Naturalist

• Salary
  $21.50 hourly
• Job Type
  Seasonal
• Weekly Schedule
  Day-by-day activities for a 4-day session
  View the weekly schedule →
• Program Dates
  January 18 – March 26, 2027 — must be available for the entire program
• Location
  Camp Ramah, 385 Fairview Road, Ojai, CA 93023
  Open in Google Maps →
• Division
  Secondary Education – Middle School
• Pay Schedule
  When and how staff are paid across the 2027 season
  See the pay schedule →
• Closing Date / Time
  Applications accepted until positions are filled

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. Free 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.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

Required

• 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

• Education and/or training in one or more of the following fields: environmental science, biology, botany, astronomy, hydrology, and/or outdoor recreation.
• 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.
• Valid driver's license.

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.

How to Apply

Please email your resume along with the names and contact information of three professional references to thoegeman@conejousd.org.

Contact: Tom Hoegeman, Conejo Valley Unified School District, Outdoor School  ·  Work: (805) 497-9511 x4248  ·  thoegeman@conejousd.org  ·  conejousd.org/schools/outdoor-school

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