Salary Range

$16.66 - $30.13

Job Summary

Do you have a passion for teaching? Are you team-oriented and excited about connecting people to water? If so, the Water Resources Education Center at the City of Vancouver, Washington is looking for you! We’re hiring part-time, environmental education instructors to plan, develop, implement and teach a variety of programs, activities and events, indoors and outside, and welcome visitors at our front desk on Saturdays.

The ideal candidate has experience delivering high quality, environmental education programs, working with a variety of age groups and is comfortable working inside and outdoors connecting people to water.

Candidates should be willing to work as part of a team, willing to work a flexible work schedule, be an effective communicator, and excited about working in an education center serving all members of our community.

Salary range: $21.33 - $24.73/hour

The typical work schedule for this position is variable, working less than 20 hours/week, including some Saturdays. Programs are offered Mondays through Saturdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Part-time instructors are expected to assume a flexible schedule, as needed, to support building operations, education programs, and activities.

Deadline to apply: Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 11:59pm

This job posting will be used to fill at least three part-time positions.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Work independently, and with Water Center full-time staff, to develop, coordinate, implement, and lead day-to-day activities for the assigned program area, including on-site school field trip programs, off-site school programs, and

  variety of programs, activities and events, indoors and outside, and welcome visitors at our front desk on Saturdays. 

  The ideal candidate has experience delivering high quality, environmental 

  community-based nature and stewardship programs, events and activities. Prepare program outlines and written lesson plans to meet stated objectives.
• Set-up and tear down classrooms and program activity area(s) and ensure areas are safe for use. Provide a program/class atmosphere that promotes and encourages inclusion, engagement and satisfaction of all participants.
• Implement effective group management techniques to supervise and lead program participants in both classroom and outdoor settings, on and offsite.
• Determine program and equipment supply needs. Assist with the procurement, distribution, care, use and maintenance of program equipment, materials, and supplies, including inventory. 
• Greet the public; provide information and assistance regarding Water Center front desk operations, programs, room rentals, and other general facility and program information over the phone and in person. Orient visitors to exhibits and program activities, indoors and outside.
• Provide excellent and effective, internal and external, customer service. Create a positive experience for all staff and visitors through professional, inclusive, and courteous behavior.
• Create and adhere to a culture of safety and security at all times. If necessary, provide first aid. Report all incidents/accidents to supervisor immediately. Complete and submit appropriate accident/incident records and forms. Ensure consistent security of building by putting supplies away, effectively opening and closing building, and locking and alarming doors, as needed. 
• Distribute program evaluation forms to participants. Track and maintain accurate attendance, program records and performance measures; prepare reports on program operations and participant evaluations. Assist in evaluating program success and make recommendations for future improvement and efficiencies.
• Support marketing and promotion of programs, events and activities by writing, editing and distributing flyers, posters, newsletters and other public program materials, as requested.               
• Work a flexible schedule including holidays and weekends. 
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Two (2) years related work experience in the field of formal or informal environmental education, teaching and/or instruction. 
• Equivalent to a HS Diploma/GED plus additional specialized training equivalent to two years of college.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Intermediate skills in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to use reservation/facility booking software, as trained.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Possession of a Valid Driver’s License

Ability to obtain:

• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification within 30 days of employment
• Background checks, as needed for working in local school districts
• Bilingual skills, preferred

Knowledge

• Principles, best practices and rules related to formal and informal instruction, teaching, and water-related/environmental education programming.
• Principles and practices of planning and implementing assigned program area, including group management and age-appropriate teaching techniques. 
• Basic customer service techniques
• Safe work practices, policies, and procedures relevant to the program area to which assigned.                                                                                                                    

Abilities

• Plan, lead, instruct, implement and evaluate a variety of water-related or environmental education programs in line with programming standards and best practices. 
• Manage a variety of age groups and audiences including preschool, school-age students, teens, families and adults.
• Work safely and effectively in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s operating procedures, policies, and values of being compassionate, collaborative, inclusive, innovative and empowered.
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times, internally and externally; manage complicated customer service transactions respectfully and professionally.
• Establish and maintain positive, collaborative and effective working relationships with supervisor, team members, volunteers, community partners, program participants and the general public.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions and work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance, regularly working weekends and attending staff meetings, as scheduled.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing with City staff, volunteers, and the general public.
• Work outside in a variety of conditions on uneven surfaces (i.e. rain, cold, heat, full sun, wind, etc.)
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including personal computer, Microsoft Office software programs, online reservation system and calendars.
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us

Job Posting End Date

October 26, 2025