Eco Opportunities Instructor

TreePeople Inc is hiring an Eco Opportunities Instructor in Los Angeles, CA, to deliver environmental education and workforce development programs. Responsibilities include leading courses, coordinating field trips, and collaborating with various stakeholders to recruit participants aged 14-24. The role requires a teaching credential or equivalent experience, a commitment to diversity and environmental education, and skills in educational methodology and ecological systems.
We are seeking an Eco Opportunities Instructor for TreePeople’s Environmental Education and Outdoor Equity department, that delivers semester-long environmental and sustainability education and workforce development opportunities in a formal, classroom setting. The goal of the program is to inspire people, especially youth, to 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:
• Support the Eco Opportunities Program Manager in implementing the vision, goals, and deliverables of our current Eco Opportunities programs.
• Lead green careers development courses at RUTH YouthBuild in Canoga Park and similar locations, including lesson planning, daily formal classroom instruction, and field trip and guest speaker coordination.
• Lead high school and college interns in green career development internship programs, not only conforming to all rules and regulations for working with minors but also upholding TreePeople’s internal policies and protocols.
• Implement innovative, creative, engaging, and culturally relevant lessons and projects for workforce development programs, including in-classroom classes and internships, receiving feedback and approval as needed.
• Update materials for each cohort aligned to grant requirements, program goals, and participant interests in coordination with Eco Opportunities Program Manager.
• Plan, coordinate, and carry out exposure trips in alignment with each program’s goals and participant interests, ensuring each trip adheres to safe and thorough protocols and is properly coordinated with departments across TreePeople and with partner organizations.
• Collaborate with Eco Opportunities Program Manager and other department staff with the recruitment of young people ages 14-24 to join various programs through outreach, promotion, and engaging with existing partners, including community-based organizations, school districts, teachers, and other stakeholders.
• Carefully administer and file evaluations relating to Eco Opportunities program success.
• Collect, evaluate, and track accurate data, using Salesforce, Asana, Google Suite, and other data collection systems for Eco Opportunities programs.
• Support Eco Opportunities Program Manager with writing and submitting reports to funders regarding grant progress.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance in tracking expenses and adhering to program budgets, as outlined by Eco Opportunities Program Manager.
• Represent TreePeople and the Environmental Education and Outdoor Equity team in the community.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:
• Single Subject Teaching Credential (in the areas of Biological Sciences or related field) or equivalent in-classroom experience.
• Recent, proven experience working with young people ages 14-24, ideally with leading outdoor trips and executing project-based learning experiences.
• An understanding and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and how to implement culturally relevant educational programs.
• Commitment to improving the environment through education.
• Background in educational theory, methodology, pedagogy, and/or Next Generation Science Standards is a plus.
• An understanding of ecological systems and awareness of current environmental issues, including the impacts of urban development and green solutions.
• The ability and willingness to lead trips at various locations across Los Angeles County, occasionally driving participants to and from these sites in rented vehicles.
• Proven self-management skills such as accountability, time management, prioritizing tasks, organization, and communication.
• Must be able to work well both independently and on a team.
• Must be able to work occasional weekends.
• Strong communication skills that include professional writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication.
• High computer literacy, including familiarity with Salesforce, Asana, Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, and other internet-based programs.
• Spanish fluency is a plus.
• Valid California Driver License and reliable transportation is mandatory.