Naturalist - Outdoor School

Secondary Education - Middle School

SEASONAL POSITION ONLY. MUST BE AVAILABLE FROM January 18 to March 26, 2027.

4 days a week. Applications accepted until positions are filled.

Under the direction of Outdoor School Program Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator, guide students on interpretive nature hikes and conduct hands-on activities and lessons to teach 6th grade students astronomy, botany, ecology, geology, hydrology, indigenous people traditions, and zoology in a natural area that includes chaparral and riparian woodlands.

The Conejo Valley Unified School District Outdoor School is a 4-day, 3-night program for 6th grade students. The program is held at Camp Ramah in Ojai, CA, a 400-acre camp located a few minutes from downtown Ojai, California. The Outdoor School program runs from January 18 to March 26, 2027, which includes a paid training and preparation week and the day after program conclusion.

Room and board are included for Outdoor School staff. Weekend housing is available. Meals are available when camp is in operation.

Naturalists lead students on hikes, outdoor science lessons, campfire programs, and help create a safe, fun, and supportive community that fosters teamwork, environmental awareness, and personal growth.

• Under general direction, conduct an activity oriented, interdisciplinary curriculum in science and environmental field study in an outdoor setting.
• Assist with the supervision of high school student cabin counselors.
• Maintain a supportive and collaborative work environment with fellow naturalists, head cabin leaders, Camp Ramah support staff, and outdoor school coordinator.
• Conduct daytime and nighttime discovery and interpretive hikes.
• Assist with program preparation to include assisting with curriculum development materials and coordination of activities.
• Provide a positive role model for preservation of the natural environment.
• Lead or assist with evening campfire activities including, but not limited to, age appropriate sing-a-longs, storytelling and skit performances.
• Monitor student maintenance of facilities.
• Assist with the maintenance of program equipment and supplies.
• Demonstrate flexibility, self-motivation, positive high-energy and commitment.

• Education and/or training in one or more of the following fields is preferred: environmental science, biology, botany, astronomy, hydrology, and/or outdoor recreation.
• Proof of valid driver's license (optional).
• Ability to obtain California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
• TB clearance.
• Current First Aid and C.P.R. certification.
• Naturalists must be available for the entire Conejo Valley USD Outdoor School Program duration, January 18 to March 26, 2027.

• Previous experience working with school aged children.
• Wilderness First Responder Certification.
• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, botany, astronomy, hydrology, or outdoor recreation.
• Ability to play a musical instrument/ sing or extensive storytelling experience.

Employees in this environment will be required to work in an outdoor school setting consisting of cabin dwellings, large activity rooms, and hilly terrain.

Please email your resume along with the names and contact information of three professional references.