Naturalist
Quantity: 4
Now accepting applications for 2011! Hiring will take place in Fall 2010.
The Basic Qualifications and Expectations are the same for this position as for the others (see "Essential Expectations"), but in addition Naturalists are expected to have:
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Knowledge of (or curiosity for and willingness to learn about) natural history and ecology of Northern California
- Ability to relate to and maintain a positive relationship with guests (students, teachers, and chaperones).
- Ability to communicate with and involve guests, while providing a hands-on, safe, learning environment.
- Enjoyment for working with other Naturalists as part of a team. This requires a willingness to communicate effectively as well as providing and receiving support when necessary.
What is a Naturalist? Emandal's Environmental Education Program focuses on nature appreciation and conservation promoted through positive, experiential learning activities on the farm and trail. Our philosophy is that one must develop a loving relationship with nature before wanting to be a steward of the environment. With this in mind, we ask that naturalists, who are the foundation of our program, act as inspirational role models in their interactions with students, teachers, and chaperones, AND be willing to tackle each project with enthusiasm, creativity and boundless energy.
More specifics about our program. Our Environmental Education Program focuses on using our resources (farm, garden, kitchen, forest, lake, and river) to teach and inspire students. School Groups come to stay at Emandal for a week while learning and exploring with their naturalist. Students and naturalists are involved with all aspects of the farm-cooking, gardening, animal chores, in addition to outdoor "class" and hike time.
A typical week at Emandal during Environmental Education:
Monday-Morning Meeting followed by lunch; Students arrive and meet their Naturalists; Short hike until snack time; Students move into cabins and return for chores; Time for dinner followed by campfire and then Goodnight.
Tuesday-Morning chores followed by breakfast and morning sing; Morning activity; Lunch followed by afternoon activity; Snack time and then some veggie time for kids (and naturalists) to chill out; Evening chores followed by dinner; Evening activity and then goodnight.
Wednesday-same as Tuesday, but with different activities.
Thursday-Morning chores followed by breakfast and morning sing; "All Day Hike" with lunch on trail; Snack and veggie time; Evening chores and dinner; Campfire and Goodnight.
Friday-Morning chores followed by breakfast and morning sing; Closing circle and GOODBYE. End of week meeting and cabin cleaning.
This is just a brief rundown; schedule will vary depending on group. Some Daytime Activities include: "Seed to Table"(foodshed, gardening, cooking), "Geology"(more fun than it sounds), "Pioneer Tools" (history-and you get to use a crosscut saw), "Native American History", as well as an "All Day Hike" with lunch on trail. Evening Activities include: "Astronomy", "Night Hike" and "Campfire". Chores include: cow milking, animal feeding, egg collection, gardening and compost making, setting tables and bread making. In addition to activities and chores, sharing mealtimes is an important part of our program.
Main Responsibilities:
- Lead effective Environmental Education Activities to groups of students of varying ages
- Communicate effectively with teachers and chaperones to gain feedback in order to produce the most productive program for your students
- Lead and supervise students', teachers', and chaperones' involvement in farm chores
- Communicate safety regulations and emergency procedures. Be aware of group safety while in charge of group in all areas of the farm property: kitchen, barnyard, garden, woods, etc.
- Facilitate meals. Naturalists sit with students, teachers and chaperones during meals to ensure that meals run smoothly, and to relate to them in a different setting
Other Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to):
- Camp and cabin cleaning (on Friday when students leave)
- Farm and maintenance projects (as needed and if time permits)
Compensation
Minimum $250/week, plus room and board.
Work Schedule
40-50 hours a week, Monday-Friday
Hours vary depending on group, usually 8-7 (this includes meals), with breaks throughout the day, and 1-2 night programs per week.
Dates of Employment
March 30 – Mid June, 2009 (we will have specific dates when we hear back form all of our schools)
Naturalists wishing to stay on as summer staff (through September/October) should indicate on application.
FAQ
- Where do the students come from? Most of our schools from the San Francisco Bay area, but we also have school from Northern California, Monterey and occasionally from as far away as Arizona, as well as our local Willits schools
- How old are the students? Usually 3rd and 4th graders, but sometimes older. The local school sends its second grade class
- Do I work every night? No. Naturalists work 1 or 2 (usually 2) nights per week.
- Do I eat the same food as the kids? We all eat the same food- and it is delicious! It is not the normal kid cafeteria fare, but is usually kid friendly and includes seasonal fresh produce and milk when available
- Will I receive training? Yes. There are 2 weeks of training before school groups come. You will learn the trails, the chores, the classes, about kids, etc.
- Do I stay with the students at night? No. Students stay in cabins with their teachers and chaperones. Naturalists have their own housing.
- Can I work at the farm after June? Yes. We will also be hiring summer staff for our guest ranch in the summer. The job is very different, but we welcome you to apply for this also. See "Seasonal All-Around Worker" job description and application.
Application
If you're interested in being considered for the Naturalist position, please download and complete the Naturalist Application, and send it to us, along with a resume and a page describing your qualifications and reasons for wanting to be a naturalist, via email, fax or regular mail.
Naturalist Application (PDF)
If you are interested in being considered for this position, please download the application, complete it, and send it to us, along with your resume and a page describing your qualifications and reasons for wanting to work in this position at Emandal. You may send your application and supporting materials to us via post.
- Emandal
16500 Hearst Post Office Road
Willits, California 95490