Naturalist

Opportunity

Join the team at The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre, a program of The Los Padres Council, Scouting America, and immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings of the Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara, CA. As a naturalist, you’ll be the heart of our educational programs, leading curriculum hikes, facilitating special activities, including evening campfires, and ensuring that students have a safe and unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.

Overview

As a naturalist at The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre, you will play a pivotal role in delivering our educational programs. This is a full-time, seasonal position, and housing is provided during the season start and end dates.

Qualifications

• 21 years or older
• BA/BS in outdoor/environmental education, environmental science, a science degree, a related field, AND/OR relevant experience
• First Aid and CPR certification (if not current, will be provided during staff training)
• Proof of eligibility to work in USA
• Ability to be positive role model for minors
• Documented experience and ability to teach an outdoor science school curriculum to school children
• Strong knowledge of local ecology, geology, and natural history or willingness to learn
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially working with 5th and 6th-grade students
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Enthusiasm for outdoor activities and a passion for environmental education
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, outdoor environment
• Desire to live and work in a camp community
• Comfortable leading songs, skits, stories, and games in front of large groups, especially during evening programs such as campfire
• Ability to accept guidance and supervision and to work with others
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Ability to walk/hike ten miles per day up and down narrow trails in hilly terrain
• Enjoys working in all outdoor conditions
• Characteristics such as flexibility, a positive outlook, creativity, concern for safety, positive interpersonal skills, adaptability, decision-making skills, maturity, integrity, and approachability
• Willingness to support camp operations (food service, housekeeping, and facility maintenance) as necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in outdoor education
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Experience with mountain biking, archery, and/or other outdoor leadership skills

Responsibilities

• Lead five curriculum-based hikes, educating students on local flora and fauna, geology, ecology, and conservation principles. Ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience for all participants
• Ensure student safety and engagement during all activities, both on- and off-trail
• Facilitate evening campfires, including leading songs, skits, and stories that foster a sense of community and environmental appreciation
• Lead or assist with other special activities including nine-mile hikes, arts & crafts, team-building games, archery, mountain biking, and more
• Collaborate with the program team to assist with logistical aspects of the program, including mealtime supervision and general camp support
• Prioritize the safety and well-being of all program participants, following established safety protocols and emergency procedures
• Inspire a sense of environmental responsibility among students, emphasizing the importance of conservation and sustainable practices
• Help with meals and dish room clean up when assigned
• Clean and maintain camp equipment and course materials
• Assist with the general cleanup maintenance of camp and hiking trails
• Participate in staff training
• Participate in weekly staff meetings

Program Details

• Program Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
• Program Location: Santa Barbara, CA
• Work Schedule: 35-40 hours per week
• Housing: On-site housing provided during season start and end dates

Seasonal Dates:

• Fall: September 15 – December 18, 2025
• Winter/Spring: January 13 – June 5, 2026
• Summer Camp: June 9 – June 20, 2026
• Housing available over winter break
• No program during Thanksgiving week

Compensation

• $16.50 an hour
• Housing provided
• Meals provided while the Outdoor School program runs (typically Tuesday breakfast – Friday lunch). Rancho Alegre is able to provide Vegetarian, Dairy Free, and Non-Celiac Gluten free substitutions with advanced planning.
• We have the occasional Monday – Thursday Schedule
• Staff Training weeks will be Monday – Friday

Conditions of Employment

The following requirements must be completed prior to arriving at camp.
Time spent completing online training components will be considered paid work hours, totaling up to 12 hours of paid online training.

• Current First Aid and CPR certification
• (If not current, in-person certification will be provided during staff training. Please contact us in advance to arrange)
• Clear Tuberculosis (TB) screening, valid within the past 4 years
• Fingerprint clearance through both the FBI and California Department of Justice (LiveScan must be completed in California)
• Completion of California Mandated Reporter Training (online)
• Completion of BSA Youth Protection Training (online, valid within the past 2 years)
• Completion of the online portion of Archery Level 1 certification

At The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Join our team of dedicated naturalists and help us inspire a lifelong love of nature and a commitment to environmental conservation in the next generation. Your passion for the outdoors and education can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the future of our planet.

The Council is committed to equal employment opportunity and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that prohibit workplace discrimination and unlawful retaliation, such as those that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or familial status, genetic information, citizenship status, protected activity (such as opposition to or reporting of prohibited discrimination or harassment), or any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. This policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including without limitation advertising, recruiting, hiring, training, evaluation, promotion, transfer, work assignments, compensation, benefits, disciplinary action, termination, or any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.