Naturalist Intern

Location: Sierra Outdoor School, Sonora, CA

Duration: August 5, 2024 – June 6, 2025

Compensation: $26,400 for the 10-month commitment

Application Process: To apply, fill out the Naturalist Intern Application on Edjoin

Overview:

Sierra Outdoor School, part of the Clovis Unified School District, invites passionate individuals seeking to immerse themselves in outdoor education to apply for our Naturalist Internship. This 10-month program offers a unique opportunity to develop teaching skills in a stunning outdoor classroom nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Under the mentorship of experienced Naturalists and Program Coordinators, interns will undergo paid training and subsequently engage in hands-on teaching, outdoor activities, and raptor management.

Responsibilities:

• Teach NGSS-aligned curriculum in natural sciences and local history to primarily 4th and 6th grade students in an outdoor setting.
• Operate our challenge course, conduct team-building initiatives, belay on our climbing wall, and facilitate our high ropes course and zipline.
• Assist in the care of non-releasable raptors at our Raptor Center including feeding and handling, and utilize them as educational ambassadors.
• Lead large-group camp-style activities during evening programming
• Receive mentorship and continuous learning through various training opportunities provided throughout the internship.

Our ideal applicant….

• Loves to play outside and is passionate about making the outdoors a safe, fun place for students to learn.
• Is self-motivated, positive, energetic, and works well independently or on a team.
• Possesses the social and emotional skills to build rapport and positive relationships with people from all backgrounds, abilities, ages, cultures, orientations, identities and communities.
• Is able to communicate effectively to peers, supervisors, visiting students, teachers and parent chaperones.
• Is ready to challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zone
• Wants to learn and grow, and is open to feedback and coaching
• Is willing to live on-site in shared housing in a semi-remote setting.

Qualifications:

• College degree in science, education, outdoor recreation, or related field preferred, however any combination of education and related experience will be considered.
• Previous experience working with children preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, clear fingerprints, background check, and negative TB test required.
• Ability to hike up to five miles per day in all weather conditions and lift between 10-50 pounds.

Note: We encourage any applicants that are passionate about giving students a positive educational experience in the outdoors to apply, even if not all qualifications are met. We particularly welcome folks who have extensive experience working with, or have lived experience as members of historically marginalized communities.

Perks:

• Private bedroom in shared on-site housing with modern amenities.
• Meals provided during programs.
• Weekly provision of food staples.
• Wilderness First Aid, CPR, & AED training.
• $150 towards an outdoor education-related conference.
• One paid day to visit and observe another environmental education program.
• Pro-deals with select outfitters.
• Access to equipment including mountain bikes and kayaks during off-duty hours.

Off-the-Clock:

• Within a 30-minute drive, access to various outdoor activities and amenities.
• Proximity to towns offering dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.
• Short driving distance to popular destinations such as Yosemite National Park, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Lake Tahoe.

Contact:

For inquiries, contact Emma Ervolina, Program Coordinator I, at 209-532-3691 or emmaervolina@cusd.com. Visit the Sierra Outdoor School website at sos.cusd.com.

Tagged as: Internships, Outdoor Education