Job Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. 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.

SALARY RANGE: $785.00/week

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Research, write, and update lesson plans appropriate to program goals and aligned with state and national education standards; conduct natural science lessons establishing and utilizing responsive teaching situations; lead interpretive field activities in a variety of ecosystems.
• Engage staff, volunteers, and participants within the environmental science arena at Camp Campbell; provide opportunities to learn.
• Prepare and maintain nature lab exhibits and provide care for live animals.
• Conduct ongoing training and supervision of cabin leaders.
• Plan, organize and evaluate curriculum and instructional activities related to volunteer leadership development.
• Expanded and new program opportunities and field lessons each year.
• Attend meetings and trainings necessary to be successful.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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 situation.
• Ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Ability to climb, push, and pull.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent relevant experience required
• Enthusiastic, Fun, Great Personality.
• Ability to effectively interact with participants, parents, and staff.
• Prior experience at an outdoor school, day camp, or similar environmental education institution preferred.
• Experience working with marginalized populations and Spanish fluency strongly preferred.
• Certifications: CPR, First Aid, Child Abuse Prevention & Risk Management.
• Available on weekend and evenings as needed.

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.

Philanthropy: Secures resources and support to advance the Y's work.

Volunteerism: Engages volunteers and promotes social responsibility at all levels of the organization.

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.

Fiscal Management: Manages the Y's resources responsibly and sustains the Y's nonprofit business model.

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.