Field School Naturalist

-Are you a person who loves the outdoors and loves to inspire that passion in others?

-Do you love working with kids and want to educate the next generation of stewards of the planet?

We are hiring naturalists for our Spring outdoor school season running from January through May 2027.

 

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Since 1989, WOLF School has provided engaging and impactful educaitonal outdoor experiences for California's K-12th grade students.

We believe in the transformative power of outdoor experiences and are committed to designing immersive programs that connect youth with nature, empower individuals, and strengthen communities. Through lessons and activities that make learning fun, WOLF School gives students the chance to gain knowledge, awareness, and respect of their environment, their community, and themselves.

WOLF School’s mission is building respect, appreciation, and stewardship within the web of life.

WOLF School’s programs are designed for K-12 students and serve youth from a range of cultural and socioeconomic background. Programs are delivered in a multi-day residential format. All WOLF School staff members are engaged in the development and implementation of a safe, educational, and inspiring program in outdoor education.

Web of Life Field (WOLF) School is the outdoor school component of United Camps, Conferences and Retreats (UCCR).

 

Location: WOLF School operates out of Santa Cruz, CA, with program sites in Santa Cruz and Livermore, CA. 

 

Work schedule: Residential program hours are from 9:00 am on the first day through 4:00 pm on the last day with a late afternoon break and evening program hours until 9:00pm. Program sessions usually run Tuesday-Friday. Naturalists must be available during all program hours.

 

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

 

General Function:

Under the direction of the WOLF School director, the naturalist plans and conducts WOLF natural history and environmental education programs for participants.

The field school naturalist shall have competence in and delegated responsibility for the following as assigned by the program director:

 

Program:

• Design and teach experiential and age-appropriate curriculum based on the WOLF School and state educational frameworks
• Adapt curriculum to a variety of outdoor environments and with multiple learning modalities
• Coordinate and conduct whole group activities and special events
• Manage groups and implement WOLF discipline techniques in field studies, whole group activities and special events
• Leads/supervises meals and whole group activities
• Coordinate program delivery in collaboration with fellow WOLF School staff

 

Administration:

• Ensure the health, welfare, and safety of participants
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions as requested
• Provide feedback and input on overall effectiveness of program as requested
• Communicate both verbally and in writing in a timely, clear, and logical manner

 

General:

• Respond in a crisis and problem-solve under pressure
• Participate in and support the mission of the Web of Life Field School

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Education and Experience:

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• One year combined experience teaching the following subjects or equivalent:
• environmental education
• natural/cultural history
• Hold current CPR and first aid certificate
• Valid California drivers license with good driving record or be able to obtain California drivers license
• Ability to pass TB test
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with United Camps, Conferences and Retreats. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current UCCR employees who apply for the position.
• The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

 

Essential Functions:

• Physical mobility to traverse difficult and uneven terrain
• Ability to communicate with and provide necessary instructions to clients
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards
• Ability to use office and program equipment
• Ability to lift and transport 20 pounds
• Ability to drive

 

 

POSITION DETAILS:

 

Salary: $230/day for 4-day programs paid hourly at $21.75/hour and $32.63/hour for overtime

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

 

Email us your cover letter and resume that describes your qualifications in meeting the position’s experience and certification requirements to: [email protected]

 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. WOLF School values a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the responsibilities, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

 

United Camps, Conferences and Retreats is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.

 

All employees must be eligible for employment in the U.S.

 

WOLF School/UCCR positions are at-will employment.