NATURALIST JOB DESCRIPTION

Moran Outdoor School provides residential environmental education. School groups come for one to five days and are usually 6th graders. Grades range from 2nd through High School. A typical week for a naturalist includes environmental education classes, backpacking to a campsite for a night, group building activities, and kayaking on Cascade Lake. We work to give students a better understanding of the natural world while providing them the opportunity to connect with the environment in lasting ways. Our Naturalist positions are suited to educators with previous experience teaching environmental lessons outdoors.

Dates: Spring Season: April through June 11th. Fall Season: September and October.

Individual Duties:

• Instruct groups of ten to fourteen students in outdoor environmental education and adventure education classes and overnights.
• Use knowledge gained from staff training, camp resources, and personal experience to develop and teach lesson plans for classes and overnights.
• Manage physical and emotional safety of participants: maintain and encourage a safe environment.

Cooperative Staff Duties:

• Lead evening activities and elective classes when needed.
• Attend a weekly staff meeting.
• Team teach with interns: offer interns curriculum ideas and constructive criticism.

Qualifications:

• At least one season experience teaching environmental education in the outdoors.
• Backpacking, kayaking, and group building experience is a plus.
• A sincere interest in working with children and in environmental issues.
• Excellent communication and teaching skills.
• First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Compensation:

• $8-10 per hour, depending on experience. Naturalists are contracted for staff training, classes, overnights, weekly meetings, and some evenings and electives. Hours are typically 25-27 per week with occasional extra hours available. Other work is usually available on the island.
• Housing can be arranged in exchange for $18.85 and 2.25 hours volunteer time per month (a state parks requirement).

For additional information contact Marta Turksel-Branch, Program Director, at (360) 376-6173.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, and the phone numbers of three references to: Moran Outdoor School - 4600 Olga Road - Eastsound, WA 98245.

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