Portland, OR – Bird Alliance of Oregon is actively recruiting Summer Educators for its upcoming camp season, emphasizing a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility through a new sliding scale fee structure. The organization seeks passionate individuals with experience in outdoor education to lead programs for children of all socioeconomic backgrounds. This initiative aims to broaden access to environmental education and foster a deeper connection with nature for a diverse range of young people.
The demand for qualified environmental educators comes as Bird Alliance of Oregon expands its camp offerings, including programs at its West Side Sanctuary, East Side locations, and various parks and green spaces throughout the Portland region. The organization’s focus on creating an anti-racist learning environment and celebrating diverse voices in science and conservation is central to the role. Successful candidates will play a key role in mentoring young adult Assistant Educators through the Green Leaders program, a partnership with Hacienda Community Development Corporation.
Sliding Scale Camp and Commitment to Equity
A core component of this summer’s program is the implementation of a sliding scale fee structure, designed to mitigate financial barriers to participation. Bird Alliance of Oregon believes that access to the outdoors should be universal and is actively working to ensure its camps reflect the full diversity of the city. Families registering for camp will be invited to choose a rate based on their financial circumstances, with options ranging from a “Pay It Forward” rate to a “Support” rate, as detailed on the Bird Alliance of Oregon’s website. The organization encourages those who are able to contribute at a higher level to help fund spots for others.
Responsibilities and Qualifications
Summer Educators will perform in small teams of 2-5 to lead 10 weeks of camp with a designated age group. The role involves learning and implementing a provided curriculum across three weeklong camp sessions, repeated three times, with an additional week at the complete of the season. Emphasis is placed on creating culturally responsive camps that foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all children. Educators will also be responsible for providing age-appropriate behavior management and celebrating the contributions of marginalized communities in science and conservation.
Candidates should possess at least one year of experience leading programs with children of diverse ages and backgrounds, as well as experience in informal or outdoor settings like parks or forests. Demonstrated cultural competency and strong communication skills are essential. Knowledge of Pacific Northwest natural history is considered a plus. The position requires a commitment to working weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM, with early release on Fridays. Experience with music, art, or other creative expression is desirable for some positions, and fluency in a second language – including Spanish, Mandarin/Cantonese, Vietnamese, Somali, or Russian – is also valued.
Bird Alliance of Oregon prioritizes staff well-being, ensuring an eight-hour workday and providing flexibility for time off when needed. The organization has made a “strong commitment to protect summer staff time,” according to its job description.
Green Leaders Program and Mentorship
A unique aspect of the Summer Educator role is the opportunity to mentor young adult Assistant Educators from the Green Leaders program. This program, a partnership with Hacienda Community Development Corporation, provides leadership development opportunities for young people. Educators will play a vital role in supporting the growth of these emerging leaders and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
The organization is particularly encouraging applications from individuals with lived experience working with youth of color, immigrants, and people from working-class families. This reflects a broader commitment to building a diverse and inclusive team that can effectively serve the community.
Those interested in learning more about the Summer Educator position and applying can locate additional information on the Bird Alliance of Oregon website. The organization is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all staff and campers.
As the summer approaches, Bird Alliance of Oregon’s focus remains on expanding access to environmental education and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world among the next generation. The success of this year’s camp program will depend on attracting dedicated and passionate educators who share the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and equity.
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