Naturalist Internship

This 10-month Naturalist Internship at Sierra Outdoor School offers a unique experience for folks looking to get into the field of Environmental Education and develop their teaching skills in an outdoor setting. After weeks of paid training, Naturalist Interns will teach hands-on NGSS-aligned curriculum in natural sciences and local history to primarily 4th and 6th grade students participating in our Science and History programs. Additionally, they will belay students on our climbing wall and high ropes course, lead teambuilding initiatives and teach wilderness survival skills to students of all ages as part of our Adventure Program. Sierra Outdoor School also has an impressive Raptor Center. Naturalist Interns will have the opportunity to learn non-releasable raptor management including feeding, handling, and teaching with the birds as educational ambassadors. 

Visiting schools design their trip by selecting programming off a class menu with over 25 different class options. This means that Naturalist Interns will very rarely do the same thing every day, and gain experience teaching a multitude of subject areas including group management techniques, lesson planning, and much more. Naturalist Interns are mentored throughout the year by our experienced team of Naturalists and Program Coordinators and offered various training and professional development opportunities throughout this 10-month internship. Naturalist Interns work an average of 40-hour weeks, with almost all weekends off (all teaching staff rotate through weekend raptor-care duties resulting in each intern working 2 hours on the weekend 2-3 times per year). 

Stipend: $27,000 for the 10-month commitment plus private room and board.

Commitment: August 3, 2026 – June 4, 2027

Responsibilities:

• Teach NGSS-aligned curriculum in a variety of subjects including natural sciences and local history to primarily 4th and 6th grade students in an outdoor setting.
• Operate our challenge course, facilitate team-building initiatives, belay on our climbing wall, and facilitate our high ropes course and zipline.
• Assist in the care of raptors at our Raptor Center including feeding and handling, and utilize them as educational ambassadors.
• Lead small and large-group camp-style activities during evening programming.
• Receive mentorship and continuous learning through various training opportunities provided throughout the internship.

Our ideal applicant….

• Loves to play outside and is passionate about making the outdoors a safe, fun place for students to learn
• Is self-motivated, positive, energetic, and works well independently or on a team
• Possesses the social and emotional skills to build rapport and positive relationships with folks from all backgrounds, abilities, ages, cultures, orientations, identities and communities.
• Is able to communicate effectively to peers, supervisors, visiting students, teachers and parent chaperones.
• Is ready to challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zone
• Wants to learn and grow, and is open to feedback and coaching
• Is willing to live on-site in shared housing in a semi-remote setting

Qualifications:

• College degree in science, education, outdoor recreation, or related field preferred, however any combination of education and related experience will be considered
• Previous experience working with children preferred
• Valid driver’s license, clear fingerprints, background check, and negative TB test required.
• Ability to hike up to five miles per day in all weather conditions and lift between 10-50 pounds.

Perks:

• Private bedroom in shared on-site housing with modern amenities.
• Meals provided during programs including salad bar.
• Weekly provision of food staples including eggs, pasta, quinoa, lentils, flour, sugar, etc.
• Wilderness First Aid, CPR, & AED training.
• $150 towards an outdoor education-related conference.
• Pro-deals with select outfitters.
• Access to mountain bikes and kayaks during off-duty hours