Join us!

Hostel Adventures would not be possible without the work of dedicated staff and volunteers. HI-USA Golden Gate Council is currently seeking volunteers, interns, and Naturalist staff to help provide outdoor, cultural, and/or community education programs for youth.

Staff Naturalist (on-call, paid), Outdoor Hostel Adventure
Speakers Bureau Member (volunteer), Hostel Adventures

Staff Naturalist (on-call)
Outdoor Hostel Adventures

Outdoor Hostel Adventures is an environmental education program that introduces underserved urban youth to the excitement of the natural world. Each year more than 1,500 youth ages 5-18 encounter wildlife, tidepools, native plants, and star-filled skies during overnight trips at three Hostelling International USA hostels: HI-Marin Headlands, HI-Point Reyes, and HI-Point Montara Lighthouse. The hostels are located in unique coastal settings that provide diverse habitats for hands-on learning and discovery. More than 20,000 youth have participated in the program since it was established in 1986 by the Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International USA.

The Hostel Adventure Program seeks on-call Naturalists to plan and lead outdoor, environmental education programs for K-12 students in the Marin Headlands, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (Point Montara). Naturalists are assigned on an as-needed basis to conduct day and overnight programs which introduce students and adults to the hostelling experience, while helping students to develop:

An appreciation and respect for nature through sensory awareness
A sense of place for the areas that they are in
An understanding of the principles of ecology, and the relationship between the natural and the urban worlds
An awareness of the human impact and dependence on the environment, and a sense of stewardship that promotes responsibility in their own lives
Communication, teamwork, and leadership skills

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead groups of 10-20 students, grades K-12, in day hikes, night hikes, and interactive environmental education activities
Develop program materials
Plan and implement programs according to group needs
Work with other naturalist staff to plan and lead large group activities
Administer program forms to teachers and group leaders
Lead classroom presentations, as requested

GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS

Provide a safe experience for students; handle emergencies responsibly
Provide a FUN and ENGAGING experience, for both students and group leaders
Meet the goals and expectations of the teachers/group leaders
Provide an inclusive environment for all students

QUALIFICATIONS

Outdoor education/naturalist experience: training or experience in implementing a wide range of environmental education activities focusing on ecological concepts, team building, sensory awareness, and environmental awareness
Experience working with youth ages K-12, with particular experience working with students in grades 3-6
Ability to plan and develop curriculum
Flexibility in adapting to various group sizes and developmental abilities
CPR and Basic First Aid certification
Knowledge of flora and fauna located at Marin Headlands, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (Point Montara) preferred
Prior experience working with inner-city youth preferred

Reports to: Educational Programs Manager

HOURS
This is a part-time, on-call position.

COMPENSATION
$140-$160 per day and evening program
Naturalists also receive free overnights at HI-USA hostels and free Hostelling International membership.

TO APPLY
Send cover letter and resume to:
H/R - Educational Programs
HI-USA Golden Gate Council
425 Divisadero Street Suite 307
San Francisco, CA 94117
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Fax: 415-863-3865
No phone calls, please.

HI-USA Golden Gate Council is an equal opportunity employer

Speakers Bureau Member
Hostel Adventures: Travel Education

Are you a passionate and seasoned traveler who wants to help to provide first-time travelers with the travel skills necessary for fun, safe and rewarding trips?

The Speakers Bureau is a body of seasoned travelers in Northern California brought together by their passion for intercultural exploration and their commitment to sharing their experience and advice with those new to budget travel.

The Speakers Bureau is currently accepting applications for new members who are knowledgeable about budget travel to present travel education workshops for adult groups, students, or seniors. Volunteers should have previous travel experience using hostels, and should enjoy public speaking.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Become familiar with standard workshop format and content, including the history and mission of Hostelling International, intercultural communication components, and budget travel tips.
Deliver Travel Education workshops, enriching standard workshop content by incorporating firsthand travel knowledge and experiences.
Assist with workshop marketing, publicity, and community outreach.
Assist in identifying new audiences and venues for travel workshops.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Public speaking and presentation skills, or a strong desire to learn and a comfort with public speaking.
Recent international budget travel experience including (ideally) one trip of at least two weeks.
Familiarity with hostels and hostelling.
MUST embrace travel "the HI Way."
Enthusiasm for responsible travel (i.e., intercultural appreciation, awareness, and respect).
Ability to present to a variety of audiences in a variety of settings.

REQUIRED TRAINING/PREPARATION