Join the Inside the Outdoors team as a Field Naturalist for Winter & Spring 2026!

Inside the Outdoors' field trip programs take place in parks and open spaces throughout Orange County, CA. Field Naturalists lead groups of Pre-K through 12th grade students during field trips as they explore local ecosystems and discover cultural history.

Job Location: We are based in Costa Mesa, CA. Field Naturalists teach programs at parks and open spaces throughout Orange County, including Shipley Nature Center, Irvine Regional Park, and more.

Duties include:

• Deliver environmental education and cultural history field trip programs to pre-K through 12th grade students from schools across Orange County. 
• Enforce safety rules for students, classroom teachers, and chaperones. 
• Hike on trails for up to one mile and traverse stairs and uneven terrain while carrying equipment. 
• Work as a team with other ITO staff to set up and take down programs. 
• Handle a variety of animals, including rats, snakes and insects 
• Promote Inside the Outdoors and deliver programming during public community programs and partner events.

Hours & Scheduling:

Candidates must be available for at least three weekdays each week. Shifts are available up to five weekdays per week from September through June.

Daily hours typically begin at 8 am and range from 4-8 hours per day. Occasional late afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts will be required. Limited summer work may also be available.

Minimum qualifications:

This is an entry-level position. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a related subject, such as biology, geology, earth systems science, or education; and/or at least a year of related experience via volunteering, classes, or work experience.

Preferred experience includes:

• Experience working with school-age children, especially in an outdoors environment.
• Experience working and collaborating with diverse communities is strongly desired.

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under OCDE’s vehicle insurance policy.

Compensation:

This is an hourly, part-time position. Compensation starts at $19.50/hour, with quarterly raises up to $21.50/hour.

To Apply: All applications must be received through OCDE's EdJoin portal. 

About Our Organization:

Since 1974, Orange County Department of Education's Inside the Outdoors program has helped more than 3.5 million Orange County TK-12 students get outdoors. Today, ITO's award-winning field trips, Traveling Scientist classroom programs, and community events immerse more than 100,000 participants each year in hands-on environmental science, all aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and California's Environmental Principles & Concepts.

Inside the Outdoors Foundation is ITO's nonprofit partner, collaborating to ensure that all students have access to these impactful experiences.