Education Director

Program Description: The Outdoor School provides natural science instruction to 5th and 6th grade students from Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. We are located in the mountains above Santa Barbara, CA and offer 4-day, 3-night residential programs. The Outdoor School facilitates the development of community and environment stewardship in students through a direct experience with nature. We broaden students' horizon by inspiring a sense of wonder and curiosity about our local ecosystems.

Job Summary: Responsible for the operation of the Outdoor School Program, provide leadership, schedule and plan assigned activities for the Outdoor School Naturalists, Students, Teachers and Cabin Leaders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Make recommendations to the Scout Executive for individuals to be hired as the Naturalist Staff, staying within the salary budget approved by the Executive Board of the Los Padres Council. Develop and execute a training program for all naturalist staff (within budget). Evaluate the naturalist staff at least annually. Make recommendations for annual salary increases within budget guidelines approved by the Executive Board of the Los Padres Council.
  
• Develop and update the Outdoor School curriculum, staying within the guidelines of the State of California. Complete all reports and paperwork related to this requirement.
  
• Promote the Outdoor School on a year-round basis, meeting attendance objectives as developed by the Los Padres Council.
  
• Make recommendations to the Property Superintendent for all program materials needed, keeping within the budget approved by the Executive Board of the Los Padres Council.
  
• Assume responsibility for the entire on-sight Outdoor School program, except the food service, and property and equipment maintenance.
  
• Assume responsibility for the entire off-sight Outdoor School program, including, but not limited to fund-raising support, cabin leader orientation, and parent information meetings.
  
• Make reports to the Outdoor School Committee as requested.
  
• Assist the Administrative Director with contractual and billing paperwork.
  
• Oversee 2-4 weeks of The Outdoor School’s Summer Camp Program.
  
• Manage budget and operation of Trading Post and Scholarship Program.

Qualifications:

• Educational Requirements:
  • Four-year degree in Child Development, Psychology, Education, Science or Recreation preferred.
    
  • State of California teaching accreditation preferred
    
  • Five years experience in related field preferred
    
  • Experience and/or training appropriate to fulfill requirements of the position
• Skill Requirements:
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize daily work loads.
    
  • Ability to perform and react well in high-pressure situations, along with meeting strict deadlines. - A working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Educational Requirements:
  
  • Four-year degree in Child Development, Psychology, Education, Science or Recreation preferred.
    
  • State of California teaching accreditation preferred
    
  • Five years experience in related field preferred
    
  • Experience and/or training appropriate to fulfill requirements of the position
• Physical, Mental and Visual Skills:
  • Good organizational skills.
    
  • Ability to solve practical problems; interpret instructions.
    
  • Ability to add, subtracts, multiply and divide whole numbers.
    
  • Ability to file, post, copy data, mail materials.
    
  • Ability to perform light physical work, exerting up to 35 lbs. Force occasionally, up to 15 lbs. Force frequently.
    
  • Ability to perform such activities as stooping, crouching, standing, walking and lifting.
    
  • Ability to hike over rough terrain in daylight and dark
• Specialized Equipment:
  
  • Copier
  • Excel
  • Power Point
    
  • Fax Machine
  • Telescope
  • Slide Projector
  • Computer/PC
  • Website
• Interrelationships:
  
  • Contact with all levels of personnel within the Council, Customers/Volunteers and Vendors.
• Working Conditions:
  
  • Work includes indoor and outdoor environment with a variety of weather conditions and dust. Reside on-site five days per week and on call 24 hours Monday-Friday. Subject to strenuous physical activity and variable work hours.
    
• Needed Attributes:
  
  • Cooperation – Works well with others, takes time to help co-workers, customers/volunteers. Flexibility – Willing to modify plans and behavior when necessary to meet a goal.
    
  • Attention to Detail – Accomplishes a task thoroughly with concern for all aspects, no matter how small.
  • Valid California Driver’s License and proof of insurance coverage as required by Los Padres Council.

Program Type: Residential
Job Status: Permanent, Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Job Duration: Year Round

Salary: $25,000-$28,500/year (depending on experience)
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, Vacation, Training
Housing: Provided Full Time
Meals: Provided During Program Only

Deadline for Application: Open until Filled
Start Date / Job Period: September 2, 2008
Application Procedure: Send via fax or e-mail a resume, cover letter, and three references to: Program Director, Ron Walsh

Contact: Ron Walsh
Address: 2680 Highway 154 Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone: (805) 686-5167
Fax: (805) 686-5175
e-mail: rwalshbsamail.org
Website: www.theoutdoorschool.org