Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities
Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.
Our Organizational Culture
At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Director, the Naturalist develops and delivers engaging environmental education, outdoor recreation, wellness, and community-based programs for youth, families, toddlers, and older adults. Through hands-on learning experiences, the Program Specialist fosters environmental stewardship, community engagement, and personal growth while ensuring participant safety and program quality.
This position delivers curriculum, facilitates programs, maintains program resources, supports community garden initiatives, tracks program outcomes, and collaborates with YMCA staff, schools, community partners, and families. The Program Specialist works across multiple YMCA of San Francisco nature engagement programs, including Y Rangers, STEAM-based environmental education programs, Nature EdVenture, Family Camp, Community Day in Nature, older adult programs, and community garden projects.
Work schedules vary based on program needs and may include evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight programs.
Job Responsibilities
Program Delivery
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Plan and lead environmental education, outdoor recreation, wellness, and nature-based programs for diverse populations.
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Deliver engaging lessons and activities that support program goals and participant needs.
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Facilitate programs in a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment.
Participant Safety
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Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all participants.
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Follow YMCA, program, and risk management policies and procedures.
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Maintain required certifications and respond appropriately to emergencies.
Curriculum & Program Quality
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Assist with developing and updating curriculum, lesson plans, and program materials.
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Evaluate programs and recommend improvements based on participant feedback and community needs.
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Track participation, outcomes, and other required program metrics.
Community Engagement
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Build positive relationships with participants, families, schools, and community partners.
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Promote YMCA programs, services, and mission through program delivery and outreach.
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Support family and community engagement activities.
Staff Support & Administration
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Mentor and collaborate with YMCA staff to strengthen nature-based programming.
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Maintain program equipment, supplies, and learning spaces, including community gardens.
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Complete administrative tasks, documentation, and grant-related reporting as assigned.
Qualifications
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Coursework in natural sciences, recreation, environmental education, education, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Knowledge in at least some of the following areas: general ecological concepts, natural and cultural history, geology, team building, storytelling, social and environmental health.
- Experience working with children, youth, teens, families, and adults.
- Experience facilitating educational, recreational, or enrichment programs.
- Strong verbal & written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people and to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Ability to remain calm in challenging situations
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, and/or Cantonese.
- Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
- Experience with outdoor education, environmental programming, community gardening, or youth development programs
Work Environment
This position works in both outdoor and indoor settings. The employee regularly leads environmental education, wellness, and nature-based programs in parks, trails, recreational facilities, classrooms, and community spaces. Work may be performed in varying weather conditions and includes frequent interaction with children, families, older adults, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Administrative duties such as program planning, curriculum development, data tracking, and reporting are completed in an office environment. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Physical Demands
This position requires frequent standing, walking, and active participation in outdoor activities. The employee must be able to hike on uneven terrain, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach while leading programs and supervising participants. The role also requires lifting and carrying program supplies and equipment, typically up to 25 pounds. Employees must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations, maintain awareness of participant safety, and use computers and other office equipment for administrative tasks.
Disclaimers
- Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
- All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
- This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
- Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.
Salary Description
The Naturalist position offers a compensation range of $23.50 - $26.00 an hour. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund approvals and requirements for the position.
