Outdoor Science Instructor

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
OFFICE OF EDUCATION

Outdoor Science School

POSITION: Outdoor Science Instructor

DEFINITION

Under general direction, conduct an activity oriented, interdisciplinary curriculum in science field study to diverse fifth and sixth grade students in a camp setting; also train, supervise and evaluate high school Cabin Leaders and conduct evening activities.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Conduct field study classes for groups from 18-25 students in the forest for up to six hours at a time.
• Insure physical and emotional health and safety of participating students
• Maintain a supportive and cooperative working relationship with staff, classroom teachers, site (Koinonia) staff and cabin leaders. Contribute to positive staff morale and an atmosphere of inclusion, social justice and personal growth.
• Contribute to and maintain an atmosphere for inclusion, social growth, development and positive interaction for students and cabin leaders.
• Develop, implement, expand and evaluate Santa Cruz County Outdoor Science School’s interdisciplinary and inquiry based environmental education curriculum.
• Develop and lead large group student assemblies (up to 200 students) including, but not limited to; song sessions, meals, campfire programs and opening and closing ceremonies.
• Provide weekly training, guidance, supervision and evaluation for the high school cabin leaders.
• Instill positive support, guidance, supervision and order for your assigned cabin groups.
• When necessary, proactively seek out or invent adaptations of materials or physical resources to make learning accessible to students with special needs.
• Provide a positive role model for the preservation of the natural environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

NGSS and Inquiry Instruction (preferred)

Establishing and maintaining high standards for class behavior, for both self and students, which are fair, respectful, inclusive and ethical.

Concepts of ecological principles including the sciences of biology, geology and astronomy (preferred)

Techniques of conflict resolution

Standards of risk management in an outdoor environment

First aid and emergency response (Wilderness First Aid Certification is required)

Skill and Ability:

Establish clear and meaningful learning goals (including social, cognitive, metacognitive, and skill goals) for all students, and engage students in the achievement of those goals.

Manage and teach field study group sizes between 18-25 students.

Lead large group assemblies (of up to 200 students) in activities including educational songs, skits and stories.

Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action

Work well with others of divergent viewpoints and deal constructively with conflict

Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Dress appropriately for the given occasion

EDUCATION/TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Three years of related experience teaching and/or working with youth in the outdoors.

BA/BS preferred but not required

Bilingual educators are highly encouraged to apply

License or Certificate:

Valid and current First Aid (minimum is WFA) and CPR. WFA can be obtained after an individual is hired, before beginning work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Daily hiking with a day-pack on steep and uneven terrain (up to 5 miles). Sitting frequently, standing and walking short and long distances; occasional to frequent lifting and carrying of 20-50 lbs; bending; frequent and repetitive use of hands (keyboarding), vision, hearing, speech/language processes; ability to use computers and other technological equipment, telephone, computer.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to hot and cold temperatures and a variety of weather conditions consistent with working outside at 1000-foot elevation in heavily forested terrain.
• Exposure to dust, pollen, and a variety of plant life including poison oak, and a variety of insects (including ticks and mosquitoes).
• Workplace atmosphere is fast-paced with high pressure.
• The employee may be exposed to a variety of conditions, which may include rain, hail, sleet, and high winds for days at a time.
• Occasionally the employee may be required to go to the Santa Cruz County Office of Education located in Santa Cruz.
• Continuous contact with school staff, students, partners and the general public is required

Assigned work is normally performed at Koinonia Conference Center and school site environments. Occasional travel is required to school, field and training sites in one’s own vehicle. Continuous contact with school staff, students, partners and the general public is required.

OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:

• Position begins September 3rd, 2026 and continues until early June 2027.
• Instructors have the opportunity to continue with the program in subsequent school years, indefinitely.
• The majority of work weeks are four-day: Tuesday – Friday with a few Monday – Thursday weeks, and a few five day weeks. Overtime (equivalent to 1.5 hours of pay per hour) is paid after 40 hours of work in one week.
• In a typical, 32 hour work week:
• Tuesday = 8am – 5pm (8 hours)
• Wednesday = 8:30am – 9pm with breaks in between (10-12 hours)
• Thursday = 8:30am – 5pm with breaks in between (6-8 hours)
• Friday = 8am – 2pm (6 hours)

SALARY/BENEFITS:

• Salaries start at $26.60/hour - $29.17/hour depending on experience. Fluent bilingual (Spanish/English) instructors start at $27.93 - $30.63/hour depending on experience and after passing the biliterate and/or bilingual exam. Approximately 145 work days from September - early June. Employees receive a pay increase each year up to six years.
• Single-only dental and vision benefits are provided.
• PERS retirement benefits for current members or after 1000 hours of service for non-members
• Lunch during the work week is provided. Room and board are not provided.
• This is a Classified Temporary position. Sick days are accrued. Holiday pay is not available

TO APPLY

• Go to . Accepting online applications only. Applications without proper attachments (listed below) will not be considered.
• Submit:

Online Application

Letter of Introduction

Resume and Three Work-Related Reference Contacts

Proof of Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification (or higher). Note – if you do not have a WFA or higher certification it is ok to apply for the position and obtain the WFA certification before or soon after start date.

Questions: Contact Heather MacDougall Molloy; ; 831-466-5715

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $26.60 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $31