Seasonal Naturalist

Description

Are you an outgoing person passionate about protecting public lands and building connections with nature? Do you enjoy leading educational and engaging programs for people of all ages? If this sounds like you, Montgomery Parks' Maydale Nature Classroom, located in Cloverly/SilverSpring, Maryland, is the perfect place for you!

What The Job Will Involve

• Create original nature-focused programs for the public and private groups.
• Include hikes, campfire building, nature scavenger hunts, and ecological themes.
• Develop program descriptions for seasonal program submissions.
• Submit purchase requests for program supplies in a timely manner.
• Learn how to operate the registration system to pull program registration lists, communicate with program participants, and assist with registration and refunds when needed.
• Lead programs with a focus on building community and making outdoor spaces a safe and rewarding place for all.
• Modify programs to meet the needs of participants based on their age, language, or abilities, and initial knowledge of the topic.
• Collaborate with the Maydale Nature Classroom Staff on other programming and special events.
• Attend Maydale and Brookside Nature Center staff meetings and provide input as requested.

Site Assistance

• Work with other staff to ensure the Nature Classroom is an enjoyable and welcoming place for all visitors.
• Ensure indoor and outdoor spaces are clean, organized, and safe for visitors at the start and end of each day.
• Communicate with visitors, program participants, volunteers, and co-workers courteously and accurately.

Minimum Qualifications

• A positive attitude, strong initiative, and exemplary customer service skills.
• Skilled in collaboration, adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Skilled in effectively communicating concepts so that others can understand them.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact well with people of diverse backgrounds.

Important Skills and Characteristics

• Available at least 2 weekend dates per month for scheduling programs.
• CPR/AED and First Aid Certified.
• Ability to communicate in another language is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of experience in Customer Service, Education, or Interpretation, or as a Naturalist Aide or Camp Counselor.
• An equivalent combination of higher education and experience may be substituted, which together total two (2) years.

Supplemental Information

• May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
• Works in Outdoor and Indoor Settings, may be exposed to inclement weather and outdoor hazards.
• Work is may be scheduled during weekends, evenings, and holidays and will vary from 2-8 hours per week based on programs and the candidate’s availability.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and hike for 3 miles over uneven terrain.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC)

• Is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Celebrates a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.
• Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.