Our Team

Destiny Mendoza

Destiny is the Wildlife Biology Associate working at the Warm Springs unit of the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge. She is a graduate from Cal State East…

Leila Inocentes

Leila is the Watershed Watchers Interpretive Associate. She graduated from San Jose State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Climate Change Strategies. While completing…

Aja Yee

Aja is the Peninsula Programs Coordinator. She has 15 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations educating the public and interpreting the natural sciences in outdoor environments….

Mary Deschene

Mary is the Program Administrator. She came to us from Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge in Albuquerque. As Founding Board Member of the Friends of Valle de Oro,…

Sirena Lao

Sirena is the Executive Director and Watershed Watchers Program Coordinator. She has a B.S. in Environmental Science and an M.S. in Natural Resource Ecology & Management. Prior…

Opportunities

We are 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. This position 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 an average of 18 hours per week. 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 Refuge headquarters in Fremont. The position is funded by a contract with SCVURPPP, which is effective through June 30th, 2025. 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 components of the program. Our programs are primarily in-person, often in outdoor settings, and may include some virtual programs held over Zoom.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Implement 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%

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Coursework towards a bachelor’s degree in education, biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field, OR equivalent experience
  • Demonstrated communication skills, ability to work with a team and independently, and attention to detail
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Basic computer experience including Microsoft Office and Google Drive
  • Able to pass a background check

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Wildlife and/or plant identification skills
  • Experience developing educational programs and interacting with diverse audiences
  • Experience working with children
  • Experience with Canva or other creative software
  • Experience with Eventbrite or other event management platforms
  • Experience with social media, including Facebook and Instagram
  • Bilingual skills are highly encouraged

COMPENSATION: Starts at $18 per hour

HOW TO APPLY: Please apply by filling out this application form (must have a Google account). 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 [email protected]. Primary interviews will be held via Zoom. Application review will begin immediately, so early applications are encouraged. Applications will be accepted until February 17, or until the position is filled.

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.