The Calapooia Watershed Council (CWC) and South Santiam Watershed Council (SSWC) are seeking individuals who want to be a part of a dynamic student-centered outdoor education program to serve as part-time, temporary Salmon Watch Educators. The Educators will work closely with CWC and SSWC Education staff to assist in providing outdoor learning experiences for 5th and 6th grade students at River Bend Park in Foster, OR. Students will explore salmon habitat, observe a salmon dissection, and participate in other activities designed to foster and strengthen connections with salmon and the land.

This position provides flexible opportunities for educators. Our program typically has around 30 field trips per season. Educators do not need to commit to all field trips, but we do require Educators to commit to at least 22 trips. A typical field trip day begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. Pay is $22 an hour. Unfortunately at this time, we cannot offer any other benefits. Click the application link to see our field trip dates.

https://forms.gle/fUNR54yRtd9FNwMx6

ABOUT US

The CWC and SSWC were created by residents of the watersheds they serve in 1999 and 1996, respectively. Both are community-based organizations that promote voluntary actions to improve watershed health. The Councils are leaders in outdoor education, and are currently conducting numerous habitat restoration projects. Learn more about our work at calapooia.org, and  sswc.org.

The CWC and SSWC are committed to addressing the inequities inherent in traditional environmental education programs. We have updated our education programs to emphasize inclusive and supportive student-centered experiences that are rooted in  empathy and respect for the natural world, the participants, and their experiences. We have moved away from the traditional volunteer-led model to one where paid educators who receive more intensive training are a consistent part of the program season. Educators gain the confidence to be dynamic and flexible in program delivery, and provide a rich experience for all students who participate. 

ABOUT SALMON WATCH

The 2025 Salmon Watch Program will serve 5th and 6th grade students in Linn County. Field trips run from September 15th  - November 10th. Educators will receive paid training and support throughout the program from CWC and SSWC Education staff. Mandatory in-person training dates are scheduled for September 8th, 10th, 12th. Since Salmon Watch is exploratory and outdoors, educators may need to navigate uneven terrain and slippery surfaces, and walk up to 2 miles per day. The CWC/SSWC team will work to schedule educators based on their availability, distributing hours as equitably as possible.  

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Participate in 3 paid educator trainings
• Facilitate outdoor learning experiences for up to 15 fifth grade students per trip
• Engage students with flexible and dynamic learning experiences to best meet students’ needs
• Foster community within student learning groups
• Periodically meet with the Education Program Manager to discuss progress, strategy, and challenges
• Actively participate in field trip set up, break down, and debrief

ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS

• Commitment to providing outdoor education experiences that centers participant experience
• Experience working with students from economically and racially diverse backgrounds 
• Familiarity with forest and river ecology or willingness to learn
• Ability to adapt content delivery methods and activities
• Flexibility in a dynamic environment
• Budding or developed interests in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice within environmental education

If offered a position, applicants must:

• Pass a criminal background check

• Arrange reliable transportation to and from the field trip site.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The CWC and SSWC are equal opportunity employers. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or ​expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. If hired, your employer of record will be the CWC.