We are currently recruiting for energetic professionals to serve as Field Naturalists for the OCDE Inside the Outdoors (ITO) School and Field Programs. Our ITO School and Field Programs are a unique and hands-on science, social science, and environmental education program that provide science field trips for kindergarten through seventh grade students. 

As a leader in hands-on science and social science programs, our Inside the Outdoors program has three major goals:

• Encourage students’ and the communities’ awareness and appreciation of the environment.
• Broaden the students’ and the communities’ knowledge of science concepts.
• Foster students’ and the communities’ commitment to the protection of the natural environment.

Students study tidepool, chaparral, riparian (stream), and estuary ecosystems. Information on Native American lifestyles, living history, and geology are also integrated into the program.

Selected candidates will:

• Conduct natural science activities in a variety of ecosystems with students, classroom teachers, and/or adult chaperones.
• Prepare and effectively deliver instructional materials relative to the interpretive activities.
• Hike on trails for up to one mile, traverse stairs and uneven terrain while carrying equipment.
• Clean animal cages, feed, and handle a variety of animals, includingrats and snakes.
• Field Naturalists may also work at promotional events and may teach community programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university with major course work in the natural sciences or related field.
• Three years of related experience, training, or equivalent combination.
• Experience working with school-age children in an organized educational environment is preferred.
• Experience teaching virtually and in-person.
• Experience in providing instruction in an outdoors environment is highly desirable.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under OCDE’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certificates are required within first two months of employment.

Additional position information:

• Positions range from 2 to 5 days per week from September through June.
• Daily hours typically begin at 8:00 a.m. and range from 4 to 8 hours per day. Occasional late afternoon and evening shifts may be required.
• Virtual and In-person teaching.
• Limited weekend and summer work may be available. Additional evening and weekend shifts may be available.

Though regularly scheduled during a traditional school calendar, this position is considered a temporary classification with hourly pay.