Program Specialist - Nature

Featherrivercamp; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 35,308 - 39,858; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free housing

Meals included

Competitive pay

Professional leadership training

Inclusive community

Job summary

A summer camp focused on nature education seeks a Program Specialist to lead outdoor activities and foster connections to nature. This seasonal position, based in Oakland, California, requires candidates with at least 2 years of experience in environmental education or outdoor instruction. Responsibilities include guidance during hikes, preparation of activity materials, and teaching outdoor ethics. This role offers free housing, meals, and a supportive team culture. A commitment to community and personal growth is essential.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 or older.
• 2+ years experience in environmental education or outdoor instruction.
• Comfortable teaching outdoors and organizing groups.
• Good communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead nature hikes and environmental lessons.
• Plan and prepare activity materials.
• Teach Leave No Trace principles.
• Support and guide campers during activities.

Skills

Environmental education

Outdoor instruction

Group management

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Spend Your Summer Making an Impact

Oakland Feather River Camp isn’t only a summer job - we are a community that cares, collaborates, and welcomes everyone to access the magic of nature. Summer at OFRC is fast-paced, joyful, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. If you want work that’s meaningful, outdoors, and full of real connection, you’re in the right place!

What You’ll Get at OFRC

This is a real job with real responsibility - and real support.

• Free housing, meals, laundry, utilities and camp store discounts.
• Highly competitive, transparent pay.
• Five-day work week with true time off - a rarity in the summer camp world.
• Professional leadership training.
• A team culture built on respect, communication, and accountability.
• A diverse, inclusive community where different identities, backgrounds, and experiences are valued.
• A chance to create unforgettable experiences in nature for families.

We work hard here. We take care of each other. And we make space for joy, rest, and real connection.

Program Specialist - Nature - Summer 2026

Oakland Feather River Camp | Quincy, CA
$776-$876 per week | Seasonal | On-site | Free Housing and Meals

About the Role

As the Program Specialist for Nature Programming, you design and lead nature hikes, environmental education, and outdoor exploration for campers of all ages. You help campers connect with the forests, wildlife, and natural world-and support general program needs when nature sessions aren’t running.

You will spend your summer exploring trails, leading eco-lessons, teaching campers about wildlife and plants, helping run camp-wide events, and making the natural world feel alive and fun for everyone.

Full Job Description: Program Specialist - Nature - 2026 Job Description

What You Will Do

• Lead nature hikes, wildlife and plant ID, eco-exploration, and environmental lessons.
• Plan and prepare activity materials; organize supplies and track inventory.
• Teach Leave No Trace principles and encourage campers to respect nature.
• Support campers during activities - answer questions, guide group dynamics, and ensure safety.

Your work helps campers discover the outdoors, grow in confidence, and build memories that last long after summer ends.

Who We Are Looking For

• 18 or older.
• 2+ years experience in environmental education, ecology or outdoor instruction.
• Comfortable teaching outdoors, organizing groups, and working in rustic settings.
• Good communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Creative, adaptable, and able to lead groups of various ages.
• Someone dependable who shows up on time and works hard.

We treat staff like adults. We expect people to show up fully, work hard, communicate clearly, and support one another.

The Right Fit

If you love nature, enjoy teaching and working with people, and want to help campers connect with the outdoors in a fun, supportive setting - this is the role for you!

Our Culture & Hiring Philosophy

At OFRC, we work hard, support each other, and build a community where everyone belongs. We value people who show up with heart, effort, curiosity, and a willingness to learn - no matter their background or experience level. We welcome candidates from traditional and nontraditional paths, and we believe diversity makes our team stronger. You don’t need to meet every single qualification to be a strong candidate here; if this role feels right for you, we encourage you to apply and tell us what you’d bring to our community.