environmental stewardship activities, and collaborative projects

• Mondays and Fridays: classroom sessions at participating middle school sites
• Wednesdays: field trips to Kaweah Oaks Preserve
• Typical work hours range from approximately 3:30 PM–6:30 PM depending on the day and transportation schedule
• Education Technicians typically work 10-12 hours per week during the school year, with weekly hours varying based on program schedule
• Occasional Saturday events, trainings, community programs, or evening activities may be required

SUPERVISION

• The Education Technician reports to the Education & Volunteer Program Manager and works closely with other Education & Volunteer staff and AmeriCorps Members.

DESIRED SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• 1-2 years’ experience teaching in the classroom or in out-of-school-time programs
• Basic knowledge[SW1] of the San Joaquin Valley social and environmental challenges
• Enthusiasm, patience, and group management skills to work with youth, including at-risk and underserved youth and community members of all ages
• Willingness to monitor email, text, and phone to adapt to schedule modifications and communicate changes in availability
• Ability to encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among staff members and program participants
• Open to change and to considerable variety in the workplace
• Ability to learn fast, research information when needed and work independently
• Strong team player, willing to assist others when needed
• Self-starter approach to work, with an eagerness to consistently meet and exceed objectives
• Must have a valid Driver’s license, liability insurance and access to reliable transportation

WORK SETTING AND CONDITIONS

SRT’s headquarters in Visalia, California, a city of about 130,000 residents in the southern San Joaquin Valley. The region has a “Mediterranean” climate, with cold, moist winters and hot, dry summers. The Education Technician will work in both classroom and outdoor settings and should be comfortable leading activities in a variety of environments and weather conditions.

Physical Demands

• The Education Technician will spend 50% of their workday outdoors, on their feet in all types of weather conditions
• Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds (i.e., educational materials, equipment, etc.)
• Manual dexterity sufficient to reach and handle items, work with fingers, and perceive attributes of objects and materials; ability to stand, walk, sit, and reach
• Ability to sit in workstation, type and work with a computer

COMPENSATION

This is an hourly position on Band 1 of SRT’s compensation structure. The position offers an hourly rate between $18-$20 for new employees, depending on education and experience.

OTHER NOTES

• SRT is not able to provide relocation assistance for this position
• Candidates MUST be able to pass a background check
• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time
• Staff members are expected to consciously and continuously promote the mission, values, programs, and impact of the organization when presented with opportunities for participating in membership development and reaching out to personal connections on behalf of SRT

Sequoia Riverlands Trust is an equal opportunity employer. Our practices support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in our workforce.