Naturalist Internship

We are looking for motivated educators looking to guide students from California’s San Mateo County  through the outdoors for the 2025-2026 school year. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds to live and work in community together and serve as role models and leaders for youth as they learn about themselves and their world.   San Mateo Outdoor Education is a five-day residential outdoor education program nestled in an old growth redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  

Naturalist Interns lead groups of 12-17 students (5th and 6th graders) on educational hikes, exploring habitats on the Coastal Range – redwood forest, chaparral, mountains, Pacific Ocean, tide pools, brackish marsh, pond and stream ecosystems.  Curriculum and inquiry based, student centered activities tie directly to the Next Generation Science Standards.  Interns lead meals and evening activities including: night hike, ocean prep class, earth dance, and campfire programs.  The internship also includes staff training and weekly professional development.

Dates: August 25th, 2025 to May 15th, 2026 – with one week for Thanksgiving, three weeks at Winter Break, and Spring Break.

Salary: $888/week ($660 per week, plus $228/week provided for a private room in a shared house for the duration of the internship and meals during the week). No health benefits or retirement, but access to our Employee Assistance Program, three weeks of paid training and weekly professional development, and fee for Spring AEOE Conference.

Qualifications: Experience working with students, interest in building a shared community, openness to learn and grow as an educator and community member.  Must commit to work the entire length of the contract, no paid time off is offered in this position.