Education Specialist
Join Crystal Cove
Crystal Cove Conservancy (The Conservancy) is the nonprofit dedicated to the protection, preservation and sustainability of Crystal Cove State Park, located on the traditional and unceded lands of the Acjachemen and Tongva Tribal Nations.
Crystal Cove Conservancy and California State Parks have worked together to develop innovative educational programs that engage K-12 students and community members, preserve historic beach cottages, conserve miles of precious California coastline, steward acres of threatened habitat and promote access for historically-excluded groups.
About the Position
The Education Specialist plays a critical role in delivering education experiences to students and the public and supporting daily programs operations for Crystal Cove Conservancy’s education, conservation, and public programs. They serve to deliver education and public programming to the public and to k-12 students throughout the year through field trips within Crystal Cove State Park and its State Marine Conservation Area. This position supports the Education Coordinators and Programs Managers in delivering student and guest experiences, enforcing policies and safety protocols, supporting program material and data organization to ensure smooth field trip and event experiences.
Schedule
This is a PART-TIME, NONEXEMPT position that will be expected to work 6 to 20 hours per week through June 30, 2026. Most common hours are Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Some evening and weekend work will be available.
Compensation and Benefits
The compensation for this position is $20.00/HR. The Education Specialist position is also eligible for the following benefits:
• Eligible for 6 days of paid sick leave.
Essential Position Responsibilities Include
• Teach and facilitate a wide range of environmental outdoor education programs for K-12 students and the public.
• Support students and guests by resolving issues promptly and professionally and escalate complex matters.
• Ensure consistent implementation of education and public programming, policies and procedures, and safety protocols across shifts.
• Supervise program participants during community science data collection, ensuring that protocols are followed properly to provide for the highest possible data quality.
• Work collaboratively with other Conservancy staff, as well as partners at California State Parks, University of California, Irvine, Newport Landing Sportfishing, and more.
• Demonstrate respectful and responsible care and handling of technology an equipment.
• Assist with site location set up and tear down, cleaning, supply creation and organization, and supply inventory.
• Support accurate internal data collection and entry.
• Participate in trainings and meetings with other Conservancy staff.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.
Skills
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent customer service skills and skilled in de-escalating guest concerns.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm while working with competing priorities and requests.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with a variety of individuals.
• Demonstrate an understanding of local biology, ecology, cultural history, and natural resource management practices, as well as current best practices in science education.
• Commitment to high service standards and team collaboration.
Education and Experience
• A college degree or coursework in Biology, Marine Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Education or a related field is preferred.
• Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, or other language proficiency is preferred.
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in the Education Specialist position available with The Conservancy! Crystal Cove Conservancy is seeking three qualified candidates for this position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. Interviews are being scheduled as soon as possible, so early applications are strongly encouraged. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your relevant experience as PDFs or Word documents, for consideration to Lisa Levenson, Director of Programs, Lisa@crystalcove.org.
