Science Educator

Teach Sierra Nevada Journeys programs in the classroom, at afterschool programs, on field days, and Summer Day Camp, and lead Family STEM Nights (85%) 

Typical programs may include the following: 

Classrooms Unleashed – Most teaching will be done through this multi-part program. This program includes two in-class lessons and an outdoor science field study at a local nature site. Topics include Earth Science, Life Science, Environmental Science, and Physical Science and Engineering. 

Outdoor field studies – This involves leading groups of 12-20 students, K-6th grade, through a variety of field-based science activities at local nature sites during the field study portion of the Classrooms Unleashed program. 

Family STEM Nights – Lead family engagement events at elementary schools and partnering community-based organizations. Serve as site contact, lead and organize volunteers, organize and set up station supplies, and “emcee” the event. 

Afterschool Programs – Facilitate 60–90-minute, hands-on STEM and team-building activities with up to 30 students in the classroom and the schoolyard. 

Summer Day Camp – Facilitate summer day camp programs at local outdoor sites—lead groups of 15 elementary-aged children through STEM learning activities and traditional summer camp activities.  

Assist with program administration duties, such as printing student notebooks, prepping lesson bins, communicating with teachers, grading student assessments, and inputting teacher program evaluation responses (10%) 

Participate in staff meetings and trainings and support outreach events, such as job fairs, educational tabling events, etc. (5%) 

This is a year-round position, with some seasonal variability for hours. Most of our programs align with the school calendar. Therefore, most working hours occur from mid-August to mid-December and late February to mid-June. 

Winter (mid-December through late February) hours will be lower, with fewer programs during these time frames. 

Program development, curriculum writing, teaching, or observing other Sierra Nevada Journeys programs may be included during these off-season time frames. 

Summer hours include leading our Summer Day Camp program at local outdoor sites (mid-June-early August). 

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. availability with occasional evening availability until 7 p.m. for Family STEM Night facilitation (workdays will not exceed 8 hours) 

Ability to commute daily to schools and field trip sites within a 10-45 minute drive of the Reno office. Carpooling from the Reno office is available for most but not all programs. 

Current Red Cross CPR and First Aid (or willing to fulfill this requirement before start date) 

Ability to pass a background check 

Passionate commitment to working with children of all backgrounds 

Ability to take initiative, work independently, and maintain a positive attitude 

All employees and volunteers are required to attest in writing they have up-to-date immunizations against the diseases needed for public school attendance in the state in which they work and have received a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment 

Potential for an additional 3% pay for Spanish fluency or other languages relevant to supporting our programs 

Six paid holidays 

Partial cell phone plan reimbursement 

Paid sick leave 

Optional 403(b) retirement plan and up to a 4% match by Sierra Nevada Journeys  

Mileage reimbursement  

Excellent training in evidence-based teaching practices and positive behavior management 

In-house professional learning sessions and stipend for professional development opportunities 

Innovative organization focused on high-quality programs and improving access to the outdoors.