If you are looking for an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop your teaching skills with the forest as your classroom in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, then this is the internship for you!
During this 10-month program, Naturalist Interns will be mentored and trained by our experienced Naturalists and Program Coordinators. After a paid training period, Naturalist Interns will teach hands-on science, cultural history and team building; as well as belay on our climbing wall and high ropes course and facilitate our zip line. Additionally, paid training is provided throughout the year in areas including educational theory, classroom and group management, background in relevant sciences, local natural and cultural history, and job search counseling.
Sierra Outdoor School also has an impressive Raptor Center. Naturalist Interns will have the opportunity to learn non-releasable raptor management including feeding, handling, and teaching with the birds if this is an area of interest.
Qualifications
College degree in the field of science, education, outdoor recreation, or related field preferred. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is acceptable. Previous experience working with children is preferred. Work with music or performance is beneficial. Valid driver’s license, clear fingerprints and background check, and negative TB test. Ability to hike up to five miles per day in all weather conditions and lift between 10-50 pounds. Ability and willingness to live responsibly in shared housing in a remote setting.
Commitment: August 5, 2024 – June 6, 2025
Compensation: $26,400 for the 10-month commitment
Application: To apply click here.
Questions? Contact Emma Ervolina at [email protected] or (209) 532-3691.
PERKS
Staff Housing
While working as a Naturalist Intern you will live in on-site housing that was built in 2013. You will be provided with your own private bedroom and a bathroom shared with up to one other person. The house has a common living room, kitchen with modern amenities, and a washer and dryer. This living arrangement provides you with the convenience of living on-site and the fun experience of sharing a house with fellow Naturalist Interns.
The house is fully furnished with all the basics you will need. Each bedroom comes equipped with a twin bed, lamp, desk, closet, and dresser. The kitchen has basic kitchenware and a dishwasher. The living room has a couch, coffee table, and a TV/DVD player.
Other Perks
-Meals when program is in session
-Food staples provided weekly including pasta, milk, eggs, butter, quinoa, sugar, flour, lentils, etc.
-On-site Wilderness First Aid, CPR, & AED training
-Pro-deals with select outfitters
-$150 towards an outdoor education related conference
-One paid day to visit and observe another environmental education program in the region
-Use of our fleet of mountain bikes and kayaks while they are not needed for programming
OFF THE CLOCK
Within a 30 minute drive, the local area offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more! The nearby towns of Sonora, Twain Harte, and Columbia offer coffee shops, restaurants, museums, farmers markets, thrifting, a movie theater, and numerous shopping opportunities.
Driving Times to Local Attractions
We are about...
30 minutes from the town of Sonora and 20 minutes from Twain Harte or Columbia. There are many places to eat, hike, climb, shop, and explore in and around these town.
1 hour from Murphys, Angels Camp, and Pinecrest Lake/Dodge Ridge ski resort. A little over an hour from Calaveras Big Trees Stat Park and Emigrant Wilderness Area.
2 hours from Sacramento, Bear Valley ski resort, and Yosemite National Park.
3 hours from South Lake Tahoe, Fresno, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
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