Under the direction of the Outdoor Education Coordinator, provide program oversight, assist in direction and guide students on interpretive nature hikes and conduct hands-on activities and lessons to teach 6th grade students astronomy, botany, ecology, geology, hydrology, oceanography, and zoology in a natural area that includes chaparral and riparian woodland.

Program Description

The Conejo Valley Unified School District Outdoor School is a residential program for 6th grade students. The program is held at Camp Ramah in Ojai, CA, a 400-acre camp located a few minutes from downtown Ojai, California. The Outdoor School program runs from January 29 to March 29, 2024 which includes a paid training and preparation week and the day after program conclusion. Room and board are included for Outdoor School staff. Weekend housing is available. Meals are available when camp is in operation. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Collaborate with naturalists in developing and providing outdoor adventure activities aligned to the California academic science standards for 6th grade students.

Under direction of the program coordinator, supervise and direct an activity oriented, interdisciplinary curriculum in science and environmental field study in an outdoor setting.

Assist with the supervision of naturalists, head cabin leaders, high school student cabin counselors, and 6th grade students.

Maintain a supportive and collaborative work environment with naturalists, cabin leaders, Camp Ramah support staff, and the outdoor school coordinator.

Assist with program preparation and coordination including curriculum development and material preparation.

Responsible for coordination and facilitation of daily activities.

Assist as a liaison between grade level teachers and naturalists.

Provide a positive role model for preservation of the natural environment.

Provide supervision of evening campfire activities including, but not limited to, age appropriate sing-a-longs, storytelling and skit performances.

Assist with monitoring student maintenance of facilities.

Assist with the maintenance of program equipment and supplies.

Responsible for ensuring that activities are safe and appropriate for students and naturalists. 

Direct supervision of high school student counselors and head cabin leaders.

Demonstrate flexibility, self-motivation, positive high-energy and commitment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education and/or training in one or more of the following fields: environmental science, biology, botany, astronomy, hydrology and outdoor recreation.

Previous experience working with school aged children is beneficial.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATION & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Proof of valid driver's license

Ability to obtain California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.

TB clearance.

Current First Aid and C.P.R. certification.

Must be available for the entire Conejo Valley USD Outdoor School Program duration, January 29 to March 29, 2024.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Stand, walk over rough, uneven, rocky, sandy or hilly terrain.
• Sit, bend over, grasp, reach overhead, stoop, twist, kneel, push, pull, lift and/or carry 50 pounds to waist height.
• Possible exposure to varied weather conditions that occasionally necessitates the use of rain gear, gloves, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Employees in this environment will be required to work in an outdoor school setting consisting of cabin dwellings, large activity rooms, and hilly terrain.