Outdoor Education Camp Leader (official title: Naturalist)

The Naturalist position at Los Angeles Unified School District involves leading outdoor educational programs in environmental science for students. Responsibilities include conducting hikes, campfire programs, and maintaining the outdoor education facility. Candidates should have a passion for outdoor education, experience with children, and the ability to work collaboratively. The role requires overnight accommodations at the center and may involve variable hours.
About the position

The Naturalist position at the Los Angeles Unified School District involves conducting educational programs focused on environmental education, natural science, and human relations for students. This role requires the Naturalist to lead hikes and campfire programs while performing various manual duties related to the outdoor education center's facilities, animals, trails, and supplies. The Naturalist will present instructional programs that cover a range of topics including astronomy, botany, ecology, geology, hydrology, meteorology, mythology, and zoology, utilizing demonstration and instruction in a natural setting. In addition to teaching, the Naturalist will be responsible for preparing and maintaining educational exhibits, coordinating instructional presentations with teachers and administrators, and orienting teachers, parents, and students to the outdoor education facility. The role also includes maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the center, which involves clearing and developing new trails, caring for animals, and ensuring the center is ready for use. The Naturalist will be provided with overnight accommodations at the outdoor education center during their assigned work schedule and may be required to work variable hours, including supervising students during meal periods. The ideal candidate for this position will have a passion for outdoor education and environmental principles, with experience in conducting programs for school-aged children. They should be a strong team player, capable of fostering positive working relationships with both children and adults from diverse backgrounds, and possess the skills necessary to maintain a professional environment while living in close quarters with other staff members.

Responsibilities
• Presents instructional programs to students regarding environmental education, natural science, human relations, and STEM curriculum by demonstration and instruction in a natural setting.
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• Obtains data and prepares training aids for courses in astronomy, botany, ecology, geology, hydrology, meteorology, mythology, and zoology.
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• Conducts hikes, tours, campfire programs, and craft classes.
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• Orients teachers, parents, and students to the outdoor education facility.
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• Coordinates instructional presentations with teachers and administrators.
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• Prepares and maintains exhibits.
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• Clears and develops new trails and maintains existing trails in safe condition, including clearing chaparral, removing weeds and bushes, and cutting tree branches.
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• Feeds and cares for animals.
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• Assists in maintaining the center in a safe, clean condition and in opening and closing the center.

Requirements
• Graduation from high school or evidence of equivalent educational proficiency.
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• Successful completion of 9 semester units or equivalent quarter units of coursework in one of the natural or physical sciences, or education.
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• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's or associate's degree in the above areas is preferable.
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• Six months of paid experience or verifiable volunteer experience in developing or conducting outdoor or environmental education programs or youth group activities.
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• A First-Aid Certificate issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross must be obtained within 60 days after appointment and kept valid during the term of employment.
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• A CPR Certificate issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross must be obtained within 60 days of appointment and kept valid during the term of employment.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience conducting outdoor education and environmental education programs for school-aged children, both on land and on water.
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• Passion for instructing topics related to Climate Change and environmental principles and concepts.
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• Strong team player skills to foster great working conditions with both children and adults from various backgrounds.

Benefits
• Health insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• Vision insurance
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• Life insurance
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• Paid time off
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• Employee discount
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• Flexible schedule