Naturalist

Opportunity

Join the team at The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre, a program of The Los Padres Council, BSA, and immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings of the Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara, CA. As a Naturalist, you’ll be at the heart of our educational programs, leading curriculum hikes, facilitating special activities, and ensuring that students have a safe and unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.

Overview

As a Naturalist at The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre, you will play a pivotal role in delivering our educational programs. This is a full-time, seasonal position, and housing is provided during the season start and end dates.

Qualifications

• 21 years or older
• BA/BS in outdoor/environmental education, environmental science, a science degree, a related field, OR relevant experience
• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain before the start date)
• Valid driver’s license or state ID and social security card, or United States Passport
• Positive role model for minors
• Documented experience and ability to teach an outdoor science school curriculum to school children
• Strong knowledge of local ecology, geology, and natural history or willingness to learn
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially in working with 5th and 6th-grade students
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Enthusiasm for outdoor activities and a passion for environmental education
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, outdoor environment
• Desire to live and work in a camp community
• Ability to conduct skits, songs, and/or stories in front of large groups of children & adults
• Ability to accept guidance and supervision and to work with others
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Ability to walk/hike ten miles per day up and down narrow trails in hilly terrain
• Love working outdoors – rain or shine
• Characteristics such as flexibility, a positive outlook, creativity, concern for safety, good interpersonal skills, adaptability, decision-making skills, maturity, integrity, and approachability

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of Outdoor Education Experience
• Bilingual in Spanish

Responsibilities

• Lead five curriculum-based hikes, educating students on local flora and fauna, geology, ecology, and conservation principles. Ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience for all participants.
• Organize and lead special activities, such as campfires, nine-mile hikes, arts & crafts, and team-building exercises, to enhance students’ understanding of and appreciation for the natural world.
• Collaborate with the program team to assist with logistical aspects of the program, including mealtime supervision and general camp support.
• Prioritize the safety and well-being of all program participants, following established safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Inspire a sense of environmental responsibility among students, emphasizing the importance of conservation and sustainable practices.
• Help with meals and dishroom clean up when assigned.
• Clean and maintain camp equipment and course materials.
• Assist with the general cleanup and cleaning of camp.
• Participate in staff training.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings.

Program Details

• Program Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
• Program Location: Santa Barbara, CA
• Work Schedule: 35-40 hours per week
• Housing: On-site housing provided during season start and end dates
• Season: February 10 – June 27

Compensation

• $16.50 an hour
• Housing provided
• Meals provided while the Outdoor School program runs (typically Tuesday breakfast – Friday lunch)

Conditions of Employment

• Possess or secure within one month of employment a certificate for first aid and CPR issued by the American Red Cross or equivalent
• Obtain a clear certificate of Tuberculosis, valid within 4 years
• Fingerprint clearance by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice is a condition of appointment after all other required job conditions have been met
• Must present verification of completion of Child Abuse Mandated Reporter training as required by the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• Must present verification of completion of BSA Youth Protection Training, valid within 2 years

At The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Join our team of dedicated naturalists and help us inspire a lifelong love of nature and a commitment to environmental conservation in the next generation. Your passion for the outdoors and education can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the future of our planet.

To Apply: Email your resume, cover letter and references  to Amanda.chick@scouting.org 

The Council is committed to equal employment opportunity and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that prohibit workplace discrimination and unlawful retaliation, such as those that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or familial status, genetic information, citizenship status, protected activity (such as opposition to or reporting of prohibited discrimination or harassment), or any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. This policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including without limitation advertising, recruiting, hiring, training, evaluation, promotion, transfer, work assignments, compensation, benefits, disciplinary action, termination, or any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.