Nature Therapist (Nature Based, Somatic, Non-Clinical Support)

Company Description

Paddle for Peace is dedicated to diversifying coastal spaces and empowering BIPOC, low-income, and inner-city youth through ocean conservation, marine science education, and outdoor recreation. The organization provides access to programs that combine hands-on learning with activities like surfing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and coastal exploration. By fostering a love for the ocean, Paddle for Peace promotes environmental stewardship and inspires the next generation of diverse leaders in marine sciences. Recognizing the ocean's ability to heal, the organization also helps participants overcome historical and generational traumas, fostering peace, resilience, and holistic well-being.

Role Description

This is a contract, hybrid role for a Nature Therapist (Nature Based, Somatic, Non-Clinical Support) located in San Diego, CA, with some work from home flexibility. The therapist will facilitate nature-based, somatic, and outdoor group activities to support participants in healing, building resilience, and fostering holistic well-being. Responsibilities include organizing and leading therapeutic sessions and nature focused workshops, engaging participants in activities such as mindfulness exercises and eco-therapy, and providing empathetic, non-clinical emotional support to program participants. Additional tasks may involve program planning and collaboration with the team to enhance the therapeutic value of activities.

Qualifications

• Experience in nature-based or somatic therapy and leading outdoor group activities
• Strong skills in mindfulness techniques, eco-therapy methods, and non-clinical emotional support
• Capacity to plan and implement engaging, therapeutic outdoor programs
• Outstanding communication, empathy, and active listening skills
• Experience working with diverse, underserved youth populations is highly preferred
• Knowledge of marine conservation or environmental education is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Environmental Studies, Outdoor Education, or relevant field preferred
• Ability to work in both outdoor and remote settings

Key Responsibilities

Facilitation & Participant Support

• Facilitate non-clinical, nature-based therapeutic sessions for K–12 youth and adults.
• Lead grounding, somatic, mindfulness, and nature-connection practices.
• Deliver sessions in both indoor settings (classrooms, community spaces) and outdoor environments (beaches, parks, coastal areas).
• Support emotional regulation, resilience building, and wellness skill development.
• Create inclusive, welcoming environments for participants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Demonstrate exceptional cultural humility and trauma informed practice.

Curriculum Development

• Design and refine nature based, somatic centered wellness curriculum for youth and adults.
• Data collection that validate outcomes
• Integrate cultural relevance, environmental awareness, and emotional wellness into lesson plans.
• Adapt programming for varying age groups, learning styles, and community needs.

Training & Capacity Building

• Train staff, educators, and volunteers in:
• Trauma informed facilitation
• Somatic healing practices
• Cultural humility
• Nature based wellness strategies
• Support development of organizational protocols and best practices for nature based healing.

Collaboration, Reporting & Team Culture

• Work collaboratively with program leads to ensure wellness practices are smoothly integrated into school programs, community events, and outdoor experiences.
• Participate in onboarding, team meetings, and reflective practice discussions.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and support evaluation efforts when needed.