Job assignment:  The Lead Naturalist for Outdoor Explorers summer camp will spend his/her time in the field leading, exploring and delivering Discovery Southeast’s hands-on environmental education summer camp program, Outdoor Explorers (OE), to youth ages 7-12. This exciting and dynamic Monday-through-Friday day camp exposes youth to Juneau’s natural areas through outdoor exploration, natural history, science-based education, arts, crafts, and environmental education games and activities. The Lead Naturalist is responsible for some coordination and administration of the OE program and reports to the Executive or Program Director while working closely with an assistant intern naturalist and other program support staff.

The goals of this assignment are to have youth participants in Outdoor Explorers:

• Explore the diversity of Southeast Alaska’s natural habitats,
• Describe the natural communities found in the Juneau area
• Demonstrate group skills and work together in a positive atmosphere
• Learn and practice outdoor survival skills
• Express an understanding and appreciation of the natural world through creative activities
• Learn how the ocean influences them and how they influence the ocean

Duration: Outdoor Explorers camp season runs June 11 – August 10. Applicants selected for interviews should be prepared to discuss their availability for a to-be-arranged orientation period prior to the first week of camp. 

Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate and lead summer outdoor day-camps (groups of up to 13 children)
• Prepare lessons and activities that focus on outdoor skills, natural history, and connections between nature and science-based principles
• Engage in outdoor procedures that emphasize safety, risk management, good judgment, positive group interaction, and personal leadership
• Perform administrative tasks in support of the Outdoor Explorers summer day camp program which includes handling registrations and communication with participant’s parents
• Assist when needed with the implementation of Discovery Southeast’s other community-based summer programs such as Parade of Species
• Drive 15-passenger van to each day’s programming sites

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Extensive experience working with diverse youth between the ages of 7 and 12
• Prior experience in both environmental education and natural history interpretation
• Knowledge of Southeast Alaska natural history
• Knowledge of Juneau’s trails, beaches, and other outdoor opportunities
• Creative teaching and supervisory skills
• Ability to manage risk, provide positive leadership, and interact constructively with others
• Ability to hike in difficult terrain and conditions while wearing a 10-20 lb. backpack
• Current First Aid/CPR required; Wilderness First Responder preferred
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and proof of good driving record required 

Compensation: $18.50-22.50 per hour depending on experience.

To apply: Send resume, cover letter, and sample camp week curriculum to beth@discoverysoutheast.org