Teacher Naturalist & Challenge Course Facilitator

Teacher Naturalist/Challenge Course Facilitator

Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center is located on 200 acres of redwood forest in the coastal hills of Western Sonoma County, California. During the school year, we provide single day and residential overnight environmental and science education as well as character development on our challenge course for students primarily in grades five through eight. Our environmental programing focuses on coastal redwood ecosystems, stream ecology, marine ecology, and stewardship. We aim to support Social Emotional Learning in every student and staff member. Our School Program’s mission is to foster the development of character, community, and science literacy in students through experiential outdoor education.

Teacher Naturalists at Westminster Woods are dedicated individuals who are committed to environmental education and experiential learning. Westminster Woods encourages opportunities for growth and professional development and strives to create a learning community. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and develop hands-on, student-centered experiences in an outdoor setting.
• Incorporate inquiry based learning, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into teaching.
• Facilitate interpersonal and intrapersonal development through challenge course experiences that include both team building and high elements.
• Demonstrate sound group management skills in both large and small groups.
• Tailor programs to meet the needs of each school group by incorporating teacher requests, students’ prior knowledge, program logistics, and student interests.
• Manage student safety by using appropriate risk management; administer and document first aid as needed.
• Lead two-three meals and one-three evening programs per week and three-four weekend programs each season.
• Provide weekly, post-trip assessments of student group learning and experiences.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility listed above. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in education, science, environmental, multidisciplinary studies, or a related field and/or equivalent professional and life experience.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain before employment.
• Ability to perform physically challenging work in the outdoors and in all weather conditions and on uneven terrain. Ability to work at height, up to 50ft, strongly preferred. 
• Commitment to inclusiveness and diversity within your teaching and our community.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to continued learning and development as well as openness to feedback.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• One to two years relevant teaching experience (preferably outdoors).
• Experience or knowledge of inquiry-based education as well as science and natural history.
• Prior experience working on high ropes courses.
• Advanced degree and/or teaching credential.
• Ability to speak and/or teach in a second language and/or experience teaching English Language Learners.
• Current Lifeguard certification.
• Wilderness First Aid or Responder certification.

Compensation: Hourly beginning at $16.50/hour (or $19.50/hour without housing) plus overtime with opportunity for regular increases

Housing: Housing is possibly available on site at a significantly reduced rate.

If interested: Email your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Casey Stachelski, Director of School Programs at casey@westminsterwoods.org. 

Westminster Woods values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome all backgrounds, abilities, cultures, orientations, identities, and communities.