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Position: Naturalist
Date: Mar 23, 2009
Classification: F/T

Description

Position:
Naturalist
Summary:
YMCA East Bay Outdoor School at Camp Arroyo is hiring Naturalists for the 2009-2010 school year. Opened in 2001, the education program received a 2005 Governor’s Environmental & Economic Leadership Award for Environmental Education and the camp’s green facilities (featuring a straw bale dining hall) was rated one of AIA’s Top Ten Green Projects of 2002.
 
We teach three- to five-day sustainability education programs to 4th, 5th & 6th graders from around the Bay Area from September until June. Naturalists lead three-, four- and five-day education programs for fourth through sixth graders from around the Bay Area, September through June. Our experiential curriculum focuses on sustainability in the following lesson areas:
 
·         Organic gardening
·         Green architecture and renewable energy
·         Native Ohlone culture
·         Local ecology hike
·         Three-mile hike with an emphasis on personal accomplishment, watersheds, and geology
·         Team building initiatives and the climbing wall
·         In-depth elective classes designed by each naturalist
·         Challenge course (high and low ropes elements) facilitation for weekend groups
 
Essential Job Duties:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As a naturalist, you will be responsible for the following each week:
  • Teaching the above curriculum to the same group of 10-15 students for the week
  • Developing experiential, inquiry-based lesson plans
  • Facilitating community-building initiatives with groups
  • Orienting participants to program areas, including dining hall and cabins
  • Leading two to three meals in dining hall
  • Leading one to two structured activities during student recreation time
  • Working two evening programs (skit nights, night hike, or dance)
  • Assisting with the prep, maintenance, and clean-up of program supplies and areas
  • Participating in staff development
  • Working occasional weekend programs for additional pay
Qualifications:
  • Prefer at least 2 years experience in environmental education programs, especially residential programs
  • At least a four-year degree or equivalent experience
  • Knowledge of the above curriculum areas or the passion and follow-through to learn more
  • Experience working with a diversity of children from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds
  • Ability to work flexible work hours
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Positive management skills with children
  • Ability to walk up to 5 miles per day
  • Musical and acting abilities are a plus! (It is a camp setting so be prepared to perform in front of large groups of kids!)
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification, with AED training
  • Previous challenge/ropes course experience preferred
  • Lifeguard certification, WFR/EMT certifications, and language skills are desirable
  • Flexibility, a positive attitude and a sense of humor are absolutely required!
Benefits:
  • $90 - $100 per day, DOE
  • Onsite housing or offsite housing allowance
  • Food during programming
  • Stipend for development opportunities
  • Pro-deal accounts with various outdoor equipment vendors
  • Weekend work for additional pay (site host, activity guide, ropes course facilitation)
Application Process:
 
Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at YMCA of the East Bay. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
 
Priority Deadline: April 20, 2009 (positions offered on a rolling basis)
 
Please send a resume with references and a cover letter to:
 
 
or to:
Angie Swank
YMCA Camp Arroyo
5535 Arroyo Rd.
Livermore, CA 94550
Phone: 925-455-7976 ext. 13
Fax: 925-455-7977
 
 

Contact Information

Angie Swank

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