Position Description

Naturalist positions at Camp Ocean Pines are part and full time seasonal, with hours scheduled according to school attendance, and duties assigned by the Program Director.  Must be able to work a flexible schedule.  Naturalists teach science to visiting 4th and 8th grade students in an outdoor setting.  Lessons include but are not limited to marine science, forest ecology, astronomy, wildlife, geology, native American culture, Hearst Castle/ancient civilizations.  Instructors are responsible for trail groups of 10-25 students.  Naturalists also supervise meal times and lead camp activities such as: singing songs, field games, crafts, campfire programs.

Essential Functions

1.        Ability to lead students on a hike over rough terrain, especially intertidal regions.

2.        Ability to kayak and swim in ocean conditions

3.        Ability to plan and use creative teaching methods with students in an outdoor setting

4.        Ability to observe student behavior in large and small groups and take appropriate disciplinary steps

5.        Ability to lead an evening campfire program with songs, skits, and stories.

6.        Ability to drive an automobile

Qualifications

·         College coursework in recreation, science, or education.

·         Interest and experience in teaching elementary and middle school students.

·         Ability to use creative teaching techniques and group management skills. 

·         Ability to organize and implement hands-on outdoor environmental education activities.

·         Positive attitude and work ethic, teamwork skills, written and oral communication skills, appropriate grooming for public presentations

·         Fingerprinting, first aid/CPR are required.  Ability to pass background check and TB test.

·         Staff with Wilderness First Aid/EMT, ocean lifeguarding, or kayaking certificates are paid extra.

Responsibilities

·         Lead a natural history trip by kayak in San Simeon Cove or Morro Bay estuary.

·         Organize and implement "hands-on" outdoor environmental education activities for all the natural history subjects described in the position description paragraph.

·         Recognize, communicate and take action on disciplinary problems according to camp procedures

·         Assist staff co-workers in writing lesson plans, skits, etc.

·         Periodically, staff may be asked to supervise overnight in the cabins for additional compensation.

·         Growing the program by marketing to schools, preparing promotional materials, making presentations

Evaluation

Naturalists evaluated annually by the Camp Director based on criteria from the position description.

Application Details: 

1.        Download application from camp website at www.campoceanpines.org

2.        Deliver in person or mail application, resume, and 2 letters of reference to Camp Ocean Pines, 1473 Randall Drive, Cambria, CA 93428.  It is very helpful if you can send a 5-10 minute DVD or video of you in action telling a story or singing a song (it is best if this is done in front of students!)