Naturalist

Conejo Valley Unified School District; Ojai (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Conejo Valley Unified School District Outdoor School is a 4-day, 3-night program for 6th grade students, held at Camp Ramah in Ojai, CA. Staff provide hands-on science lessons across astronomy, botany, ecology, geology, hydrology, indigenous traditions, and zoology in chaparral and riparian woodlands.

Staff live on site with room and board provided during the program. The role emphasizes teamwork, environmental awareness, personal growth, and public speaking through campfire programs and

Qualifications

• Education and/or training in environmental science, biology, botany, astronomy, hydrology, or outdoor recreation.
• Wilderness First Responder certification is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in related fields is preferred.
• Ability to obtain California DOJ fingerprint clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Guide students on interpretive nature hikes and hands-on activities to teach science topics.
• Supervise high school student cabin counselors.
• Lead daytime and nighttime hikes and campfire activities.
• Assist with curriculum development and activity coordination.
• Maintain a positive and safe learning environment.

Skills

Environmental science

Biology

Botany

Astronomy

Ecology

Geology

Hydrology

Outdoor recreation

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, botany, astronomy, hydrology, or outdoor recreation

Wilderness First Responder Certification

Tools

First Aid and CPR certification

Job description

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.

Program Description

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATION & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED

• 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.

PREFERRED

• 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.

Work Environment

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

Contact

Tom Hoegeman, Coordinator, Outdoor Education

Work: [phone] x4248

Email: [e-mail]