Outdoor Education Instructor
Position Overview: Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) is a non-profit located in Monterey County, CA. Our mission is to conserve native wildlife and their habitats, through science, education and collaboration. Our Education and Outreach programs provide meaningful outdoor experiences for youth year-round with a focus on underserved and historically marginalized communities. Seasonal and year-round positions available.
Seasonal Summer Discovery Camp Instructor - Natural Science Discovery Camps are week-long day camps with one overnight campout serving youth ages 8-12. Long hours and overnights required as well as a California commercial license (assistance available). Work schedule is Mon - Fri. Each week the camp spends Thursday night camping out. 55-60 hr/wk.
Seasonal Summer Wee Ones in the Woods Instructor - Wee Ones in the Woods is a three-hour program (two offered each day) serving ages 4-7. Most programs take place in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside and Marina however there are some weeks when the programs will move to farther locations such as Greenfield. Work schedule is Mon - Fri. Expect a 45 hr/wk.
Part-time Teen Instructor – Our Teen and Teacher Watershed Program is a weekly class during the school year serving teens in alternative education. Instructors work with the classroom teacher to incorporate weekly outings with in-class curriculum. Work schedule is Mon - Fri. during the school day and year. Expect 16-29 hr/wk; limited hours in the summer months.
Part-time Youth & Family Instructor – We offer weekly classes during the school year for home school students and our community partners (Mon-Fri), Monthly Community Adventure Clubs, Single Day Programs and overnight camps for families (weekends) and programs that focus on wellness through nature. Programs are year-round. Expect 16-29 hr/wk.
Compensation: $18/hour ($19 bilingual Spanish/English). Increase of $2/hr with commercial license in hand.
Job Duties include, but not limited to:
Lead and co-lead a flexible schedule of educational activities and lessons for participants in outdoor settings.
Strive to make sure participants are enjoying their time and gaining meaningful outdoor experiences.
Transport youth as a commercially licensed driver.
Ensure participant safety, well-being and comfort.
Communicate and coordinate with parents, vendors, teachers and partners.
Participate in conflict resolution and discipline through positive behavioral management.
Clean, organize and transport supplies, facilitate program set up and breakdown, and transportation logistics.
Be familiar with VWS Emergency Action Plan. Willing and able to administer Adult/Child/Infant First Aid & CPR.
Submit program reports and attendance regularly, as well as incident reports and payroll in a timely fashion.
Assist with data entry and evaluation of program.
Qualifications:
Passionate about sharing nature with others
Maintain a satisfactory background check (State and Federal).
Four or more years driving experience, valid CA driver’s license and clean DMV record.
Ability to obtain a commercial license - assistance provided.
Certification in Adult/Child/Infant First Aid & CPR. Assistance provided.
Available for the assignment duration and all program hours.
Reliable transportation to/from our office and program locations.
Experience working with participants in an educational outdoor setting.
Interact effectively with diverse cultural, ethnic and age groups.
Have an understanding of local natural history and ecology, and be familiar with current environmental topics.
Able to work well as part of a cohesive teaching team including coworkers, participants, parents, vendors, etc.
Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (including tasks such as hiking up to 3 miles on non-ADA trails, kayaking up to 3 hours, spending up to 4 hours on an ocean vessel, and lifting up to 50lbs safely).
Working Conditions: Programs are mostly decentralized and take place outdoors, year-round, at various locations and in all weather. Participant transportation is a substantial and integral part of our programming.
The ideal candidate is familiar with the communities of Monterey; is bilingual English/Spanish; has a variety of experience working with people in the outdoors, especially youth; is passionate about providing meaningful outdoor experiences; and is comfortable driving a large 15-passenger van.
Please send cover letter and resume to: alenaporte@ventanaws.org
9699 Blue Larkspur Lane, Suite 105, Monterey, CA 93940 Ph. (831) 800-7421 / Fax (831) 455-2846
Visit us at www.ventanaws.org
