About this role
Natural Resource Management Educator
Project Description: Are you passionate about the community outreach and environmental stewardship? This is your chance to do just that in the South Pacific!
Tonga is among the world’s most disaster‑prone nations, facing frequent earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical cyclones, and mounting pressure on natural resources. These hazards place livelihoods, food security, and community well‑being at continual risk. Yet Tonga also holds indigenous environmental knowledge and longstanding cultural practices that support sustainable resource management and strengthen the community's resilience and preparedness. With environmental awareness, adaptation, and disaster risk management a top priority, Tonga’s government is looking for support in building a stronger, more sustainable future.
As an Environmental Facilitator, you will support Tongan communities to deepen their understanding of local environmental challenges and take informed, practical action. Alongside your community, you will plan and implement nature‑based solutions, revive and apply traditional environmental practices, and strengthen community disaster preparedness. Your efforts will unlock potential for immediate benefits—such as improved environmental awareness, community participation, and preparedness skills—while also contributing to the country’s long‑term resilience.
Required Skills: Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles). OR Bachelor's degree in any field. OR High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
Living Conditions: Most Volunteers will live in a private room within a host family’s home with a shared bathroom and kitchen; some may live in an independent house, depending on availability. All Volunteer housing has electricity and running water, except in communities on the more remote outer islands.
Activities: Facilitate environmental camps, clubs, and science classes. Promote community engagement in data collection to inform scientific studies. Coordinate community clean-ups and sustainable waste management efforts. Strengthen local fisheries management and sustainable agricultural practices. Assist with sanitation and hygiene promotion as well as sustainable rainwater harvesting and storage solutions. Collaborate on community emergency action planning, awareness campaigns, and preparedness activities. Promote English through clubs, the arts, and other extracurricular activities.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as supporting an after-school book club or organizing a library.
Training: As an Environmental Facilitator, you will be trained on the environmental challenges in Tonga, community-driven and participatory development approaches, and nature-based action planning. Peace Corps/Tonga will teach you Tongan to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to rural community where you will collaborate with district and town leaders, youth associations, women’s groups, and schools. You will work with the community to identify environmental opportunities and risks and develop solutions based on community priorities and available resources.
Job Highlights: Develop Tongan language skills from skilled Language and Cross-Cultural Facilitators. Learn effective nature-based solutions to teach environmental education. Enjoy island life while promoting responsible use of natural resources among the friendly people of Tonga.