Position: Community & Youth Programs Educator

Location: Anacortes, WA

Compensation: This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Salary range is $40,000 - $44,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Work is performed in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments year round. Regular weekend and evening work is expected. Some remote work permitted with approval. 

Benefits: Paid time off. Retirement savings match. Individual healthcare plan. 

Reports to: Community & Youth Programs Manager

Deadline: Applications accepted until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by June 8, 2026. 

Ideal start date: July 2026

Who We Are

The Friends of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands is a non-profit citizens organization dedicated to the preservation of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL) through education, outreach, and stewardship. For over 30 years we have connected people to the ACFL through our school and community education programs. Learn more about our work at www.friendsoftheacfl.org. 

Position Summary

Friends of the ACFL is seeking a dynamic educator with a strong background in environmental education to deliver programs that help kids and teens build lasting connections with the Anacortes Community Forest Lands. With support from the Community & Youth Programs Manager, this educator will lead the delivery of Friends of the ACFL’s year-round youth education programs, including: school programs for K, 3rd, and 7th graders in the Anacortes School District, summer and school break camps, afterschool programs, and downtown-based programs in the Forest Discovery Center. 

Core Duties & Responsibilities

Youth Programs (70%)

• Lead year-round, place-based, NGSS-aligned classroom and field programs for Anacortes School District students and other youth in camps and afterschool programs. 
• Manage registrations, forms, rosters, and logistics for youth programs, ensuring smooth communication with families and school partners. 
• Build positive relationships with students, teachers, and caregivers while maintaining safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments. 
• With support from the Community & Youth Programs Manager, design and implement new youth education programs as needed. 

Community Programs (20%)

• Lead community education hikes, events, classes and community science programs as needed.
• Staff and assist Forest Discovery Center operations and programming. 
• Support forest stewardship volunteer programs such as the Trail Ambassadors program and quarterly trail work parties. 

Organizational Support (10%)

• Assist with fundraising and outreach events. 
• Provide photos and stories from programs for social media, newsletters, and other communications. 
• Help with grants management by tracking participation, outcomes, and program impact data. 

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental studies, environmental science, or a related field. 
• At least 1 year of experience leading youth-focused environmental or outdoor education programs
• Experience managing safety and group dynamics in public outdoor settings, especially with children and teens. Demonstrated skills in group management, conflict resolution, and risk assessment is preferred. 
• Familiarity with NGSS standards and experiential, inquiry-based learning. 
• Comfort working with K-12 students, teachers, families, and people of all ages and backgrounds. 
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with attention to detail. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small, collaborative team. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite. 
• Commitment to Friends of the ACFL’s mission of education, conservation, and community stewardship.
• Ability to hike several miles in varied terrain and weather, and to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications (Wilderness First Aid/Responder preferred or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to pass state and federal background check