employment
at SNCO

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your career with us

At Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, we're more than a team—we're a community of educators, naturalists, stargazers, caretakers, and dreamers. Every day, we work together to spark curiosity, protect our environment, and create unforgettable experiences in nature and science.

Whether we’re guiding a child through their first telescope view of Saturn or helping a rescued owl heal, our work is rooted in passion, purpose, and impact.

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make a difference

Your work supports hands-on education, wildlife conservation, and environmental stewardship in Central Oregon and beyond.

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where wonder happens

With Lake Aspen as your backdrop and the universe above your head, our campus is one of the most inspiring “offices” in the state.

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purpose-driven team

Collaborate with people who care deeply about nature, science, and community—and have a whole lot of fun doing it.

current openings

Education Programs Specialist

Posted 10-15-2026

Education Programs Specialist
Location: Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, Sunriver, OR

Reports To: Education Programs Manager
Employment Type: Full-time 30-40 hours varying seasonally (see hours/compensation below)
Compensation Range: $20.00 – $24.00 hourly

Position Summary

This position is responsible for assisting the Education Programs Manager with all education programs. This includes outdoor summer nature and space camps, K-12 field trips, children and family programs, themed special events, and animal ambassador programs. This is a highly cross-trained position and serves as an integral member of the daytime team by also assisting with daily operations, including visitor services and animal husbandry as needed. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Independently lead K-12 and children and family educational programming. K-12 field trips typically require leading groups of 35 students through multi-hour rotations.

  • Delivery of K-12 programming curriculum in alignment with state and school district standards.

  • Delivery of on and off-site educational programming such as homeschool programs, afterschool programs, family programs, summer camps, and other programs.

  • Deliver interactive activities such as games, experiments, hikes, crafts, etc. with the natural world in mind.

  • Assist with program development of K-12 and children and family programming.

  • Participation in the delivery of on-site visitor experiences such as presentations, tours, guided hikes, animal ambassador encounters, and other interpretive programs.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree (or working toward a degree) in elementary education, natural resources, biology, astronomy, or a similar field. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable.

  • Elementary level knowledge base on astronomy, ecology, and/or animal biology; or excitement to fill any knowledge gaps.

  • Experience delivering education or science programs to diverse audiences.

    • Preference for experience working with children and/or in environmental science, ecology, astronomy, or similar background

  • Excellent customer service and communication skills.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

  • Interest in working with children and a wide variety of people. 

  • Must exercise patience in stressful situations.

  • First Aid/CPR certification 

  • Must possess and maintain a valid US driver's license.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee works indoors and outdoors, which may include extreme temperatures, with a diverse population and wildlife.

  • Must be able to work outdoors in hot, cold, wet and/or dry conditions and engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day during all seasons.

  • Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time and lift up to 50 lbs

  • This position requires some travel to local schools and events. 

Hours/Compensation

This is a year-round position averaging 30 hours/week at a rate of $20-$24/hour depending on experience. Summer hours (May-September) average 40 hours/week, while fall, winter, and spring hours average 30 hours/week. This position qualifies for health insurance benefits and PTO accrual.

Equity Statement
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is committed to creating a workplace that promotes equity and belonging. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply.

To apply, email your cover letter and resume to programs@snco.org.