Intern Naturalist

San Joaquin Outdoor School is a five-day residential outdoor education program serving students from San Joaquin and surrounding counties. Nestled in an old growth redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, San Joaquin Outdoor School provides a unique setting to study forest and coastal ecology.

Position Overview: 

Naturalist Interns are sought to lead elementary school-aged children on nature hikes.

Each day is a new adventure, whether enjoying the vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains, sinking your toes into the multicolored stones of Pebble Beach, or tasting the sour crunch of a wild redwood sorrel plant. Curriculum and experiential activities tie directly to the California State Science Content Standards. 

Intern schedules rotate through various activities, and each intern works approximately 40 hours per week, with two nights off. The internship includes two weeks of staff training and weekly in-services to nurture professional development throughout the academic year.

Dates: 8/26/13 through 5/23/14. There will be 2 weeks of staff training followed by 32-34 weeks of the program.

Please see our full job description on our website's "Employment" page. 

Responsibilities:  

• Naturalist Interns lead groups of 15-22 students (5th and 6th graders) on educational hikes to explore various habitats along the California coast: redwood forest, chaparral, mountains, ocean, tide pools, brackish marsh, pond and stream ecosystems;
• Interns teach ecological concepts such as interdependence, biodiversity, and conservation through hands-on interaction with the natural world, lessons, games, activities, and songs; and  
• In addition to the day hikes, interns also lead meals and evening activities, including a weekly night hike, ocean prep class, music social, and campfire programs. 

Qualifications: 

• B.A. or B.S. (degree does not have to relate to Education or Natural Sciences);
• Valid driver's license;
• Current CPR and First Aid certification;
• Experience working with elementary aged children; and
• Must commit to work the entire length of the contract.  

Compensation: $250 per week, plus private room and board provided for the duration, and also a $20 per week of medical/dental reimbursement.

To Apply:

Please utilize the email address below, or you can fax or mail cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone #s to:

Gregory Bahr, Principal
San Joaquin Outdoor School
11000 Pescadero Road
La Honda, CA 94020