Organization Description:
Founded in 1913, Fontenelle Forest is one of Nebraska’s oldest conservation organizations and one of the largest private nature centers in the nation. Fontenelle Forest aspires to be a national leader in environmental stewardship and education and the region’s premier nature center. Fontenelle Forest educational opportunities include early childhood programs that serve children and their parents; extensive school district partnerships and out-of-school STEM and nature-based activities; scouting programs; nature camps; programs for adults and senior citizens, as well as informal education programs, activities, and exhibits.
Job Summary:
The part-time Naturalist Educator is an enthusiastic and dedicated individual who supports Fontenelle Forest’s mission to support the discovery of the quiet wild of nature and inspire current and future generations to care for the natural world. The Naturalist Educator facilitates nature-based programs including school programs, senior education programs, camps, outdoor recreation programs, and public programs throughout the year both onsite at Fontenelle Forest’s properties and at offsite locations. Naturalist Educators are the face of the Education Department and help excite and engage visitors in exploring the natural world through guided inquiry and experiential learning.
This is a part-time position regularly scheduled for less than 20 hours per week with some weekend and evening hours required. This position reports to the Education Program Manager or his/her appointee.
Job Duties:
- Lead and conduct onsite and offsite environmental educational programs for a variety of ages and audiences year-round (80%)
- Set up prior to and clean up following programs (5%)
- Collaborate with other staff to design and manage educational materials (5%)
- Attend organizational and departmental staff meetings (5%)
- Perform other duties as assigned (5%)
Qualifications:
- Ability to work 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday
- Available to facilitate a minimum of four programs per week (approximately 12-16 hours), two to five days per week
- General availability year-round. Regular availability during peak months March-May & September-November
- Work occasional evening/weekend hours to support educational programs
- Ability to communicate ideas and complex concepts concisely
- Ability to positively engage with and effectively manage groups of all ages
- Ability to manage time and variable schedules with large groups of people
- Flexibility with changes and ability to problem solve quickly
- Ability to work well as a team with a diverse group of people
- Interest and understanding of natural sciences, history, storytelling, social studies
- Access and ability to communicate efficiently via e-mail
- Ability to successfully pass a background check
- Ability to complete sexual abuse awareness training
- Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certified or willing to be certified upon hire
Education/Experience:
- Associate’s degree or equivalent relevant experience required
- One year of work experience in an education and/or nature-based field required
- Prior experience working with youth in a formal or informal environment required
Physical Demands:
- Regularly works in outdoor environments in all weather conditions
- Must be able to stand and traverse/ascend/descend dirt trails and walking paths for up to 2 hours at a time
- Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs.
- Occasionally handle live, captive animals, including but not limited to snakes and turtles, (safety training provided)
To Apply: Applications will be accepted only by email. Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to [email protected] and include “Part-Time Naturalist Educator” in the subject line.
Fontenelle Forest is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its employment related policies and practices.
Fontenelle Forest participates in E-Verify / Fontenelle Forest Participant E-Verify
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
