Resident Naturalist
Location
Avalon, California, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
0-1 years
Compensation
$20 - $20 per hour
Posted
1h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Resident Naturalist instructs 5th-12th grade students in outdoor science programs, including marine biology, environmental stewardship, and astronomy. This role involves leading group activities, ensuring student safety, and maintaining camp equipment at Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island.
Seasonal Naturalist Position – Fall 2026
This is a seasonal position. The Fall 2026 season is anticipated to run from August 30 through November 6, 2026, although dates may change based on program needs. Staff work an average of 40 hours per week with opportunities for overtime.
Responsibilities include providing exceptional customer service to students and adult chaperones, maintaining professionalism, attempting American Red Cross Lifeguard certification if not already certified, instructing 3-, 4-, and 5-day overnight outdoor education programs, providing lifeguarding and basic first aid, maintaining camp equipment and course materials, assisting with camp cleanup, attending trainings and weekly staff meetings, assisting with meals and the Ship’s Store when assigned, and supporting other camp programs and work projects as needed.
Naturalists instruct courses including Kelp Forest Exploration, Environmental Stewardship, Island Biogeography, Astronomy, Nocturnal Wonderland, Ichthyology, oil spill cleanup, plankton lab, Marine Invertebrates and Intertidal Zonation, Hiking, Archery, and Team Building. Training is provided. Responsibilities include course setup and cleanup, managing student groups, following lesson plans, ensuring safety, engaging students, collaborating with chaperones and leadership, assisting with curriculum development, and developing knowledge of Catalina Island science and natural history. Naturalists typically work with groups of approximately 16 students.
Qualifications include a college degree or near completion in environmental or marine sciences, recreation, education, or a related field; age 21 or older; a passion for outdoor education; American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification with Waterfront Skills or willingness to obtain certification; previous experience working with youth in an outdoor or STEM setting; flexibility; ability to work long and physically and mentally demanding days involving land and water activities; ability to work independently and as part of a team; willingness to learn and grow professionally; ability to pass a background check; and authorization to work in the United States.
Pay is $20.50 per hour with opportunities for overtime. First and last boat transportation to and from Catalina Island is provided. Housing and meals are provided with a weekly salary deduction of $246.24, subject to change by August 2026. Staff generally live in bunk cabins with three staff per room and shared bathrooms. New staff receive two free staff T-shirts, and returning staff receive one. Staff may use camp facilities and recreational equipment during off hours. Training opportunities include American Red Cross Lifeguard certification with CPR, First Aid, and Waterfront components, as well as Catalina Naturalist training.
Staff must reside on-site at Camp Emerald Bay. Before employment, staff must complete Live Scan fingerprinting and a background check, California AB 506 Mandated Reporter Training, TB screening, and a pre-camp physical using the Annual Health and Medical Record Parts A, B, and C with a physician’s signature. Applicants are responsible for fingerprinting and TB testing fees. Staff are employed by the Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America, and must maintain current Scouting America membership. Staff may be subject to a drug test upon arrival. Pets are not permitted. Paid leave is not provided, although off-island travel for personal needs may be accommodated with advance written notice.
Updated 1h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
0-1 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$20 - $20 per hour
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Emerald Bay Outdoor Academy
Team size
Growing team
Location
Avalon, California, United States
The Emerald Bay Outdoor Academy is a youth science education program based at Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island and operated by the Western Los Angeles County Council, Boy Scouts of America. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through overnight science programs and Educational Outreach Partnerships.
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Resident Naturalist
Avalon, California, United States • Full Time