Naturalist Intern

*6 Positions open until filled.  

Apply early for top consideration.

Position dates: Mid-August 2024 ~ Early June 2025

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Job Overview

This is a position that will teach you how to teach.  Our internship program is an ideal, supportive training ground for those who want to become outstanding outdoor educators!  

Our interns create rich and rewarding experiences for our visiting sixth grade students, teachers, and counselors. Interns will lead groups of students as they hike the trails, explore, and gain a greater connection to the natural world.  Interns teach hands-on science curriculum in a fun, engaging way. 

Interns who complete our program are self-reflective teachers, effective environmental educators, and more knowledgeable about natural history.  Interns receive training at the beginning of the internship that will continue throughout their stay.

Naturalist Interns, once comfortable, also play a large role in our high school counselor program; by providing suggestions and advice to our counselors on how our counselors can best assist Naturalists while out on the trail, and by providing guidance for how the counselors can best handle student behavior in the dorms.  Interns will write formal evaluations for their counselors at the end of each week. 

Site Description

Foothill Horizons is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains surrounded by 143 acres of oak woodlands.  The site offers varied terrain through beautiful forests of large ponderosa pines and oaks.  The outdoor education center is located five miles east of the historic town of Sonora, California, at an elevation of 2,500 feet. 

Qualifications

• A strong desire to become an outstanding outdoor educator and the desire for feedback and growth in this area
• Experience working with children in either a formal or informal capacity
• Bachelor’s degree or 2 years of experience working with children in a professional setting
• Must have a valid standard driver’s license in order to drive students in school vehicles
• First Aid and CPR certifications required, must pass physical, TB Test, and pre-hire drug test (marijuana excluded)
• Ability to hike up to 5 miles a day in all weather conditions
• Ability and willingness to live on site for the duration of the internship
• A love of the outdoors, and a desire to inspire children to connect with nature, each other, and themselves
• We are searching for self-motivated, flexible, hardworking, passionate people who work both well on their own and as part of a team

Compensation & Perks  

• $15.50/hour – most weeks are 5-day work weeks (~8 hour work days)
• Private bedroom in shared housing for duration of internship
• Option to eat food prepared for program during the week, and basic staples provided for weekends
• $300 health stipend
• Financial assistance towards tuition fees for an AEOE Conference  (check out: aeoe.org)