Outdoor Science Instructor, Naturalist - Outdoor Science School at Santa Cruz County Office Of Education
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Application Deadline
Until Filled
Date Posted
5/26/2026
Contact
Heather MacDougall Molloy
(831) 466-5715
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay Range
$25.84 - $28.32 Per Hour
Add''l Salary Info
depending on experience with an increase each year up to six years. Can receive 2.5% increase for English/Spanish Bilingual (speak only) or Biliterate (speak, read and write) after passing proficiency exam.
Length of Work Year
Position begin September 2026 and continues until early June.
Employment Type
Full Time
About the Employer
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is committed to ensuring all students have the educational opportunities they need to thrive. We offer a wide range of services and programs geared at supporting our 10 public school districts and expanding educational opportunities and outcomes for over 37,000 students who call Santa Cruz County home. We envision an impactful educational community where everyone feels they belong and have the resources, relationships, and skills to thrive. Our mission is to create an equitable educational system that fosters growth, opportunities, and well-being for all. We work alongside partners in Santa Cruz Countys educational community to build BRIDGES Belonging, Relationships, Innovation, Data-informed decision-making, Growth mindsets, Excellence, and Sustainability to equity in education. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Summary
Job Summary
Under general direction, conduct an activity oriented, interdisciplinary curriculum in science field study to diverse fifth and sixth grade students in a camp setting; also train, supervise and evaluate high school Cabin Leaders and conduct evening activities. Approximately 145 work days between September and June.
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Requirements / Qualifications
Three years of related experience teaching and/or working with youth in the outdoors. BA/BS preferred but not required Bilingual educators are highly encouraged to apply License or Certificate: Valid and current First Aid (minimum is WFA) and CPR. WFA can be obtained after an individual is hired, before beginning work. SALARY/BENEFITS: - Salaries start at $25.84/hour - $28.32/hour depending on experience with an increase each year up to six years. - 2.5% stipend for fluent Spanish speakers who pass the Bilingual Assessment - 5% stipend for fluent Spanish speakers who can read and write and pass the Biliterate Assessment - Single-only dental and vision benefits are provided. - PERS retirement benefits for current members or after 1000 hours of service for non-members - Lunch during the work week is provided. Room and board are not provided. - This is a Classified Temporary position. Sick days are accrued. Holiday pay is not available.
Submit: Online Application Letter of Introduction Resume and Three Work-Related Reference Contacts Proof of Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification (or higher). Note if you do not have a WFA or higher certification it is ok to apply for the position and obtain the WFA certification before or soon after start date.
Requirements / Qualifications
Three years of related experience teaching and/or working with youth in the outdoors. BA/BS preferred but not required Bilingual educators are highly encouraged to apply License or Certificate: Valid and current First Aid (minimum is WFA) and CPR. WFA can be obtained after an individual is hired, before beginning work. SALARY/BENEFITS: - Salaries start at $25.84/hour - $28.32/hour depending on experience with an increase each year up to six years. - 2.5% stipend for fluent Spanish speakers who pass the Bilingual Assessment - 5% stipend for fluent Spanish speakers who can read and write and pass the Biliterate Assessment - Single-only dental and vision benefits are provided. - PERS retirement benefits for current members or after 1000 hours of service for non-members - Lunch during the work week is provided. Room and board are not provided. - This is a Classified Temporary position. Sick days are accrued. Holiday pay is not available.
Submit: Online Application Letter of Introduction Resume and Three Work-Related Reference Contacts Proof of Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification (or higher). Note if you do not have a WFA or higher certification it is ok to apply for the position and obtain the WFA certification before or soon after start date.
Comments and Other Information
PERS retirement benefits for current members or after 1000 hours of service for non-members. Position begins ASAP and continues until early June 2026, with option to continue in subsequent school years. Instructors have the opportunity to continue with the program in subsequent school years, indefinitely. The majority of work weeks are four-day: Tuesday Friday with a few Monday Thursday weeks, and a few five day weeks. Overtime (equivalent to 1.5 hours of pay per hour) is paid after 40 hours of work in one week. In a typical, 32 hour work week: Tuesday = 8am 5pm (8 hours) Wednesday = 8:30am 9pm with breaks in between (10-12 hours) Thursday = 8:30am 5pm with breaks in between (6-8 hours) Friday = 8am 2pm (6 hours) Occasionally instructors are asked to rotate into an overnight role for one week. This shift is from 4:15pm 9:30am on the following day. Work Atmosphere Requirements Workplace atmosphere is fast-paced with high pressure. The employee may be exposed to a variety of conditions, which may include rain, hail, sleet, and high winds for days at a time. Occasionally the employee may be required to go the Santa Cruz County Office of Education located in Santa Cruz. Continuous contact with school staff, students, partners and the general public is required. Questions: Contact Heather MacDougall Molloy; hmolloy@santacruzcoe.org; 831-466-5715
Comments and Other Information
PERS retirement benefits for current members or after 1000 hours of service for non-members. Position begins ASAP and continues until early June 2026, with option to continue in subsequent school years. Instructors have the opportunity to continue with the program in subsequent school years, indefinitely. The majority of work weeks are four-day: Tuesday Friday with a few Monday Thursday weeks, and a few five day weeks. Overtime (equivalent to 1.5 hours of pay per hour) is paid after 40 hours of work in one week. In a typical, 32 hour work week: Tuesday = 8am 5pm (8 hours) Wednesday = 8:30am 9pm with breaks in between (10-12 hours) Thursday = 8:30am 5pm with breaks in between (6-8 hours) Friday = 8am 2pm (6 hours) Occasionally instructors are asked to rotate into an overnight role for one week. This shift is from 4:15pm 9:30am on the following day. Work Atmosphere Requirements Workplace atmosphere is fast-paced with high pressure. The employee may be exposed to a variety of conditions, which may include rain, hail, sleet, and high winds for days at a time. Occasionally the employee may be required to go the Santa Cruz County Office of Education located in Santa Cruz. Continuous contact with school staff, students, partners and the general public is required. Questions: Contact Heather MacDougall Molloy; hmolloy@santacruzcoe.org; 831-466-5715
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