HEATHER BUTLER
Director WOLF School
I love WOLF School! I have been lucky enough to work at WOLF for 25 years now! I’ve met wonderful teachers and friends at WOLF and had so many great experiences helping kids connect with the Web of Life at outdoor school. Before WOLF, I worked for 5 years as a naturalist for two other Bay Area outdoor schools that I love. And before that I graduated with a double major in Human Biology and Comparative Lit from Stanford University. Originally from Redlands, CA, I’m happy to live in a cooler place in Northern California now but still like to visit the desert and all my hot weather friends, flora, fauna, and family down there. I like my job a lot, and I also like spending time with my family, fishing, gardening, music, and hanging out with friends at the beach.
Favorite animal: Salamanders and Dolphins
DESIREE GANT
Associate Director WOLF School
I absolutely love being outdoors and exploring our natural world! I am so lucky to have found a home here at WOLF School and I look forward to bringing in new staff to this amazing community that we have created over the years!
Favorite animal: Elephants
HALLEY WILD-FINKEL
"SPLASH"
Education Director
Hi everyone, Splash here! I've been working at WOLF since 2013, when I sailed into Santa Cruz and decided to find a land job teaching about nature. After that, I split my time between land and sea, having a fabulous time hiking and playing in the redwoods at WOLF and then spending my summers and winters sailing around the world on Tall Ships. Eventually, I decided to settle down and start a family, which has been my next big adventure. I love hiking, sailing, reading, writing, playing with my 1-year old, camping and dancing.
Favorite animal: Dolphin/Tern/Hummingbird/Bat/Turtle (why choose?)
AHALYA KERRUTT
"ANEMONE"
Program Coordinator
I feel like I've got the dream job, it could do with a little less sand but that's about it. I came to Camp SEA Lab after studying Marine Science at Cal State Monterey Bay. I started as a naturalist in the spring of 2016, and decided I was going to stay put. Now, I love seeing the kids have new and exciting experiences, supporting our staff and program, working with teachers to plan their most anticipated trip of the year, and more! When I am not surfing, snorkeling, tidepooling, or at the beach with Camp SEA Lab, I might still be surfing, snorkeling, tidepooling or at the beach. I also enjoy cooking, reading and hiking. I hope to see some of you at camp!
Favorite animal: Crazy Campers
Taylor williams
"Ctenophore"
Program Director, Administrative Assistant
I am from Pennsylvania and obtained a Marine Science Degree from Kutztown University. I have been working with Camp SEA Lab since 2019. Working here gives me the opportunity to meet students from all backgrounds and teach them about the marine environment. I love working a camp because it helps me to engage and grow the next generation of environmental stewards. When I am not on the beach teaching students about the ocean, I enjoy going scuba diving and whitewater kayaking. My favorite thing about the marine environment is getting to explore it!
Favorite animal: Ctenophores (comb jellies)
"Megalodon"
Program Director
I have loved the ocean since I started scuba diving in high school. In college, I studied marine science and began to dive more seriously in the cold waters of California. I began working at WOLF so I could educate students on how amazing the California marine ecosystem is. My favorite part of camp is kayaking! It is the first time for many students and I love when they get to see marine mammals in the slough.
Favorite animal: Ochre star
"Zephyr"
Lead Naturalist
Brianna chose the nature name Zephyr, which means gentle breeze or western breeze, because it made her think of the calming feeling of the ocean breeze when you face the sea. Zephyr is originally from San Luis Obispo county, and is a graduate from UC Santa Cruz, where she studied environmental studies and psychology. She has always had a passion for marine biology and coastal environments, and is enjoying learning more about forest ecology as she teaches in different ecosystems. Zephyr loves teaching students about ways that plants and animals adapt to survive and thrive in their environments, and about how all living and non-living things in an environment rely on one another. In her free time, Zephyr loves exploring the incredible variety of beautiful natural areas around the Monterey Bay area, kayaking, and hiking, as well as reading, traveling, and enjoying good movies and live music.
Favorite animal: Harbor seal
"abalone"
Naturalist
Hi everyone! My name is Abalone. I am originally from Santa Rosa, California, but I moved to Santa Cruz about four years ago to attend UC Santa Cruz. This year, I graduated with a degree in Marine Biology. I chose to work at Camp Sea Lab because I wanted to share my passion and knowledge of the ocean with others, as well as teach future generations that science is fun! Eventually, I want to go to graduate school to study whale behavior changes with a changing climate. One of my favorite activities at camp is kayaking, which is also one of my favorite hobbies. I love exploring the ocean every chance I get! Besides that, I like to spend my time climbing, going thrifting, reading, and spending time with my friends. I look forward to meeting all of our campers this year at Camp Sea Lab!
Favorite animal: Blue whale
"Navanax"
Naturalist
Hi! I’m Alex, a naturalist at Camp Sea Lab. Before I worked here I was an underwater explorer instructor at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I am passionate about the ocean and teaching about it so that the next generation will help protect it. I am an underwater videographer in my spare time where I like to show the beauty of mother ocean.
Favorite animal: Octopus
"Sharkbait"
Naturalist
I grew up in Monterey County and was fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches. I fell in love with nature and wanted a career that involved being in it. I completed my undergraduate degree at CSUMB. I enjoyed research and continued studying Fish Ecology at CSUN. I have been fortunate to have found a career that I enjoy doing every day. I now have the opportunity to teach our youth to respect and protect our oceans. I enjoy hiking, swimming, SCUBA diving and being with my family.
Favorite animal: humpback whales
"Plover"
Naturalist
I grew up in northern Nevada and went to college in Virginia where I studied Ecology. I lived in the South Pacific teaching 3rd grade for a few years. Now I live in the beautiful Monterey Bay. After a long journey of teaching formally and informally, I found working at Camp SEA Lab is the perfect fit! I am passionate about protecting our natural ecosystems. I am also passionate about education for a better future.
Growing up, I remember being fascinated with the protection of Snowy Plovers on the beach near my aunt’s house. When choosing my nature name, I felt the chaotic nature of the Plover best fit my personality.
Favorite animal: Chiton and loves ALL birds
Jobs Available
Do you love working with kids, spending time outdoors at the beach, and want to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards? We are hiring naturalists for our outdoor school season running from September 2024 through May 2025.
Camp is located in Aptos, CA. Outdoor school runs 3 days per week, usually Monday-Wednesday, sometimes Tuesday- Thursday or Wednesday-Friday.
A typical schedule is:
Day 1- 9AM- 4PM, 7PM-9:30PM
Day 2 - 8AM- 4PM, 7PM-9:30PM
Day 3- 8AM- 3PM
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Effectively deliver marine science lessons to up to 18 students and lead community building group activities including games and campfire programs.
- Express enthusiasm in all aspects of teaching including ocean awareness and marine science education; educate campers on topics such as local marine life, rocky shore, sandy beach and deep-sea habitats, and coastal wetlands of the Monterey Bay.
- Participate as a member of a team of peers, under the supervision of a Camp SEA Lab Coordinator
- Understand and implement program safety regulations of Camp SEA Lab’s risk management plan during all camp activities.
- Act as a positive role model for participants and express enthusiasm in all aspects of camp.
- Assume responsibility for the well-being of each camper and provide necessary emergency response and/or first aid to all campers while on duty.
Qualifications:
- Education or work experience equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a science-related field
- Demonstrate responsibility, organization, flexibility, and sound judgment as it relates to the delivery of youth program activities in a team setting.
- Demonstrate familiarity with coastal locations and knowledge of the marine environments in Monterey Bay.
- Previous experience working with youth in an informal education setting; could include camp, classroom, or other environments.
- Ability to work with diverse populations and multiple learning styles.
- Experience in youth focused-programs and delivery of science content; knowledge of inquiry-based teaching strategies.
- Pass a background check (including a criminal records check and National Registered Sex Offender check) and obtain a valid CPR/First Aid certification.
- Must currently hold or obtain a valid CPR/First Aid certification.
Compensation:
$20 per hour
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to education@wolfschool.org
Do you love cooking, kids, and a beautiful ocean view? We are hiring a part-time Prep Cook for our outdoor school. The season runs from September 2024 through May 2025.
Location:
Camp St. Francis, located in Aptos near Seascape Resort.
Schedule:
Camp runs three days a week, typically Monday-Wednesday, with occasional programs on Tuesday-Thursday or Wednesday-Friday. Hours are below. You must be available for all shifts.
Day 1: 2 PM- 8:00 PM
Day 2: 6 AM - 11 AM and 2 PM - 8:00 PM, split shift
Day 3: 6 AM - 12 PM
Compensation:
$19/ hour
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Food preparation, cooking, and serving of camp menu items
- Maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen general work areas
- Dining hall set-up before meals and kitchen cleanup after meals
Qualifications:
- Must possess a California Food Handlers Card
- Minimum of 1 year experience working in food service
- Pass a background check (including criminal records check and National Registered Sex Offender check)
To Apply:
If you are interested in applying for the position, please send your resume to campsealab@wolfschool.org
Do you love cooking, planning kid-friendly meals, and a beautiful ocean view? We are hiring a Food Service Manager for Camp SEA Lab. The position is part time and seasonal, and with sessions running from September until the end of May.
Location:
Our programs are located at Camp St. Francis, located in Aptos near Seascape Resort.
Schedule:
Camp runs three days a week, typically Monday-Wednesday, with occasional programs on Tuesday-Thursday or Wednesday-Friday. Hours are below. The Food Service Coordinator must be available for all shifts.
Day 1: 2 PM- 8 PM
Day 2: 6 AM - 11 AM and 2 PM - 8 PM, split shift
Day 3: 6 AM - 12 PM
Additional hours of around 3-4 hours per week are expected outside of these shifts for shopping, ordering and submitting administrative paperwork.
Compensation:
$22-23/ hour
The Food Service Coordinator:
- Oversees, supports and engages in the preparation and cooking of camp menu items, consisting of 6 meals over 3 days.
-Oversees the head cook and prep cook
- Maintains cleanliness in the kitchen general work areas
- Oversees and participates in dining hall set-up before meals and leads kitchen clean up after meals
-Prepares weekly for dietary restrictions and works with Camp SEA Lab coordinator to provide healthy and balanced meals for participants
- Orders and purchases food weekly for camp programs
-Keeps track of receipts and budget and works with Camp SEA Lab administrators to keep meal costs within budget
Qualifications:
- Must possess a California Food Service Manager Certification
- Three years of progressively responsible work experience in a Food Service environment
- Pass a background check (including a criminal records check and National Registered Sex Offender check)
- High School Diploma or GED
To Apply:
If you are interested in applying for the position, please send your resume to campsealab@wolfschool.org
Do you love working with kids, hanging out at the beach, snorkeling, surfing and splashing around, and want to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards? We are hiring naturalists for our summer day camp! The season runs from June 3-August 2, 2024.
Camp programs are located in various locations in Monterey, CA.
Schedule:
Monday- 7:45AM- 3:30PM
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday - 8AM-3:30PM
Friday- 8AM- 4PM
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supervise a group of 10-12 campers, and as part of a team of 3 Naturalists and 1 Day Camp Lead, oversee up to 32 campers (ages 8-15) from Monday to Friday each week.
- Effectively deliver marine science lessons and lead group activities and games.
- Express enthusiasm in all aspects of teaching including ocean awareness and marine science education; educate campers on topics such as local marine life, rocky shore, sandy beach and deep-sea habitats, and coastal wetlands of the Monterey Bay.
- Under the supervision and guidance of specialized aquatic activity instructors, help lead campers in ocean recreational activities such as snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking.
- Understand and implement program safety regulations of Camp SEA Lab’s risk management plan during all camp activities.
- Act as a positive role model for participants and express enthusiasm in all aspects of camp.
- Assume responsibility for the well-being of each camper and provide necessary emergency response and/or first aid to all campers while on duty.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrate responsibility, organization, flexibility, and sound judgment as it relates to the delivery of youth program activities in a team setting.
- Demonstrate familiarity with coastal locations and knowledge of the marine environments in Monterey Bay.
- Previous experience working with youth in an informal education setting; could include camp, classroom, or other environments.
- Ability to work with diverse populations and multiple learning styles.
- Experience in youth focused-programs and delivery of science content; knowledge of inquiry-based teaching strategies.
- Minimum age requirement is 18 years of age.
- Pass a background check (including a criminal records check and National Registered Sex Offender check).
- Must currently hold or obtain a valid CPR/First Aid certification.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to education@wolfschool.org
Do you love working with kids, hanging out at the beach, snorkeling, surfing and splashing around, and want to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards? We are hiring a program director for our summer overnight camp! The season runs from June 3-August 2, 2024.
Camp programs are located at Stevenson School in Monterey, CA. Housing at Stevenson is included for the full season, June 2- August 3.
Schedule:
Monday- Friday
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supervise a team of 3 Naturalists and oversee up to 32 campers (ages 10-16) from Monday to Friday each week.
- Understand and implement program safety regulations of Camp SEA Lab’s risk management plan during all camp activities.
- Assume responsibility for the well-being of each camper and provide necessary emergency response and/or first aid to all campers while on duty.
- Be available and on-call each night of program to provide overnight support to campers as necessary.
- Effectively deliver marine science lessons and lead group activities and games.
- Express enthusiasm in all aspects of teaching including ocean awareness and marine science education; educate campers on topics such as local marine life, rocky shore, sandy beach and deep-sea habitats, and coastal wetlands of the Monterey Bay.
- Under the supervision and guidance of specialized aquatic activity instructors, help lead campers in ocean recreational activities such as snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking.
- Act as a positive role model for participants and express enthusiasm in all aspects of camp.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrate responsibility, organization, flexibility, and sound judgment as it relates to the delivery of youth program activities in a team setting.
- Demonstrate familiarity with coastal locations and knowledge of the marine environments in Monterey Bay.
- Previous experience working with youth in an informal education setting; could include camp, classroom, or other environments.
- Ability to work with diverse populations and multiple learning styles.
- Experience in youth focused-programs and delivery of science content; knowledge of inquiry-based teaching strategies.
- Minimum age requirement is 21 years of age.
- Pass a background check (including a criminal records check and National Registered Sex Offender check).
- Must currently hold or obtain a valid CPR/First Aid certification.
- Must currently hold or obtain a valid Lifeguard certification.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to education@wolfschool.org
Do you love working with kids, hanging out at the beach, snorkeling, surfing and splashing around, and want to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards? We are hiring naturalists for our summer overnight camp! The season runs from June 3-August 2, 2024.
Camp programs are located at Stevenson School in Monterey, CA. Housing at Stevenson is included for the full season, June 2- August 3.
Schedule:
Monday- Friday
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supervise a group of 10-12 campers, and as part of a team of 3 Naturalists and 1 Program Director, oversee up to 32 campers (ages 10-16) from Monday to Friday each week.
- Effectively deliver marine science lessons and lead group activities and games.
- Express enthusiasm in all aspects of teaching including ocean awareness and marine science education; educate campers on topics such as local marine life, rocky shore, sandy beach and deep-sea habitats, and coastal wetlands of the Monterey Bay.
- Under the supervision and guidance of specialized aquatic activity instructors, help lead campers in ocean recreational activities such as snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking.
- Understand and implement program safety regulations of Camp SEA Lab’s risk management plan during all camp activities.
- Act as a positive role model for participants and express enthusiasm in all aspects of camp.
- Assume responsibility for the well-being of each camper and provide necessary emergency response and/or first aid to all campers while on duty.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrate responsibility, organization, flexibility, and sound judgment as it relates to the delivery of youth program activities in a team setting.
- Demonstrate familiarity with coastal locations and knowledge of the marine environments in Monterey Bay.
- Previous experience working with youth in an informal education setting; could include camp, classroom, or other environments.
- Ability to work with diverse populations and multiple learning styles.
- Experience in youth focused-programs and delivery of science content; knowledge of inquiry-based teaching strategies.
- Minimum age requirement is 18 years of age.
- Pass a background check (including a criminal records check and National Registered Sex Offender check).
- Must currently hold or obtain a valid CPR/First Aid certification.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to education@wolfschool.org
Do you love working with kids, snorkeling and surfing, and want to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards? We are hiring aquatics instructors for our summer day camp! The season runs from June 3-August 2, 2024.
Camp programs are located in various locations in Monterey, CA.
Schedule:
3 days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 8AM-4:30PM
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as aquatic instructor and demonstrate proper snorkeling and surfing techniques to participants. Be able to confidently lead at least a 30-minute land-based lesson before entering into the ocean, under the guidance of the Aquatic Program Supervisor.
- Understand and implement program safety regulations of Camp SEA Lab’s risk management plan during all aquatic activities.
- Maintain constant supervision and ensure the safety of all participants. Be responsible for a maximum of 20 participants at a time while in the water.
- Make sound judgments and informed decisions regarding local ocean conditions of the Monterey Bay
- Direct participants in the proper use of aquatic equipment (wetsuits, surf boards, snorkeling gear, etc.), and be responsible for overall clean up and proper storage of gear.
- Inspect, clean and repair aquatic programs equipment before and after each instructional session.
- Assume responsibility for the well-being of each camper and provide necessary emergency response and/or first aid to all campers while on duty.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrate responsibility, organization, flexibility, and sound judgment as it relates to the delivery of youth program activities in a team setting.
- Demonstrate familiarity with coastal locations and knowledge of the marine environments in Monterey Bay.
- Previous experience working with youth in an informal education setting; could include camp, classroom, or other environments.
- Candidate should have personal snorkeling and surfing experience, and prior teaching experience in these activities is preferred.
- Minimum age requirement is 18 years of age.
- Pass a background check (including a criminal records check and National Registered Sex Offender check).
- Must currently hold or obtain a valid American Red Cross Lifeguard certification.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to education@wolfschool.org
