Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.
Department:
GG_Wild Spaces Public Places: WSPP Projects and Programs
Salary Range Minimum:
$15.06
Salary Range Maximum:
$23.51
Closing Date:
07/27/2026
Job Details:
The City of Gainesville is seeking a Part-Time Nature Assistant to join the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department’s Environmental Education team at the new Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center, playing an integral role in engaging the community and park visitors with meaningful natural and cultural history education and interpretation.
Job Description
As a Nature Assistant, you will:
- Develop and implement educational and interpretive programs and tours (primarily at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park) for a diverse audience.
- Provide outreach programming and/or table community events
- Assist with nature center upkeep/cleaning and light grounds maintenance including gardening
- Care for nature center collections
- Respond to public inquiries in writing and verbally
- Work with volunteers
- Assist with special events
- Book programs, maintain records and develop reports
- Enforce nature park and nature center rules
To be considered for this position you must have:
- Graduated from high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma, supplemented by certifications or college level courses in ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, park management, forestry, education, horticulture, biology, or related field, and
- One (1) year experience in public contact work related to environmental education or interpretation or in an outdoor setting
One (1) of the following may be used to substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience:
An Associate’s degree or higher with major coursework in environmental or natural science, education, recreation, biology, or related subject
or an Environmental Education Certification (or equivalent)
or the Florida Master Naturalist Course and Basic Certification by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) (or equivalent).
- Valid driver license required at time of appointment. Valid Florida driver license required within thirty (30) days of appointment.
Notes:
Nature Center hours are Tues – Thursday 10 am – 3 pm during summer hours and 12 pm – 5 pm fall-spring hours. Sun 10 am – 3 pm year round. One Sunday a month will be off.
This position will require weekend and holiday work.
Work will require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.
American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid certification is required within six months of appointment.
May be Required to Complete an Assessment(s)
May create eligibility list
Job Description:
SUMMARY
This is responsible work assisting the staff within the Nature Operations Division in conducting nature activities in designated park areas.
Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under close supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on education and interpretation or natural resource management.
EXAMPLES OF WORK*
- This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Gives guided tours and presentations to school and interested groups on nature park facilities and programs.
Develops and implements educational programming that meets internal goals and/or Florida Education Standards at nature parks or through outreach programming.
Enforces nature park rules and regulations.
Schedules activities and maintains calendar of programs and events.
Provides park information to interested persons via appropriate means including in person, by telephone and by email.
Participates in prescribed burns.
Assists with or implements monitoring of wildlife and vegetation.
Controls invasive non-native plants using herbicides or manual removal.
Coordinates and oversees volunteer workdays.
Conducts regular park inspections and maintenance of park trails and facilities.
Assists with special events.
Marks park boundaries.
Checks trail counters.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Takes messages for supervisor.
Maintains inventory of supplies.
May oversee contract and temporary workers and interns.
Uses social media or other methods to publicize events and programs.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma, supplemented by certifications or college level courses in ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, park management, forestry, education, horticulture, or biology, or related field and one year experience in public contact work or natural resource management work in an outdoor setting.
One (1) of the following may be used to substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience:
An Associate degree or higher with major coursework in environmental or natural science, education, recreation, biology, wildlife management or related subject
or an Environmental Education Certification (or equivalent)
or the Florida Master Naturalist Course and Basic Certification by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) (or equivalent).
CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES
Licenses
Valid U.S. Driver’s License required upon appointment. Valid Florida Driver’s License required within 30 days of appointment and at all times while employed in this classification.
Florida Public Pesticide Applicator License may be required within one year of appointment.
Certifications
American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Cardiopulmonary Recuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid certification is required within six months of appointment.
Interagency Wildland Firefirghter Type II training (S-130, S-190, L-180) may be required within one year of appointment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of Florida ecology and natural habitats.
Knowledge of wildlife, botany, and related areas.
Knowledge of computers and relevant software.
Ability to work with private and public groups and agencies in environmental education and/or natural resource management.
Ability to work irregular hours, work alone or work closely with others.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work around domesticated and non domesticated animals.
Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and substances, including but not limited to: herbicides, gasoline, motor oil, household cleaning and maintenance chemicals, animal excrement and bodily fluids.
Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the general public.
Ability to safely operate a variety of tools, equipment and vehicles.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions, including the ability to lift, carry, push or pull 50 pounds without assistance.
Must conform to grooming and dress codes (uniforms furnished).
May require the ability to work with and around live animals and exhibit landscapes.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying environmental conditions including extreme heat, humidity, proximity to alligators, venomous snakes, large mammals, biting insects / other invertebrates as well as noxious plants.
This position may require a flexible work schedule and may require working a varying schedule, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.
May be required to work or attend meetings outside regular business hours, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Note:
May Require Assessment(s).
May fill multiple positions.
May establish an eligibility list.
Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.
Equal Opportunity
The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.
Veterans' Preference
Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at [email protected] or by calling 352-334-5077.
