The Council is stewarded by a voluntary and committed group of community members and stakeholders.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a prospective board member, get in touch.

We don’t have openings very often, but when we do we advertise them right here as well as on our social media pages, Indeed, and various Conservation Job Boards.

If you’re interested in any volunteer opportunities, get in touch to see if we have any current need, and THANK YOU!

The Calapooia Watershed Council (CWC) seeks 2-3 individuals who want to be a part of a student-centered, dynamic outdoor education program to serve as part-time, temporary Urban Ecology Educators. The Educators will work closely with the Education Program Manager to assist with the delivery of outdoor learning experiences for 5th grade students at Simpson Park & Talking Water Gardens in Albany..

We offer field trips 3-4 trips each week, from April 16 – June 9. Days begin at 9am and end at 2:30pm. Pay is $23 an hour. At this time we cannot offer any additional benefits. Educators do not need to be available for all field trips, but preference will be given to those with more availability.

The Calapooia Watershed Council CWC was created by residents of the watershed in 1999, and is a community organization that promotes voluntary actions to improve the health of the watershed. The Council is a leader in youth watershed education, and is currently completing numerous habitat restoration projects.

The Calapooia Watershed Council (CWC) is committed to addressing the inequities inherent in traditional environmental education programs. As part of our ongoing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Justice work, we have invested time and money into the creation of inclusive, student-centered lesson plans, based on empathy and respect for youth and their experiences in nature. As part of this transition, we have moved away from a more traditional volunteer-led program to one where paid educators receive more intensive training and build community. This investment in our educators strengthens our team and prepares us to be dynamic and flexible in program delivery. Together, we optimize the experience of all students who participate.

The 2026 CWC Urban Ecology Program serves 5th grade students in Albany. The overarching theme for the day is clean water; how water interacts with the landscape as it flows from source to the sea, how we can (and do!) conserve water by mimicking natural systems, and how the need for clean water unites us with all living things. Educators guide students as they create models to demonstrate ecosystem interactions and healthy watershed functions, and nature exploration to spark curiosity about the natural world and reinforce our connection with nature.

Student groups of 21 – 60 students arrive at 9:30 and receive a group introduction before moving into groups of 6 – 15 students then proceed through the day with their designated educator. Groups reconvene for lunch, then move through afternoon activities, culminating in a group debrief. Students depart at 1:45 pm.

+  Participate in 4 paid educator trainings.

+  Facilitate outdoor learning experiences for up to 15 fifth grade students.

+  Engage students with flexible and dynamic learning experiences to best meet students where they are.

+  Foster community within student learning groups.

+  Periodically meet with the Education Program Manager to discuss progress, strategy, and challenges.

+  Assist with field trip set up and break down.

+  Commitment to providing outdoor education experiences that center the youth experience.

+  Experience working with youth from economically and racially, economically, and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

+  Familiarity with watershed and river ecology or willingness to learn.

+  Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic environment, including with content delivery methods and activities.

+  Budding or developed interests in Equity, diversity, inclusion and justice within environmental education.

1. Pass a criminal background check
2. Have a valid driver’s license and vehicle, or ability to arrange reliable transportation to and from the field trip site.

We would prefer educators who are CPR and first aid certified.

The CWC is an equal opportunity employer. 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.

Please contact Kristen Daly, Youth Education Program Manager kdaly@calapooia.org with questions.

See Button Above to apply and/or download a pdf of this announcement with more details.