Careers

Position Openings with the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation

Do you love Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP)? Put your professional expertise to work supporting one of the largest urban parks in the United States, enjoyed by more than two million visitors annually.

Education and Outreach Coordinator

The application window for this position has closed. Candidates invited for interviews will be contacted mid-April. Due to overwhelming response, we will not be able to reply to those who are not invited for an interview. No calls, please. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Position Overview

The Education and Outreach Coordinator will be responsible for selected education initiatives and community outreach activities for the nonprofit Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation. Individual will represent the MTRP Foundation at community events, organize and staff the MTRP Foundation’s evening lecture series, and ensure optimum exposure of the programs available at Mission Trails Regional Park. In addition, the position will support youth education programs, leading field trips and participating in other youth education programming. This is a full-time, nonexempt position requiring availability on weekdays, with some evening and weekend events. This position reports to the Executive Director of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(This list may not include all the duties assigned)

  • Create, execute, and promote lecture series and other public programs;
  • Coordinate and participate in community outreach at MTRP and around San Diego;
  • Provide support to the youth education program, including leading field trips, coordinating classroom visits, and supporting day camps as needed;
  • Write educational articles about the park for various outlets and serve as MTRP “roving reporter” with content to be shared on social media and MTRP website;
  • Maintain clear records and details for reporting of outcomes measurements for grant-related and other reports;
  • Assist with other MTRP Foundation initiatives and activities as needed.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree required, ideally in Education, Environmental Science or similar area of study;
  • Passion for MTRP’s mission to protect, preserve, and improve the park;
  • Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, confident public speaker;
  • Demonstrated outdoor leadership skills and experience working with children in an educational capacity;
  • Ability to deliver audience-appropriate educational programming;
  • Strong organizational skills with ability to manage competing priorities and respond to the needs of a dynamic organization;
  • Ability to work independently on assignments with accuracy and minimal direction;
  • Effectively interact with staff, visitors, and stakeholders at all levels;
  • Proven analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills;
  • Proficient user of Microsoft Office programs, especially MS Word, Excel, and Outlook;
  • Commitment to continued professional growth and development to maintain and upgrade relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities;
  • Some knowledge of Southern California flora and ecosystems.

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, work with fingers, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions.
  • Ability to perform light work exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Valid CPR certificate or willingness to complete a CPR course through MTRP Foundation
  • Willingness to complete a background check and TB test through MTRP Foundation

Work Site

Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Visitor and Interpretive Center, throughout MTRP and offsite at various venues for events. Required to work in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Hours/Wage

Full time, hourly position with compensation of $29 an hour. Requires some work on evenings and weekends.

The MTRP Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including 15 days paid vacation annually, six paid holidays, plus four floating holidays of the employee’s choosing, medical benefits, life insurance, and a retirement plan that offers an employer match.

Supervisor

Executive Director, Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation

MTRP Foundation is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive workforce. We welcome and strongly encourage people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. All qualified candidates, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information will be considered for this position.

Camp Counselor

Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation

The application window for this position has closed. Candidates invited for interviews will be contacted mid-April. Due to overwhelming response, we will not be able to reply to those who are not invited for an interview. No calls, please. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Position Overview

The Camp Counselor position offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and those interested in inspiring the next generation of nature enthusiasts. The Camp Counselor will provide engaging educational and recreational experiences for children ages 6-11. This seasonal position is ideal for those who thrive in an outdoor setting and are excited about creating meaningful connections between children and the natural world.

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, energetic, and dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where children can explore, learn, and develop a love for nature. With a strong background in outdoor activities, environmental education, and child development, this role offers the opportunity to lead, mentor, and inspire young campers. An ability to adapt to various situations, work collaboratively within a team, and create a fun, safe, and engaging experience will be key to making summer camp a memorable and impactful experience for all involved.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(This list may not include all the duties assigned)

  • Lead and facilitate fun, engaging outdoor activities, including hiking, nature games, arts and crafts, and environmental education;
  • Encourage campers to connect with nature through hands-on activities and exploration, promoting an understanding of the environment and stewardship of natural resources;
  • Guide campers in group activities that develop teamwork, social skills, and a sense of community;
  • Assist in daily setup and clean-up of the camp environment, ensuring all materials are organized and ready for activities;
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to campers, helping them navigate challenges, develop self-confidence, and learn new skills;
  • Collaborate with team members to plan, evaluate, and deliver camp programs that reflect the values of Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation and foster an inclusive environment;
  • Communicate with parents and other staff members to ensure camper safety, well-being, and an enjoyable experience;
  • Attend team meetings to discuss activities, plan for the next day, and share feedback about campers’ progress and needs.

Requirements

  • At least 1-2 years of experience working with children, particularly in Early Childhood, Elementary, and/or Middle School age groups, either in formal or informal educational settings;
  • Previous experience leading or working with children in the outdoors, nature-based, or recreational environments is highly preferred;
  • A background in environmental education, outdoor recreation, child development, or a related field;
  • Ability to implement educational activities that incorporate environmental themes, fostering a sense of curiosity and stewardship;
  • Strong communication skills, with experience facilitating group activities and leading children in team-building exercises, games, and discussions;
  • Creative, adaptable, and able to think on your feet, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment;
  • Proven ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team, demonstrating leadership;
  • A welcoming attitude toward working with diverse groups of children, fostering a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for all campers, regardless of background.

Additional Requirements

  • Valid Driver’s License or reliable transportation
  • Willingness to complete a background check and TB test through MTRP Foundation
  • CPR Certification or willingness to become certified prior to camp start date

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Role may include continuous walking, standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, pushing/pulling and carrying up to 30 lbs. Able to walk a minimum of 1.5-2 miles on uneven narrow trails with some elevation gain.

Work Site

Camp Counselors will work primarily outdoors at Mission Trails Regional Park and the park’s Visitor and Interpretive Center will be the camp’s learning hub. Camp Counselors will be exposed to varying weather conditions typical of Southern California, including warm temperatures and sun exposure.

Hours/Wage:

This is a seasonal, hourly, non-exempt position, with a compensation of $23.50 an hour. During Summer Camp, on weekdays from June 2 through July 3, 2025, Camp Counselors will work approximately 40-hour weeks, from 8:30am – 5pm. A paid, mandatory training will take place between May 26-30, 2025.

Job Location: Mission Trails Regional Park, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119

Supervisor

Youth Program Manager

To Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to hr@mtrp.org.

MTRP Foundation is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive workforce. We welcome and strongly encourage people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. All qualified candidates, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information will be considered for this position.

Camp Aide

Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation

The application window for this position has closed. Candidates invited for interviews will be contacted mid-April. Due to overwhelming response, we will not be able to reply to those who are not invited for an interview. No calls, please. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Position Overview

The Camp Aide role offers the opportunity for individuals who are passionate about outdoor education and environmental stewardship to inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts. Camp Aides will assist Camp Counselors in providing engaging educational and recreational experiences for children ages 6-11 at the Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation’s camp. This seasonal position is ideal for those who thrive in an outdoor setting and are excited about creating meaningful connections between children and the natural world.

Ideal candidates for this role are passionate about the environment and outdoor education. Individuals enjoyworking with youth (ages 6-11) and their families and have some experience with summer camps and/or nature-based education. Camp Aides will demonstrate strong communication and active listening skills, and build relationships with a diverse range of people, including campers, families, and team members. They are adaptable, creative, resourceful, and empathetic, sensitive to cultural differences, and able to work effectively under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(This list may not include all the duties assigned)

  • Support the delivery of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation camp program;
  • Set up and cleaning up daily camp activities;
  • Collaborate with team members to plan and execute activities;
  • Provide care for campers, ensuring a fun, educational, engaging, and safe experience in friendly, inclusive environment.

Requirements

  • Valid Driver’s License or reliable transportation;
  • Willingness to complete a background check and TB test through MTRP Foundation;
  • CPR Certification or willingness to become certified prior to camp start date.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Role may include continuous walking, standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, pushing/pulling and carrying up to 30 lbs. Able to walk a minimum of 1.5-2 miles on uneven narrow trails with some elevation gain.

Work Site

Camp Aides will work primarily outdoors at Mission Trails Regional Park and the park’s Visitor and Interpretive Center will be the camp’s learning hub. Staff will be exposed to varying weather conditions typical of Southern California, including warm temperatures and sun exposure.

Hours/Wage:

This is a seasonal, hourly, non-exempt position, with compensation of $18.75 an hour. During Summer Camp, on weekdays from June 2 through July 3, 2025, Camp Aides will work approximately 40-hour weeks, from 8:30am – 5pm. A paid, mandatory training will take place during the week before camp.

Job Location: Mission Trails Regional Park, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119

Supervisor

Youth Program Manager

To Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to hr@mtrp.org.

MTRP Foundation is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive workforce. We welcome and strongly encourage people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.All qualified candidates, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information will be considered for this position.

About the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation

Founded in 1988, the nonprofit Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation works in partnership with the City of San Diego to preserve and protect Mission Trails and provide and promote educational and recreational opportunities. Comprised of more than 8,000 acres, Mission Trails is one of the largest urban parks in the United States with more than two million visitors annually.