YMCA East Bay Outdoor School at Camp Arroyo

Naturalist

Program Description: YMCA East Bay Outdoor School at Camp Arroyo, in Livermore, California, is hiring naturalist and substitute naturalist positions for the 2008-09 school year. Opened in 2001, the camp’s earth-friendly architecture is state-of-the art (rated one of AIA’s Top Ten Green Projects of 2002), featuring a straw bale dining hall and passive-solar designed cabins. We teach three- to five-day sustainability education programs to fourth through sixth graders from around the Bay Area from September until June.

Our experiential curriculum focuses on the theme of sustainability in the following lesson areas:

• Organic gardening
  
• Green architecture and renewable energy
  
• Native Ohlone culture
  
• A local ecology hike
  
• A three-mile hike with an emphasis on personal accomplishment, watersheds, and geology
  
• Team building initiatives and the climbing wall
  
• In-depth elective classes designed by each naturalist
  
• Challenge course (high and low ropes elements) facilitation for weekend groups
  

Program Type: Residential

Job Description: As a naturalist, you will be responsible for the following each week:

• Teaching the above curriculum to the same group of 10-15 students for the week
  
• Developing experiential, inquiry-based lesson plans
  
• Facilitating community-building initiatives with groups
  
• Orienting participants to program areas, including dining hall and cabins
  
• Leading two to three meals in dining hall
  
• Leading one to two structured activities during student recreation time
  
• Working two evening programs (skit nights, night hike, or dance)
  
• Assisting with the prep, maintenance, and clean-up of program supplies and areas
  
• Participating in staff development
  
• Working occasional weekend programs for additional pay
  

Job Duration: School Year
Job Status: Full-Time

Qualifications:

• Prefer at least 2 years experience in environmental education programs, especially residential programs
  
• At least a four-year degree or equivalent experience
  
• Knowledge of the above curriculum areas or the passion and follow-through to learn more
  
• Experience working with a diversity of children from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds
  
• Ability to work flexible work hours
  
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  
• Positive management skills with children
  
• Ability to walk up to 5 miles per day
  
• Musical and acting abilities are a plus! (It is a camp setting so be prepared to perform in front of large groups of kids!)
  
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, with AED training
  
• Lifeguard certification, WFR/EMT certifications, and language skills are desirable
  
• Must be able to commit to working the whole school year, Sept 2, 2008-June 12, 2009
• Flexibility, a positive attitude and a sense of humor are absolutely required!

Salary: $90 - $110 / day, additional compensation for occasional weekend work
Benefits: Training, Stipend for development opportunities, pro-deals
Housing: Provided Full Time
Meals: Provided During Program Only

Deadline for Application: Priority Deadline: April 18, 2008 (positions offered on a rolling basis)
Start Date / Job Period: September 2008 - June 2009
Application Procedure: Please send a resume with references and a cover lette

Contact: James Choe
Address: 5535 Arroyo Road , Livermore , CA 94550 Phone(s): 925-455-7976
Fax: 925-455-7977
e-mail: jchoe@ymcaeastbay.org
Website: http://www.ymcaeastbay.org/camparroyo/