Naturalist

POSITION:                  Naturalist
STATUS:                      Hourly, non-exempt
LOCATION:                  Exploring New Horizons at Sempervirens, Scotts Valley, California
SUPERVISOR:             Program Director
SALARY & BENEFITS:        $23/hour; 32-42 hours/week plus occasional nights on call ($50 stipend/night), $1500 stipend for fluency in Spanish  
START DATE:                      August 29, 2022-June 2, 2023

WHAT IS EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS? Exploring New Horizons (ENH) engages 3rd-8th grade students in residential outdoor education programs at our Loma Mar, Pigeon Point and Sempervirens sites south of San Francisco, California. Founded as a non-profit in 1979, ENH partners with over 80 Northern California schools. The Sempervirens program consists of 4 and 5-day residential programs for 160-230 5th and 6th grade students and their classroom teacher, utilizing either high school student or parent cabin leaders.

As a Naturalist at ENH you will work with an incredible diversity of students from across northern California. You will build your knowledge of the coast's diverse ecosystems and how to teach students about them in an accessible and engaging way. You will also work with the ENH staff, high school or parent cabin leaders, and participating classroom teachers to build a great ENH community for all our students.

POSITION OVERVIEW: Naturalists work with the same small group of 18–23 students throughout the week and work with a different school each week, taking a whole child approach to outdoor education focused on social emotional learning, ecology, environmental stewardship, conservation, health, and the arts. Naturalists are responsible for the development of trail activities and curriculum, assisting with some evening programs and program implementation. Staff training starts August 29, 2022 and the program begins September 12, 2022.

ENH encourages a “speak up” environment at all levels and encourages staff to communicate with ENH leadership and participate on projects and committees with the ENH Board. Many of our staff stay on year after year becoming an integral part of the ENH community.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct daily discovery walks with the students. The Introductory Walk is 2 to 2-1/2 hours and is focused upon introducing students to basic information and procedures. On subsequent days, the discovery hikes range from 5 to 6 hours in length, and focus upon curricular activities in one of three natural communities each day: Redwood Forest, Creek, and Pacific Coast. On the last day of the week, a Closing Walk is conducted to conclude the week for each trail group.

Develop lessons that incorporate activities demonstrating basic ecological concepts, group and self esteem building and development of citizenship skills. Strategies include hands-on explorations, dramatics, nature games, and creative writing.

Monitor the implementation of ENH risk management and safety procedures in the field setting.

Support the development of positive group learning and team environment. Introduce team building opportunities to encourage positive communication, leadership and individual development.

Evening Programs,  Meals, & Rotational Duties:

Evening Programs: Prepare and participate in a night hike each week (from 7:15-8:30, as well as a ½ hour campfire), and  one additional evening activity. Activities include a town hall style meeting, in which students role play and debate a development issue, the Barnyard Boogie, where naturalists teach dances, or Skit Night, where students perform skits they have been practicing throughout the week. Each evening activity is approximately 1 to 1-1/2 hours in length and is followed by a campfire program.

Meals: Naturalists work 1 meal in the dining hall and facilitate pre and post-meal announcements and assembly, set-up and clean-up.

Lights-Out: On some weeks, naturalists work lights out. This involves assisting cabin leaders in getting students to bed at night and ensuring that patrols begin.

Cabin leaders:

Provide support and feedback throughout the week for the parent or high school cabin leaders.

Complete a written evaluation for the high school cabin leaders that assist their  trail groups for the week.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Prior experience working with school aged students

A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Education, Environmental Science, Biology or equivalent experience

Able to work a flexible schedule, evenings included

Ability to move through a variety of terrains, including flat, rocky and mountainous terrain

Capability to work in a variety of temperature and weather conditions

Ability to see and respond to written, auditory and verbal instruction

Practice non-violent communication skills (positive tone, kind and professional attitude)

Possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record

All staff must possess a current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate prior to employment

Wilderness First Responder or WFR is encouraged

All Naturalist must be TB tested before employment

We especially encourage applicants of different backgrounds, cultures, genders, experiences, abilities and perspectives to apply as we are actively working to increase the diversity of experience and perspectives on our team. ENH is aware that no one comes with the entire complement of skills, so please don’t let a lack of experience/skill in one specific area deter you from applying.

Exploring New Horizons Outdoor Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age in any of its policies, procedures or practices.

How to apply:

Send cover letter and resume to: daniel@exploringnewhorizons.org.

For more information please visit our website http://www.exploringnewhorizons.org/.  Position is open until filled.