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 RANGE: $800.00/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.
- Attend meetings and trainings necessary to be successful.
- 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
- Minimum 1 year of experience working at an overnight camp, or 2+ years' experience as a Naturalist or similar role at a residential environmental education institution.
- Attention to detail and good organizational skills
- Creates a welcoming environment
- Ability to effectively interact with participants, parents, and staff.
- Certifications: CPR, First Aid, Child Abuse Prevention & Risk Management.
- Available on weekends and evenings as needed.
- Spanish fluency 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 bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y's work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.
Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.
Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y's cause.
Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.
Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgement.
Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role.
Innovation: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y's work and impact in the community.
Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.
Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g.: staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.
