Interpretive Associate for the Watershed Watchers Program

23 Apr 2024

Come join us! We are hiring an Interpretive Associate to work at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

  • Part-time, ~18 hours/week
  • Gain experience working in the non-profit sector and work closely with Refuge staff and volunteers.
  • Help with interpretive, education and restoration activities, and engage diverse audiences with nature.
  • Work outside on a National Wildlife Refuge
  • Hybrid working schedule
  • Apply now! First review of applications: May 1, 2024

Position Description

The San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society (SFBWS), a not-for-profit Friends group to the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, is looking for an enthusiastic Interpretive Associate to work at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) assisting with interpretive programs and environmental education and outreach. The Associate will work under the Watershed Watchers Program Coordinator and in close partnership with US Fish & Wildlife Service staff and volunteers to promote the Watershed Watchers mission, funded by Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP).

This position is part-time, working approximately 18 hours per week. Opportunities to add additional hours may become available. The start date is flexible, but ideally before the end of May. The schedule is variable and will be arranged with the supervisor. Because many of our programs are on weekends, the ability to work weekends, especially Sundays, is required. The position entails a combination of virtual work from home and in-person work at the Environmental Education Center (EEC) at the Refuge site in Alviso (North San Jose). Some in-person work also occurs at other sites in Santa Clara County and at the Refuge headquarters in Fremont. The position is funded by a contract with SCVURPPP, which ends June 30th, 2024. The contract is subject to annual renewal. Watershed Watchers has been funded through this contract for over 10 years.

Program Types

The Watershed Watchers program hosts a variety of interpretive programs that highlight the native wildlife and ecological diversity of bayland habitats, the rich history of the area, and how community members can get involved in protecting these local habitats through urban runoff pollution prevention. Habitat restoration activities and wildlife-friendly gardening education are also a component of the program. Our programs are primarily in-person, often in outdoor settings, and include some virtual programs held over Zoom.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with a variety of interpretive events and programs serving groups and communities of all ages, interests, and backgrounds through in-person tours at Refuge sites, presentations, off-site visits and tabling events, and virtual formats, 40%
  • Develop interpretive and educational materials, 20%
  • Assist with social media content and outreach platforms, 10%
  • Communicate and work with volunteers and program partners, 5%
  • Participate in meetings and contribute to other projects as needed, 15%
  • Report writing and administrative tasks, 10%

Qualifications

  • Coursework towards a bachelor’s degree in education, biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field, OR equivalent experience
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Basic computer experience including Microsoft Office and Google Docs
  • Authorized to work in the U.S. and able to pass a background check
  • Able to lift up to 40 lbs. and traverse on uneven surfaces
  • Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills
  • Basic animal and plant identification skills
  • Preferred: basic animal and plant identification skills; experience developing educational programs and interacting with diverse audiences; previous work with children; experience with creative software such as Canva; comfortable with public speaking. Bilingual skills are highly encouraged.

Compensation

City of San Jose minimum wage, currently $17.55 per hour.

How to Apply

Please apply by filling out this application form. https://forms.gle/kmEkdLP2HcJijdkF9

If you are unable to complete the form, please send a cover letter, resume, and two references in a single PDF to Sirena Lao at sirena.lao@sfbayws.org.

We will begin our initial review of applications on May 1st. Primary interviews will be held via Zoom.

SFBWS is an equal opportunity employer; employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment and encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your cover letter, feel free to note which pronouns you use.