Coastal Naturalist

Do you get excited when you spot slime mold growing in the forest? Is it your dream to work with a king snake? Are you a firm believer that kids are smart, creative people and you want to foster their development? If so, being a naturalist at Camp Ocean Pines on the California coast could be for you! 

We’re looking for compassionate, thoughtful naturalists to join our 2026-2027 team.

Job Description

• Lead lessons such as target sports, marine lab, team building, tide pooling, etc. weekly for groups of 10-15 students
• Work 2-3 evenings a week
• Lead about 3 meals per week
• Help take care of our onsite animals, which include raptors, rabbits, reptiles, marine invertebrates, and amphibians
• Work and collaborate with fellow naturalists

Where

• Camp Ocean Pines; Cambria, California

When

• August 24, 2026 – May 28, 2027 (five-week break in December and early January; fall-only applications will be considered)

Pay & Housing

• Pay range is $19 – $21/hour. Increases are given for skills since as bilingualism, lifeguard certification, and raptor experience.
• Onsite housing is provided. Most incoming naturalists share a room their first season.
• Meals are provided when programming is in session, and food & kitchen access is available 24/7

Hiring Process

• We accept and evaluate applications on a rolling basis. We recommend applying early as positions go quickly!
• Please apply on our website: https://campoceanpines.org/employment-opportunities

The successful candidates will likely have some, not all, of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, education, or equivalent life experience
• Experience working at other outdoor/experiential education facilities
• Experience in trauma-informed, culturally-responsive teaching
• Knowledge of place-based education & restorative justice practices
• Raptor handling experience
• Fluency in Spanish or ASL
• Lifeguard certification

The job description is an overview, not a comprehensive list. Please see the attached job description for more details and requirements. We are committed to supporting diverse staff with a multitude of life experiences, so if you feel passionate about the position and what we do here at Camp, we want to hear from you!

Questions? Email our outdoor education director, Channing, channing@campoceanpines.org