Join the Friends of the Petaluma River team! We are a dynamic and ommitted group working to celebrate and conserve the Petauma River & Watershed. We are currently looking for new friends for the following position/s:
SUMMER CAMP MENTOR – Click here to apply!
Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children this summer? Do you have a passion for nature, outdoor activities, and fostering a positive environment for young minds to thrive? If so, we want you to join our team as a Nature Camp Mentor!
Join our dynamic team at Friends of the Petaluma River, where our mission is to celebrate the Petaluma Watershed through education and stewardship; because every great River needs a true Friend! At our nature immersion day camp programs, we strive to create memorable and enriching experiences for children to deepen their connection with the natural world, each other, and themselves.
We are seeking passionate and dedicated Nature Camp Mentors of all experience levels to implement place-based nature connection programming for youth. Candidates with Spanish/English fluency are strongly encouraged to apply!
Responsibilities:
– Provide youth with a safe, inclusive, positive, and fun atmosphere in a 100% outdoor environment
– Lead youth in outdoor activities including nature games, crafting, hiking, exploring, learning outdoor skills, kayaking/canoeing, etc.
– Mentor youth in nature connection practices including nature journaling, sense meditations, and sit spots
– Positively engage with youth, support their needs and growth throughout the program
– Serve as a mentor and role model for youth and junior camp staff, providing guidance, support, and feedback to help them succeed
– Communicate regularly with peers, camper’s guardians, and Friends’ staff to address any concerns or issues
– Maintain accurate records of attendance, incidents, and other relevant information
– Maintain, clean, and provide overall care for camp materials and supplies
– Support youth in fostering a deep appreciation for and a sense of connection to the Petaluma River watershed through hands-on exploration and experiential learning
– Collaborate with fellow staff members to plan and implement daily camp activities
Desired Qualifications:
– Genuine passion for nature and working with youth
– Fluency in both English and Spanish (written and spoken)
– Previous experience working with youth in a camp or educational setting
– Positive, hard-working, with strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
– Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of campers from diverse backgrounds
– Knowledge of or interest in local flora and fauna in the Petaluma River watershed
– Experience with earth skills (i.e. wildlife tracking, edible and medicinal plants, fire by friction, etc.)
Requirements:
– Must be at least 16 years old
– CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain prior to the start of camp)
– Background check clearance
Additional Information:
Position Type: Summer Seasonal
Location: Petaluma (Steamer Landing Park and Open Field Farm)
Schedule:
Mandatory Training Dates: June 11, 12 & 13, 8am-4pm
Nature Camp Mentors are expected to work Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm for at least 3 of the following weeks:
June 17-21
June 24-28
July 8-12
July 15-19
July 22-26
July 29-August 2
*Opportunities to continue employment part time in the fall-spring
Compensation Range: $18-$25/hour, commensurate with experience
How to Apply
Please complete this application including uploading your resume.
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
Friends of the Petaluma River is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive for a diverse and inclusive team of camp staff because we believe nature camp mentorship is at its best when our camp staff is representative of the communities we serve. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and gender identities to apply.
We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We look forward to hearing from you!
NATURE CAMP MENTOR – Check back in the summer to apply
Part-Time Position – 10 Hours/Month
Job Description: We are looking for junior and senior mentors to help get kids outside this school year at our Nature Immersion Camps. The ideal candidate is fun-loving, has lots of energy and has experience working with youth. Counselors will provide campers with a safe, positive, fun atmosphere, encouraging them as they become confident and comfortable in nature. Counselors implement the weekly day camp curriculum in a 100% outdoor environment. Camp activities include: nature games, crafting, hiking, exploring, learning outdoor skills, canoeing, etc. There will be up to 12-16 kids and 3-4 mentors each session.
Responsibilities: • Lead youth in organized activities • Positively engage with youth • Help prepare weekly curriculum and adjust appropriately as day proceeds • Assist in healthy communication skills both at the staff level, and with youth • Assist with all sanitation protocols to maintain a safe environment at camp
Qualifications: • Love of youth & nature • Experience working with youth ages 6-12 • Good at leading games & assisting youth in nature-based crafts • Working knowledge of local flora/fauna is a plus but not required • Assist with balance of staying on schedule versus flexibility to respond to moments of wonder, skilled at assessing time & priority allocations of the day • Ability to use creative teaching techniques and group management skills • Positive attitude and work ethic, teamwork skills, oral communication skills
Dates: Camp runs once a month from October through May; Camp takes place 8am-4pm on Sundays: 2024-25 Dates are TBD but are usually the 2nd weekend of the month.
Location: Open Field Farm & Steamer Landing Park
Compensation: $18.00 – $25.00/hour depending on qualifications
Petaluma Watershed Intern
Friends of the Petaluma River is a nonprofit organization that works to improve access, education and conservation efforts in the Petaluma Watershed. We are seeking an intern to lead planning and outreach for our community river cleanups and/or help coordinate conservation programming at our David Yearsley River Heritage Center. We are seeking an intern who can work well as part of a team but also be self-motivated. Internship duties may include native plant surveying, tending of native habitat and resources, River Heritage Center maintenance, community outreach, data entry, communications, writing, marketing, acting as a liaison with community organizations and local educators and general event planning.
Internships are for a minimum of three months and will involve 5-10 hours of work per week. A $750.00 – $1500.00 stipend is available upon completion.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to stephanie@friendsofthepetalumariver.org
