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Employment as a LACOSS Outdoor Science Teacher
Gauging Your Qualifications
(i.e. - Should you apply?)
We hope that after visiting this site you have enough information to do a self-evaluation, and to determine whether it is worth your time to apply. If not, the following comments may help you through that process.
First and foremost, please realize that if you do not interview in person, your odds of being offered a position are GREATLY reduced. If you are serious about wanting to work for us, you really should plan to visit one or more of our sites in person. However, if you are unable to come for an interview before our closing date, that doesn't mean you are totally excluded from our program. If you are traveling through California during the summer or at any time in the future, feel free to call and set up an interview. Applying and interviewing are not restricted to our traditional spring hiring period. Once you have interviewed, you may be considered for a position that might open up unexpectedly mid-year. You would also be placed in the pool of applicants for the following school year.
Secondly, please realize that the outdoor science teacher position is not an entry level job. If you are fresh out of college and want to get your first job in outdoor education, our outdoor science teacher position may not be your best choice at this time. We have occasionally hired applicants right out of college, but only if they have extensive experience through summer, volunteer, or internship employment, and even then it is uncommon. We applaud your career decision and want to encourage you in your goal. In fact, we started an internship program specifically to help folks in your situation get the required experience. The internship is designed for undergraduates (seniors preferred) or graduates with a good science degree, but limited experience. You may wish to consider applying for the internship position as a way to get the experience you need to pursue a career in outdoor science teaching. We may even be able to provide you with some leads on finding an entry level position with another program. If you have marginal experience but high motivation, get some experience and stay in touch with us. It is not uncommon for motivated applicants to secure a position with LACOSS on their second or third attempt.
These comments are not meant to discourage you, but rather to help you make an informed decision with regard to LACOSS. You may also want to take a look at the Staff Biographies to get an idea of the type of people we are looking for. If you are still unsure whether to apply, please don't hesitate to contact any of us .
But if you have a science degree, experience in outdoor education (or other experience that qualifies you for this position), interest in LACOSS, and the desire for professional growth, then send us your application. We want to talk to you!
- Duties of an outdoor science teacher
- Qualifications
- Pay and Benefits
- Length of Contract
- Application Procedures
- Gauging Your Qualifications (Should you apply?)
- Other Job Resources
© LACOSS, 2008
Last Revised: November 10, 2008
Comments or Questions? webmaster@OutdoorScienceSchool.org