STANISLAUS COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION CLASS TITLE: NATURALIST BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Director of Outdoor Education, provide learning experiences to classroom-size groups of students in various outdoor education areas on trail hikes and on field trips; develop activities and materials; supervise students in various recreational activities. CLASS DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Provide learning experiences to small and classroom-size groups of students in various outdoor education areas on trail hikes and on field trips; drive a vehicle to various locations to conduct work. Develop activities and materials; participate in the development of informational materials; participate in the improvement of the Outdoor Education Program by improving content, scheduling, activities, materials and equipment, communication and facilities. Organize and supervise indoor and outdoor meals with students. Administer basic first aid as assigned and according to established procedures; dispense medications according to doctor instructions; participate in various health-related activities in the health office as assigned. Organize and participate in special weekend workshops as required. Assist in the supervision and training of high school students serving as counselors; prepare and provide student evaluations to appropriate personnel. Assist visiting classroom teachers with creating a safe and healthy environment during student visits. Attend staff meetings as directed. Train and provide work direction to assigned staff or students as directed. Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE OF: Ecology, natural sciences and other related fields and recreational activities. Policies and objectives of the Outdoor Education program. Oral and written communication skills. Public speaking techniques. Interpersonal skills including tact, patience and courtesy. Basic first aid. Record-keeping techniques. ABILITY TO: Provide learning experiences to classroom-size groups of students in various outdoor education areas on trail hikes and on field trips. Develop activities and materials. Supervise students in various recreational activities. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Maintain records and logs related to assigned activities. Learn how to prepare and present outdoor education topics. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Work independently with little direction. Plan and organize work. Administer basic first aid to students. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: bachelor's degree and one year experience working with young people in a residential outdoor setting. LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Valid First Aid and CPR certificate. Valid California driver's license. ENVIRONMENT: Outdoor and indoor environment. Seasonal heat and cold, and adverse weather conditions. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Constant interruptions. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Seeing to monitor students. Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations. Climbing hills while hiking. Walking and standing for extended periods of time. Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling moderately heavy objects. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching. HAZARDS: APPROVAL DATES: 07/01/00 CSEA PCH: Range 5