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Job Opportunity: Camp Tule Naturalist

Position: Camp Tule Naturalist Department: Education Reports To: Education Director (Camp Director) Positions Reporting to Manager: None Classification: Temporary (June 15 - July 28, 2026), Full-Time (40 hours per week), Non-exempt, Hourly. Location: Laguna Environmental Center, Santa Rosa, CA. Not a remote position. Starting Wage Range: $23.25 - $26.00 per hour Summary Naturalists are part of the Camp Tule leadership circle. Responsibilities include planning for, teaching and helping to facilitate all aspects of Laguna Explorers: Camp Tule. Naturalists help set a joyful tone at camp and lead exploratory walks, environmental education activities, and games for children ages 6-12. Naturalists guide and support Counselors and Counselors-in-Training while working as a team to ensure positive experiences for all and safe learning adventures. Naturalists further their experience in effective strategies for working with children and strengthen their leadership and environmental education teaching skills. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Serve as a part of the Camp Leadership Team; plan activities and schedules while exemplifying and fostering our core values of integrity, generosity of spirit, collaboration, innovation, passion, and well-being to help promote healthy child development. Ensure a joyful camp experience for each child of connecting to nature through inquisitiveness and relationship building. Adhere to the Camp Tule Staff Handbooks, teach environmental education activities, and run small and large group explorations and structured learning experiences. Initiate and lead nature-based games, crafts, and group play, during camp. Supervise campers during both structured and unstructured activities and explorations. Support and guide Counselors and Counselors-in-Training while working as a team. Use positive motivation techniques, work within the Camp prescribed codes of conduct, and follow all safety guidelines. Attend and sometimes lead morning and afternoon meetings with all camp staff and volunteers to reflect, plan, and prepare for the day’s activities. Benefits of Being a Camp Tule Naturalist Spend time outdoors in a beautiful location, having fun, and getting exercise and fresh air. Learn about the Laguna wetlands. Learn environmental education techniques in a supportive and friendly setting. Practice field teaching, gain leadership skills, and work experience. Gain experience working with children and working collaboratively in a team. Required Competencies Strong collaboration and teamwork capabilities. Solid Interpersonal skills. Flexible/Adaptable. Commitment to the Organization’s Mission and Values. Required Education and Skills To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each principal duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the principal duties and responsibilities. Minimum age requirement: 18 years. CPR/AED Certified. Minimum education: High School Diploma or completion of Certified Equivalency Test (HiSET Exam, CPP, or GED) Minimum one year of experience in environmental education teaching and leadership in a formal or informal setting. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated interest and comfort working with children. Positive attitude with an enthusiastic desire to be a role model, friend, and teacher to children. Demonstrated emotional maturity. Strong cooperative skills. Demonstrated high levels of patience, compassion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Ability to undertake high levels of responsibility. Flexible and adaptive in response to the changing team needs Desired Education and Skills Bachelor or Associate Degree or college-level coursework in Environmental Studies, Education, or Child Development. Prior role as a naturalist at a camp or other recreational day-camp leadership. Knowledge of the natural world and the Laguna wetland ecosystem. Creative skills in music, art, crafting, etc. Bilingual skills a plus. Certification, Training, or Security Clearance Requirements A criminal history background check is required before employment (post conditional offer). Legal authorization to work in the United States. CPR/AED Certified. If not already certified, the Laguna Foundation will provide employees with the following: Mandated Reporter Training. Must complete training within 30 days of hire if not already completed in previous employment. Certificate of Completion must be submitted. Supervisory Responsibility Summer Camp Naturalists provide leadership and guidance to both campers and camp staff, including Counselors and Counselors-in-Training. They supervise children during structured and unstructured activities, ensuring safety, engagement, and a joyful camp experience. Naturalists mentor and support camp staff by modeling effective teaching strategies, facilitating teamwork, and promoting positive behavior and a culture of curiosity and respect for nature. They help plan daily schedules and activities as part of the Camp Leadership Team, reinforcing camp values and maintaining high standards of safety and program quality. Physical Demands/Work Environment The physical demands outlined here reflect the requirements that employees must meet to successfully carry out the essential functions of this job. Employees must be able to perform physical tasks such as walking, running, or hiking over rough terrain, covering approximately 5 miles throughout the day. They should be comfortable working in various weather conditions, including cold, heat, and wind, with the possibility of encountering poisonous plants and biting or stinging insects, such as ticks. Vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and maintaining focus. Employees must communicate effectively with campers ages 6-12 to provide necessary instructions and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques in a positive manner. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work When staff training and camp is in session, the usual work day is from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as scheduled. If tardiness or an absence is expected, prior arrangements MUST be made with the Camp Director. Camp Staff Training: Monday– Thursday, June 15-18, 2026 (9:00 am – 3:30 pm) Camp Session 1: Monday – Friday, June 22– 26, 2026 Staff Workday: Monday, June 29 Camp Session 2: Monday – Friday, July 6-10 Camp Session 3: Monday – Friday July 13-17 Camp Session 4: Monday – Friday, July 20-24 Staff Workday & Celebration: Monday, July 27 Compensation Hourly; temporary, non-exempt. All employees who work at least 30 days within a calendar year from the beginning of employment are entitled to paid sick leave. All regular employees working at least 20 hours per week and at least 30 days per calendar year will receive the equivalent of two weeks of their regularly scheduled work week but no less than 40 hours. Regular full-time employees, regular part-time employees, and seasonal employees who are regularly scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week are eligible for holiday time off with pay. Please refer to the Employee Handbook for a complete list of eligibility requirements and benefit details. Travel Camp Naturalists must have reliable transportation to the Laguna Environmental Center each day and are expected to arrive ready to work by 7:00 am and to remain on site until the conclusion of the work day unless prior arrangements have been made with the Camp Director. NOTE: there is no bus service to the Laguna Environmental Center. Address of worksite is 900 Sanford Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Organizational Mindset/Values The successful candidate will be dynamic, possess integrity, be flexible, and be a creative team player. They will be driven by a passion for the sustainability of our natural environment and action-oriented change. They will thrive in situations involving multiple and diverse demands, adjust to changes in a growing organization, and be comfortable working in a team-oriented culture with an evolving non-profit fundraising environment. They will be strong connectors, build relationships with our stakeholders, and seek out new opportunities to connect with our community. They will be highly organized, detail-oriented, self-directed, and resourceful, with the ability to take initiative and follow through on independent projects. They will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice through continuous learning, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias. How to Apply Please complete the Online Application Form (LINKED). Application deadline is Sunday, May 3, 2026. If you have any issues or questions about the application or need an accommodation, please email: christine@lagunafoundation.org.

 

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The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital or veterans status, or any other status protected by laws or regulations. We strive to employ a staff that represents the communities we serve and work in. All Genders, LGBTQ+, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply.

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