Environmental Educator

Project Description

Ready to inspire the next generation of eco-leaders? There's a place for you in Ecuador.

ChildFund Ecuador works with in-country partners to support children and adolescents in vulnerable communities. One of their partners in the Pichincha province leads youth programs that integrate environmental education, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and sustainability. Because the area experiences natural hazards, such as flooding and landslides, these topics are especially relevant and valuable for the youth. A community-adapted methodology linking these areas has been piloted, and the next phase focuses on full implementation, quality assurance, and supporting youth-led environmental micro-projects.

As an Environmental Educator, you will develop the specialized, technical skills of the staff, guiding the implementation of the integrated methodology, and mentoring youth as they design and execute environmental micro-projects. Together, you will ensure programmatic quality while strengthening the partner's long-term capacity to sustain and scale this environmental approach independently.

Required Skills

Bachelor's degree in any field related to environmental management and/or disaster management.
AND
Two or more years of experience in environmental management, natural resource management, solid waste management, and/or disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Living Conditions

The Volunteer will live in a simple house or apartment in an urban area within Ecuador's Pichincha province-a biodiverse and ecologically rich area characterized by cloud forest and river systems. The assignment requires regular field visits with the counterpart to communities, schools, and project sites. The office facilities will provide access to a computer, internet, and telephone, though connectivity may be limited.

Activities

Guide the implementation and refinement of the integrated environmental education, DRR, and sustainability methodology.
Provide technical assistance in adapting and contextualizing methodology sessions to community realities, age groups, and environmental conditions.
Mentor youth participants in the identification, design, and execution of environmental micro-projects.
Strengthen staff capacity in environmental management and DRR approaches.
Contribute to program monitoring through field documentation, case studies, and regular reporting.
Contribute to evidence generation and evaluation processes on the effectiveness of the methodology.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community's interests and priorities, such as environmental education activities and teaching English.

Training

After a 1-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to an urban community where you will collaborate with a nongovernment organization to assess needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.

Peace Corps/Ecuador will equip you with Spanish language resources and you may work with a local tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.

Job Highlights

Make a meaningful impact by mentoring youth to be environmental champions.
Strengthen Spanish language skills through daily collaborations and interactions.
Gain a deeper understanding of South American culture as you live and work alongside the community.