Naturalist (Full-Time) - Camp Campbell

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Naturalist leads programs based on the principles of conservation biology, fosters environmental awareness, emulates YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and is aligned with the California state framework and the Next Generation Science Standards. Naturalists help participants make meaningful connections with the natural world, each other and themselves to cultivate responsible environmental behavior.

SALARY: $800/Week

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Research, write and update lesson plans appropriate to program goals and aligned with state and national education standards.
• Conduct lessons in the areas of natural science and ecology, social and emotional learning, human history and the arts utilizing culturally responsive teaching techniques.
• Strictly adhere to all risk management policies and protocols and prioritize participants' physical and emotional safety at all times.
• Lead interpretive field activities in a variety of ecosystems.
• Expand and develop new environmental science curricula, lesson plans and teaching materials and maintain existing teaching resources.
• Engage staff, volunteers, and participants within the environmental science arena at Camp Campbell; provide opportunities to learn.
• Prepare and maintain nature lab exhibits and safely care for and handle live animals.
• Conduct ongoing training, supervision and evaluation of high-school or college-age volunteer cabin leaders.
• Plan, organize and evaluate curriculum and instructional activities related to volunteer leadership development.
• Attend meetings and trainings necessary to be successful.
• Be available to supervise students overnight as/when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work environment includes:

• Highly collaborative work environment requiring a high degree of teamwork, cooperation, professionalism, and attention to diversity, equity and inclusion
• A large portion of the workday spent outdoors
• Changing and dynamic work environment which requires a great deal of flexibility and resilience under unexpected, changing conditions.

The physical demands of the position include:

• Visual and auditory ability to observe and to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
• Ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills.
• Ability to walk on uneven, rugged and steep terrain in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Ability to climb, push, and pull.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 25 pounds.

 

Qualifications  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent relevant experience required.
• High standard of professionalism.
• Enthusiastic, fun, great personality.
• Ability to effectively interact with participants, parents, teachers and staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to values of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Certifications: CPR, First Aid, Child Abuse Prevention & Risk Management.
• Available on weekends and evenings as needed.
• Prior experience teaching in a classroom setting or at an outdoor school, day camp or similar institution is preferred.
• Experience working with traditionally marginalized populations is preferred.
• Spanish language fluency is strongly preferred.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Change Leadership: Facilitates, co-creates, and implements equitable change for the good of the organization and/or community.

Engaging Community: Builds