Naturalist

Coastal Institute Published: August 7, 2018
Skill Level
Entry Level
Job Type
Full-time Freelance / Limited Contract
Categories
Education / Natural Resources/ Restoration

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

Description

~ Do you love teaching outdoors, getting elbow deep in algae and digging through decomposing logs to see what you can find? Do you have a fascination with the natural world? Come teach hands-on marine science and forest ecology on the central California coast at The Coastal Institute at Camp Ocean Pines! ~

Camp Ocean Pines was established in 1946 as a YMCA summer camp.  It was managed by several different chapters over the years until finally, with the facilities deteriorating and debts mounting, the YMCA transferred ownership of the camp to a new, private non-profit organization made up of locals whose sole purpose would be to manage the camp.  In 1998, Camp Ocean Pines became its own registered 501(c)(3) organization.

In the years after separating from the YMCA, Camp Ocean Pines tried out several different identities.  It was a camp for those with special needs, then a visual and performing arts camp.  After a few years, the struggling board of directors hired Chris Cameron as executive director.  Chris helped to develop a focus for the camp, oversaw construction of much-needed new cabins and meeting spaces, and essentially built the new organization from the ground up.  It was his passion for educating youth about the natural world that led to the creation of the Camp Ocean Pines outdoor education program, what has grown and evolved over the past 10-15 years into what is now The Coastal Institute.

Position Overview

We are now hiring for our 2018 fall season! 

Coastal Institute Naturalist positions are full-time seasonal, with hours scheduled according to group attendance and duties assigned by the program director. Naturalists teach science to visiting 4th through 12th grade students in a residential outdoor setting and are responsible for activity groups of 10-15 students. Naturalists also supervise meal times and lead camp activities including singing songs, performing skits, facilitating low ropes activities and target sports, and other duties as camp requires.

Fall 2018 Dates and Details:

  • The 2018 fall season runs from September 17th through November 9th and includes one week of paid training along with the option to attend a one-week UC California Naturalist certification course free of charge
  • Our 2018 fall team will consist of four naturalists, one program coordinator, and the outdoor education director
  • There are currently two naturalist positions available

Responsibilities

  • Teach groups of 10-15 students about the ocean, the forest, and everything in between
  • Teach two 3-hour daytime lessons per day and up to three 1.5-hour evening programs per week
  • Develop lesson plans based on the Coastal Institute curriculum
  • Supervise up to three meals per week
  • Lead offsite trips including tide-pooling, hikes, kayaking, and beach walks
  • Drive students and chaperones in 15-passenger vans
  • Sing songs and perform skits at weekly closing campfires
  • Facilitate low ropes and team building activities
  • Lead target sports activities (archery and tomahawk throwing)
  • Handle/care for live specimens including non-venomous snakes, lizards, and birds of prey
  • Live onsite for the duration of the season in order to assist with overnight emergencies if needed
  • Other duties as assigned by the program director

Essential Functions:

  • Ability to maintain a positive attitude in stressful situations after working long hours
  • Ability to be flexible and to adjust quickly to changes
  • Ability to paddle a kayak long distances in ocean conditions
  • Ability to recover a flipped kayak without assistance
  • Ability to swim 100 yards unaided in ocean conditions
  • Ability to lead students on hikes over rough terrain in a variety of weather conditions
  • Ability to recognize and respond to emergency situations
  • Ability to handle live non venomous snakes and lizards
  • Ability to drive a 15-passenger van without accommodation
  • Ability to type and use a computer
  • Ability to live in shared onsite housing

Evaluation: 

  • Naturalists will be evaluated throughout the season, both formally and informally, by the program director

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in science, experiential education or related field
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification prior to start date
  • Current CA Food Handlers certificate prior to start date
  • Ability to pass background check, fingerprinting and pre-employment drug test
  • Valid US driver's license

Preferred:

  • Lifeguard certification
  • Experience driving 15-passenger vans
  • Spanish language skills
  • Raptor handling experience
  • One or more seasons of experience working at a residential outdoor education program

Compensation: Coastal Institute Naturalist salaries start at $75/day. Housing is provided in lodge bedrooms onsite (shared with 1-3 other staff) throughout the entire season. Meals are provided when schools are onsite and may be available during weekend rental groups. When groups are not onsite, staff will have access to leftovers and use of the kitchen facilities. Naturalists may be offered an increased rate to stay overnight in a student cabin or facilitate a weekend program as the need arises.

To Apply

To apply, please follow these steps:

  • Submit an online application here
  • Click "Apply" below to email the following to Bill Thornton, the outdoor education director:
    • Current resume
    • Contact information for three references (phone numbers & email addresses)
    • Letter of interest describing who you are and why you’d like to be a naturalist with The Coastal Institute

Applications will be reviewed as they come in and preference will be given to earlier submissions. Incomplete applications will not be considered, so please be sure to submit the application AND email the necessary materials to the director. If you have any questions about the application process, email Bill Thornton or give us a call at the office at 805-924-4015. Good luck!

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

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