Naturalist

About the Employer
Thank you for your interest in the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE). SMCOE employees share a vision of equity and excellence in education for every student, educator, and school. Children and youth are at the heart of our work, and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive, supportive workplace where staff have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. San Mateo County is home to 23 school districts, serving 85,000 students, and a robust early learning community. SMCOE and its staff have been recognized widely for their innovative and effective approaches to addressing challenging issues facing schools and students. SMCOE welcomes and embraces individuals from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, disabilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, immigration statuses, and religions. At SMCOE, equity means providing every learner aged 0-22 with the education and support needed to thrive in school, career, and life, and every staff member with opportunities to grow and further deepen their impact. SMCOE is seeking employees who share our vision and commitment to excellence and equity in education for all students. To achieve equity, SMCOE commits to: • Interrupt inequitable practices and replace them with equity-driven, transparent systems; • Improve outcomes for historically and currently underserved student groups, building on the assets, strengths and talents that they and their families possess; • Continue to educate ourselves so we are better able to confront and dismantle systemic inequities; • Center voices of those that have been historically marginalized and underserved, engaging a broad range of educational and community partners, in decision-making, determining priorities.

THE MERIT SYSTEM AND THE PERSONNEL COMMISSION
The San Mateo County Office of Education has utilized the Merit System since 1966 to ensure that classified employees are selected, promoted and retained without favoritism or prejudice. The Personnel Commission oversees a Civil Service (Merit) System of personnel management for San Mateo County Office of Education employees. The Merit System is a method of personnel management which is designed to promote the efficiency and economy of the workforce and the good of the public by providing for the selection and retention of employees, promotional opportunities, in-service training, and other related matters on the basis of merit, fitness, and the principle of “like pay for like work."

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Manager, Outdoor Education, provide supervision, field trips and a variety of nature-based instructional activities to students enrolled in the Residential Outdoor Education program; assist in the implementation of the Residential Outdoor Education instructional program. Provide supervision, field trips and a variety of nature-based instructional activities to students enrolled in the Residential Outdoor Education program; assist in the development and implementation of age-appropriate activities involving science and nature-immersion; assist with the reinforcement of classroom instruction related to life science, ecology and natural history. Assist in the implementation of the Residential Outdoor Education instructional program; schedule, monitor and lead students in field trips, games, recreational functions, groups, nature walks, crafts and various other learning activities; monitor, assess and adjust activities in response to instructional goals, weather conditions and the individual and group needs of students. Monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments; assist students and staff in completing assignments and projects; explain various principles and information related to life science, ecology and natural history; monitor and report progress regarding student performance, skills and behavior. Observe and control student behavior in accordance with approved policies and procedures; resolve student discipline issues and refer major discipline problems to appropriate administrator; facilitate conflict resolution between individual and groups of students as needed. Provide individualized and small group instruction and tutoring to assure learning activities adapt with the needs of individual students; assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude and general guidance.

Requirements / Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education and experience providing the job knowledge, skills, and ability for successful job performance will be considered for positions in this classification. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

EDUCATION:
Associate’s degree with course work in life science, ecology, natural history or related filed; and

EXPERIENCE:
One year experience working with students in an outdoor, camp or related setting.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT:
Outdoor work environment.

EXAMINATION PROCESS:
The examination process for this classification may consist of: 1. A review and initial screening of a completed application; and2. An oral board examination conducted virtually via Zoom (Tentative Date: May 8, 2024).

BENEFITS: Total Compensation Package: Placement on salary schedule. If a medical plan is selected, the employee will receive a contribution of $1,225.00/month toward the selected medical plan (through CalPERS), Delta Dental, and Life Insurance. The employee pays the balance of their health premiums from their gross earnings on a pre-tax basis. If a medical plan is not selected, employees will receive a contribution of $300.00/month toward single coverage for Delta Dental, and Life Insurance. A vision plan (VSP) is also available. Employees pay the worker contribution to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). This position is represented by California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter No. 158. Pursuant to Article 2 of the CSEA 158 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the County Office shall deduct in accordance with the CSEA dues and fees schedule from the wages of all employees. OTHER FRINGE BENEFITS: Accrue 102 hours of sick leave; 15 paid holidays; 15 paid vacation days; CALPERS Employer Contribution ; Commuter Benefit; Tuition Reimbursement



Closing Date/Time: 5/3/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Redwood City, California United States View Map