San Mateo County Office of Education 

is seeking

NATURALIST INTERNS

For the 2025-2026 School Year

We are looking for motivated educators looking to guide students from California’s San Mateo County  through the outdoors for the 2025-2026 school year. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds to live and work in community together and serve as role models and leaders for youth as they learn about themselves and their world.   San Mateo Outdoor Education is a five-day residential outdoor education program nestled in an old growth redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  

Naturalist Interns lead groups of 12-17 students (5th and 6th graders) on educational hikes, exploring habitats on the Coastal Range – redwood forest, chaparral, mountains, Pacific Ocean, tide pools, brackish marsh, pond and stream ecosystems.  Curriculum and inquiry based, student centered activities tie directly to the Next Generation Science Standards.  Interns lead meals and evening activities including: night hike, ocean prep class, earth dance, and campfire programs.  The internship also includes staff training and weekly professional development.

Contract Terms: August 25th, 2025 to May 22th, 2026 (excluding one week for Veteran's Day,  one week for Thanksgiving, three weeks for Winter Break, and Spring Break).

Compensation: $888/week , which includes a stipend of $660 per week and an additional $228/week allocated for housing in a private room within a shared house for the contract duration. Meals will be provided on weekdays. This is an internship position; no health benefits, retirement, or paid time off are provided.  This internship includes three weeks of paid training,  weekly professional development, and a stipend to cover the Spring AEOE Conference.  Please note, this internship is 30 hours/week, you will likely have a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday off many weeks. 

Qualifications: Experience working with students, interest in building a shared community, openness to learn and grow as an educator and community member.  Must commit to fulfilling the entire length of the contract term.

Application Process: 

To apply, please submit the following: Email Cover Letter, Resume, and three (3) references, including phone numbers and email addresses to Allison Collins, acollins@smcoe.org

Application Deadline: ASAP! We are hoping to schedule interviews the week of July 28th for a start date of August 25th. We had a change in scheduling so have five positions open. 

For more information see our website: https://www.smcoe.org/for-communities/programs/outdoor-education.html

Meet our current staff and interns here: https://www.smcoe.org/for-families/attending-outdoor-education/meet-the-staff.html