Outdoor Education Camp Leader (official title: Naturalist) (2024)

SALARY DETAILS

Minimum:$30.87Hourly

Maximum:$37.71 Hourly

APPLICATION FILING DATES

September 6, 2024 - September23, 2024

INFORMATION ABOUT LAUSD

We are LAUSD. We are at the forefront of innovation in public education, focused on a clear and inspiring vision of the future for all of our students as they venture forward on their journey as lifelong learners. Here, you will have the opportunity to exercise your potential in a role supporting the business of education. Our work directly contributes toward the goal of ensuring that our students graduate ready for the world – ready to thrive in college, career and life. LAUSD is the second largest school district in the nation with an enrollment of nearly 575,000 students. We serve an area totaling 710 square miles, with over 1,190 schools and educational centers, and we employ over 74,000 individuals, making us one of the largest employers in our city.

LAUSD Employees:Please be advised that all LAUSD employees must sign in to the GlobalProtect Virtual Private Network (VPN) in order to submit an application from an external network outside of an LAUSD location. For assistance with installing the GlobalProtect virtual network, please contact Information Technology Services at (213) 443-1300 or (213) 241-5200.

DEPARTMENT OR SCHOOL SITE

There are currently multiple vacancies which are located at Canyon Creek Outdoor Education Center, 41600 Lake Hughes Rd, Lake Hughes, CA 93532.

PROJECT

The LAUSD is currently recruiting qualified individuals for Naturalist positions.

A Naturalist conducts educational programs in environmental education, natural science, and human relations for students. A naturalist also conducts hikes and campfire programs; and performs various manual duties related to center facilities, animals, trails, and supplies at an outdoor-education center.

BENEFITS

Insurance: Paid premiums for your choice of several medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

Retirement: Membership in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS).

Vacation: Full-time employees earn up to two weeks of paid vacation to start. Three weeks after five years of year-round paid service.

Paid Holidays: Up to 13 days.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

TYPICAL DUTIES:

  • Presents instructional programs to students regarding environmental education, natural science, human relations, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curriculum by demonstration and instruction in a natural setting.

  • Obtains data and prepares training aids for courses in astronomy, botany, ecology, geology, hydrology, meteorology, mythology, and zoology.
  • Conducts hikes, tours, campfire programs, and craft classes.
  • Orients teachers, parents, and students to the outdoor education facility.
  • Coordinates instructional presentations with teachers and administrators.
  • Prepares and maintains exhibits.
  • Clears and develops new trails and maintains existing trails in safe condition, including clearing chaparral, removing weeds and bushes, and cutting tree branches.
  • Feeds and cares for animals.
  • Assists in maintaining the center in a safe, clean condition and in opening and closing the center.

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list of the responsibilities of this position. For a comprehensive list of duties performed in these classifications, please visit:https://bit.ly/3TjjUYc

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

  • Graduation from high school or evidence of equivalent educational proficiency, and successful completion of 9 semester units or equivalent quarter units of coursework, at a recognized college or university, in one of the natural or physical sciences, or education.

  • Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in the above areas is preferable.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Six months of paid experience or verifiable volunteer experience in developing or conducting outdoor or environmental education programs or youth group activities.

  • An additional 3 semester units or equivalent quarter units of coursework, at a recognized college or university, in one of the natural or physical sciences, or education may be substituted for the aforementioned required experience.

SPECIAL:

  • A First-Aid Certificate issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross must be obtained within 60 days after appointment and must be kept valid during the term of employment.
  • A CPR Certificate issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross must be obtained within 60 days of appointment and kept valid during the term of employment.

SPECIAL NOTE:

  • A Naturalist will be provided overnight accommodations to reside at the outdoor-education center during their assigned work schedule, may be required to work variable hours, and supervise students during meal periods.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate has experience conducting outdoor education and environment education programs for school-aged children, both on land and on water. The ideal candidate has a passion for instructing topics related to Climate Change and environmental principles and concepts. The ideal candidate is a strong team player, able to foster great working conditions with both children and adults from various backgrounds, and possesses the skills required to maintain cordial and professional relationships when living in close proximity to other outdoor education staff.

EMPLOYMENT SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process for Naturalist may consist of a multiple choice test, a performance test and a structured Interview.

This is a classified position - candidates who meet the minimum entrance qualifications, and who compete and are successful in the assessment process, will be added to a ranked eligibility list. Eligibility typically lasts for 1 year. The hiring manager(s) will be able to select a candidate from the top three ranks of the eligibility list. The hiring list resulting from this assessment process may be used to fill open positions in related job classifications.

We anticipate receiving a number of well qualified applicants for this position; therefore, there will be a competitive process. The hiring departments have requested that we proceed with the selection process in an expeditious and timely manner. To honor this request we will be adhering to a pre-planned employment assessment schedule.

Please be sure to include correspondence from @lausd.net as an approved sender so that messages aren't accidentally placed into your spam/junk e-mail folder.

For more information about the LAUSD employment assessment process, visit the 'My LAUSD Career' section of our website at http://www.lausdjobs.org.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, click the "Apply" button at the top right corner of this page and log into the application management system; then, (1) click on each of the dropdown tabs and complete the requested information; and (2) submit your application by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the page to complete the application process, or click "Save" to save your application to complete at a later date.

DO YOU NEED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE ON-LINE APPLICATION?

Email us at helpmeapply@lausd.net

To find out whether the application deadline has been extended, visit the website at: http://www.lausdjobs.org

The Los Angeles Unified School District intends that all qualified persons shall have equal opportunities for employment and promotion. Reasonable accommodations in completing an application and testing are available to individuals with disabilities. Please call (213) 241-3455 for more information.

ADDITIONAL POSTING INFORMATION

Selection and promotion are based on a competitive employment assessment process. Candidates who pass all parts of the assessment process are placed on a hiring (eligibility) list based on their assessment score. Hiring departments may make job offers to candidates on the top three ranks of the hiring list. Eligibility typically lasts for 12 months. The hiring list resulting from this assessment process may be used to fill open positions in related job classifications.

The Los Angeles Unified School District is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, abusive conduct, or bullying. The District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, abusive conduct or bullying based on actual or perceived race or ethnicity, gender/sex (including gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding/lactation status and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, religion, color, national origin (including language use restrictions and possession of a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code), ancestry, immigration status, physical or mental disability (including clinical depression and bipolar disorder, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, epilepsy, seizure disorder, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease), medical condition (cancer related and genetic characteristics), military and veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age (40 and above), genetic information, political belief or affiliation (unless union related), a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation in any program or activity it conducts or to which it provides significant assistance. For inquiries or complaints contact our Equal Opportunity Section, (213) 241-7685.

Outdoor Education Camp Leader (official title: Naturalist) (2024)

FAQs

Is an outdoor education degree worth it? ›

A career as an outdoor educator can catapult you into leadership roles, environmental consulting, curriculum development, or field research — and since it has so many applications, you can explore out-of-the-box ways to put your work to good use.

Who are the key leaders in outdoor education? ›

Three key leaders in the field of outdoor education are Kurt Hahn, Paul Petzoldt, and Josephine Duveneck. Kurt Hahn was a German educator who founded Outward Bound in 1941. His philosophy emphasized the development of character and resilience through challenging experiences in the outdoors.

What jobs would be associated with outdoor education, environmental protection, naturalists, park rangers, etc.? ›

All kinds of outdoor enthusiasts can find their dream role in this list of jobs in nature.
  • Environmental Engineer.
  • Wildlife Biologist.
  • Botanist.
  • Park Ranger.
  • Organic Farmer.
  • Environmental Consultant.
  • Sustainability Manager.
  • Environmental Science and Protection Technician.

What is outdoor education leadership? ›

A training designed for staff, volunteers, and community leaders to increase their resources related to youth empowerment, team building, and community development strategies.

What are three 3 benefits of outdoor education? ›

Benefits of outdoor classrooms
  • Outdoor classrooms provide the perfect setting for all subjects. ...
  • Unstructured play outdoors promotes creativity and problem-solving skills. ...
  • Better test scores. ...
  • Higher Grade Point Averages. ...
  • Decreased behavioral problems. ...
  • Reduced symptoms of ADHD.

What is the role of an outdoor leader? ›

The Important Roles of Outdoor Leaders
  • Promote Responsible Outdoor Conduct.
  • Ensure the Team's Safety.
  • Mitigate Dangers and Risks.
  • Push Team Members to Excel.

Who is the founder of outdoor education? ›

Key outdoor education pioneers include Kurt Hahn, a German educator who founded schools such as the Schule Schloss Salem in Germany; the United World Colleges movement, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme (which emphasizes community service, craftsmanship skills, physical skill, and outdoor expeditions), and the Outward ...

What are the outdoor leadership styles? ›

Outdoor leadership styles include Authoritarian, Participative, Abdicratic, and Situational — and the Situational style takes the cake for being the most reliable. The 3 others have well-defined parameters and specific goals. Situational leadership offers the most flexibility and efficiency.

What is the highest paying outdoor job? ›

High-paying outdoor jobs
  • Petroleum engineer.
  • Marine engineer.
  • Construction manager.
  • Civil engineer.
  • Environmental engineer.
  • Geographer.
  • Wildlife biologist.
  • Landscape architect.
Apr 30, 2024

What is a naturalist educator? ›

Position Summary: The Naturalist Educator role is part of a cohesive team that cares for our animals and nature sanctuary while providing experiential nature education to children and adults through organized programs and visitor experiences.

Where do naturalists work? ›

As a naturalist, you are committed to the conservation and preservation of natural wildlife and biomes. You work all across the world, on national parks, game preserves, in museums, and at universities.

What is the job description for outdoor education? ›

Facilitate classes and follow curriculum when working with visiting school groups. Run climbing wall and low ropes programs for visiting groups and schools. Predict, prevent, identify and respond to safety issues. Communicate with all guests in a mature, responsible fashion.

What is introduction to outdoor leader? ›

Training Techniques

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training helps leaders gain confidence in their ability—through hands-on, practical application of skills and proven methods—to influence growth in positive ways to achieve the purposes of the Boy Scouts of America.

What is the outdoor education model? ›

Outdoor Education is organized learning that happens outside and allows students to interact with the natural environment.

What does an outdoor educator do? ›

You may find employment at a local nature center or park as an outdoor education instructor. In this position, you work with the area's schools and daycares to provide environmental adventures with a teaching theme for students. You may also lead workshops to meet educational requirements deemed by the state standards.

What is outdoor education as a major? ›

Overview. You will develop leadership and facilitation skills in wilderness environments. Building a connection with the natural environment and becoming comfortable in outdoor settings will assist your growth as an outdoor educator and wilderness leader.

Is studying outside effective? ›

Aside from the exercise, oxygen, and vitamin D, time outside can improve calmness and mental clarity, promote relaxation and emotional exuberance, and get us in stronger harmony with nature. Some of the many known benefits of working and studying outdoors include: Increased natural energy.

What is the difference between outdoor education and environmental education? ›

Outdoor education has served as a significant educational reform since the early 1940s by promoting the use of outdoor learning settings. When environmental education emerged in the 1970s, it focused more directly on knowledge leading to quality local and global environments.

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