Job Description
Job Title Outdoor and Environmental Educator
Are you passionate about giving back to your community and serving the youth?
Who We Are: In 1922, Woodcraft Rangers opened its doors in Los Angeles and began its mission of guiding young people as they explore pathways to purposeful lives. As a progressive organization, Woodcraft has always been responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served, and is notably inclusive, youth-led, and rooted in the Woodcraft Way, a holistic framework that develops body, mind, spirit, and service. Continuously at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities, Woodcraft Rangers has a rich history of making a significant impact in the greater Los Angeles area, believing that all youth are innately good, deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential, and should be an active participant in defining their own path.
What We Do: Woodcraft Rangers provides TK-12 expanded learning programs, including before and after school, specialty enrichment, and summer learning. In the past few years, Woodcraft has expanded its menu of services beyond traditional afterschool programs and summer camps to include early learning, environmental and social justice, college access, and inclusion services for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, we offer Lifecraft, a college and career advancement program to support the development of approximately 1,000 staff. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves more than 20,000 youth ages 4-18 annually in and from 110+ Title I schools across LA County!
Ideal Candidate: This job is for you if you have a passion for outdoor education, environmental advocacy, and implementing Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Feeling most alive when you’re outdoors, sharing your enthusiasm for environmental stewardship with young minds. You thrive in collaborative environments, transitioning smoothly between leading activities and supporting your colleagues, with an inclusive and inspiring leadership style that ensures every youth feels valued. Your positive attitude is contagious, bringing excitement and joy to everything you do, making learning fun and engaging for youths. You understand that each youth is unique and are committed to creating a nurturing environment, responding to individual needs with empathy and patience. The unpredictability of the outdoors doesn’t faze you; you embrace challenges with resilience and adaptability, maintaining a calm demeanor and finding creative solutions. Dedicated to personal growth and development, you’re eager to expand your own knowledge while helping youths discover theirs, constantly seeking new ways to improve your teaching methods and deepen your understanding of the natural world. With a strong sense of integrity and responsibility, you take your role seriously, understanding the significant impact you can have on youths' lives, and are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment.
Why Work for Woodcraft Rangers: ● Paid vacation
● Sick time
● Health Benefits
● 403(b) retirement
● Pet insurance
● Lifecraft
● Upward mobility
● Career development
● The opportunity to create a lasting positive impact on youth within your community.
Role Overview: As the Outdoor and Environmental Educator for Woodcraft Rangers, you will play a crucial role in advancing our mission of outdoor education and environmental stewardship. Reporting to the Camp Director, your primary responsibility will be to develop and deliver outdoor and environmental curriculum that is safe, fun, and suitable for youths’ ages and abilities for all nature/outdoor education programs. You will create curriculum that aligns with Outdoor Education and NGSS outcomes, covering a range of topics such as geology, plant adaptations, wildlife habitat, astronomy, and more. In addition, you will assist in staff training, ensuring that all team members understand and can implement outdoor and environmental education effectively. Your role also involves maintaining the equipment used in the program while at camp, conducting
safety checks, and participating enthusiastically in all camp activities during the camp season. Through your dedication and leadership, you will help youth develop a holistic sense of self, build new skills, and foster a greater commitment to nature and their community.
Responsibilities: ●
Program Development and Delivery: Develop and deliver outdoor and environmental education programs that is appropriate for youths' ages and abilities, utilizing the natural environments that aligns with Next Generation Science Standards.
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Curriculum Development: Write curriculum for camp and outdoor education programs that meet outdoor education outcomes and align with Next Generation Science Standards.
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Curriculum Development: Design curriculum for expanded learning clubs and excursions, aligning activities with learning objectives, safety guidelines and Next Generation Science Standards.
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Activity Implementation: Implement a variety of age-appropriate activities related to outdoor and environmental education, ensuring they are engaging and align with NGSS.
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Safety and Procedures: Ensure that camp staff and youth know and follow safety and educational procedures during all activities.
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Staff Training: Assist in the implementation of staff training for outdoor and environmental education programs, and train other staff in their responsibilities.
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Resource Management: Develop educational materials and resources for excursions to local parks, nature reserves, and other outdoor destinations.
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Equipment Maintenance: Maintain the outdoor and environmental education equipment, ensuring it is safe, clean, and in good repair.
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Hazard Observation: Be responsible for observing hazards or enhancements in the natural environment and alerting appropriate staff.
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Inventory Management: Ensure that equipment and supplies are inventoried and take steps to replace them in a timely manner.
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Daily Checks: Conduct daily checks of the area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
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Camp Activities Participation: Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned during the camp season.
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Team Collaboration: Work as a member of the camp team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and functions during the camp season.
Preferred Qualifications: Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Education, or a related field. Teaching credential required. Documented experience in nature or environmental instruction, or equivalent training and experience. Familiarity with NGSS and the ability to design and implement programs that align with these standards. Training and experience in teaching nature or environmental studies to youth. Experience working with groups of varying ages and skill levels, providing necessary instruction and responding appropriately to emergencies. Must be able to stay at camp , during the camp season. Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook) and other necessary computer programs. Valid California driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, and an annual DMV check. Familiarity with the educational and cultural landscape of high-need areas in Los Angeles; bilingual abilities in English and Spanish are a plus. Must hold valid LIVE Scan, TB Clearance, and CPR Certification, or be willing to obtain them.
Skills: ● Ability to articulate ideas clearly and engage with youths, staff, and parents effectively.
● Proven capability to lead outdoor activities and educational programs with confidence and enthusiasm.
● Innovative in designing and implementing engaging and educational outdoor activities.
● Skilled at quickly identifying and resolving issues in a dynamic environment.
● Strong understanding of and commitment to enforcing safety procedures and protocols.
● Ability to understand and respond to the individual needs of youths with compassion.
● Excellent at working as part of a team, fostering a supportive and cooperative environment.
● Proficient in managing time, resources, and materials efficiently.
● In-depth understanding of natural history, biology, ecology, and related fields to enhance educational content.
● Effective in teaching and explaining complex concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
Physical Demands: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following physical demands may be essential for the effective performance of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
● Frequent standing is required during working hours.
● The ability to travel across the Greater Los Angeles area, using either a car or public transportation, is necessary several times per month.
● Regular use of hands for various tasks, such as operating a computer and handling objects, is essential.
● Effective communication skills are required, necessitating the ability to speak clearly and hear well.
● Occasional lifting and/or moving of objects weighing up to 40 pounds may be required.
Work Environment and Schedule: We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and will actively consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to effectively perform their roles. This position operates in environments typical of the following key aspects:
● Regular working hours are from Monday to Friday, with occasional weekends and evenings required for events, training, or conferences.
● Optional weekly work-from-home opportunities.
● Travel may be necessary to various regions where Woodcraft Rangers programs are implemented, including San Fernando Valley, South Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Southeast LA, and Downtown areas, to support or deliver in-person training.
● Regular exposure to a computer monitor during work.
● The typical noise level of a standard work environment.
● Stable internet access is required for effective work-from-home performance.
● Mandatory participation in camp programs, overnight trips and excursions to ensure immersive educational experiences.
○ Summer camp season
○ Weekends throughout the year as assigned
Status: Full-time Salary Range: $66,000 to $76,000 per year
Job Tags
Full time, Summer work, Local area, Work from home, Outdoor, Night shift, Afternoon shift, Monday to Friday,