Job Description Summary

Laguna Canyon Foundation’s Field Educators bring the South Coast Wilderness to life for local and Title I elementary school students through immersive, hands-on field trips. Over the school year, we will host approximately 75 half-day trips. Each Field Educator will guide between 7–15 students, plus at least one of their teachers or chaperones, on educational hikes filled with exploration, discovery, and fun.

Field Educators foster curiosity and scientific thinking while helping students build ecological knowledge and a lasting appreciation for protecting wilderness areas. Each grade-specific trip is thoughtfully designed to align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and to progress with students who return to our program year after year. Lessons focus on topics such as adaptation, observation, habitats, geology, and ecological systems, providing students with both the understanding and inspiration to continue exploring the natural world wherever they go.

This is a part time, seasonal position running from October through early June. The interview process will take place in September, with training beginning in October. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Encourage engagement, observations, and wonder with each student.
• Deliver grade-specific, NGSS-aligned lessons, following established program guidelines.
• Be available to lead two four-hour educational hiking programs per week when school is in session, weather permitting. Programs are generally on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings with occasional training and programs outside the regular schedule.
• Attend educator training sessions and meetings.
• Perform other teaching duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Commitment to the vision and mission of Laguna Canyon Foundation.
• Demonstrated experience working with children of a variety of ages in an outdoor environment, showing patience and kindness.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on creating welcoming and cooperative interactions with team
  members, teachers, and parents.
• Prior knowledge about local wildlife or the ability to quickly learn and recall facts, figures, and information. LCF will provide training and materials.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to hike up to 3-4 miles on rough terrain in various weather.
• CPR/First Aid certification (LCF will provide as part of the onboarding).
• A background check will be required.
• 18 years or older.
• Access to reliable transportation to arrive on time for shifts.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university with coursework in environmental studies, sustainability, science, or a related field.
• Professional experience in academic teaching, environmental education, or outdoor education.
• Ability to speak and teach in Spanish.

About Laguna Canyon Foundation

Founded in 1990, Laguna Canyon Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the South Coast Wilderness, a 22,000-acre network of open space surrounding Laguna Beach in Orange County, California, on traditional lands of the Tongva and Acjachemen peoples.

We offer educational programs for students and the public, maintain and improve trails, restore habitat, and conduct other land management activities throughout the South Coast Wilderness.

LCF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages BIPOC candidates, those identifying as LGBTQIA+,
and other people from groups traditionally underrepresented in the environmental field to apply.