About Algalita

At Algalita, a non-profit based in Long Beach, CA, we envision a world where plastic pollution is unthinkable. Our course of action is to grow environmental leaders by providing hands-on field experiences, classroom learning tools, and global education programs, and helping people connect their local experiences to a broader understanding of environmental systems. We offer a diverse array of environmental educational resources for educators and students both online and through in-person programming. We serve primarily public Title 1 schools with free programming but also a wide array of school types and grades.

About the Position

Our Field Educators will primarily be supporting our Kayak Explorers field trips and community programming. Algalita Field Educators bring depth and integrity to these programs with a strong interest and experience in environmental science and education. They also bring our programs to life with their ongoing curiosity for our natural world and how we relate to it. Our field educators are a dynamic team, guiding students – grades 6 and up – through outdoor exploration of Long Beach’s urban coastal environment. This includes investigation of our local marine ecosystem, pollution issues, and infrastructure development, as well as current monitoring efforts, scientific studies, and restoration work.

Position Details:

• Type: Hourly, part-time position
• Hours: variable from 0-10 hours a week depending on field trip requests and community event schedule. We’ll be scheduling 8-12 field trips/events (each 3-6 hours) each school semester of the 2026-7 school year. Summer programming TBD.
• Schedule: Field trip programming generally takes place between 8 am and 3 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays, with some variability depending on the participating school. Community programming generally takes place on weekends. Field Educators’ individual schedules will be based on staffing needs and availability.
• Hourly pay: $23–$27/ hr, based on experience
• Location: 148 N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA. Programming also takes place across Alamitos Bay within 2 miles of the office.
• Training: Provided by Algalita prior to program start

Key Responsibilities:

Field Educators will:

• Facilitate outdoor and laboratory science field trip activities for Grade 6-12 students, focusing on Alamitos Bay local marine and coastal ecology, plastic pollution and watershed science
• Support occasional community education programs, environmental events, cleanups, and seasonal youth programming
• Foster a positive, inclusive learning environment that encourages curiosity and respect for nature
• Ensure student safety and engagement throughout the day
• Support logistical needs including group management, materials set up and cleanup, and snack breaks
• Communicate clearly with students, teachers, parents, and the Algalita staff
• Follow and support all Algalita safety protocols, emergency procedures, and behavior expectations
• Attend required training and staff debrief meetings

Qualifications:

• Experience working with students, ideally in an outdoor or informal education setting
• Works well both in a team setting and also able to take initiative and work independently
• Adaptable, copes well with short-notice changes in plans, able to pivot quickly and improvise to keep students safe and engaged
• Interest in ecology, environmental science, or natural history (local Southern California coastal ecology and plastic pollution a plus!)
• Strong group management and communication skills
• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods and on uneven terrain
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to swim

Additional Details:

• Programs & Timing – This role mainly supports Kayak Explorers field trips and summer programming. Hours vary with the school calendar. Some weeks may be busy, while others (like during breaks) may have none.
• Getting Around – All activities take place in and around Alamitos Bay (within 2 miles of our office). Parking is available at the office and at field trip locations.
• Hiring Nuts & Bolts – Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. This is an hourly, part-time role with no additional benefits.
• Gear & Supplies – Algalita provides program gear (kayaks, PFDs, lab supplies). You’ll just need personal basics like outdoor clothing, shoes that can get wet, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
• Team & Students – You’ll work alongside Algalita staff. Group sizes are usually 15–40 students or community members. You’ll report to the Education Director.
• Training & Certifications – 1-2 paid training days covering our programming will be provided before you begin work. A current CPR/First Aid/AED certification will be required before work start. (Re)certification costs will be covered by Algalita.