The Education Naturalist is a professional position with primary responsibility for developing, implementing, delivering, and arranging educational programs for Carrie Murray Nature Center in Gwynns Falls Leakin Park This position reports to Parks Administrator/Director of Carrie Murray Nature Center. While performing essential functions, the Education Naturalist is regularly required to walk, stand, see, speak, and hear; frequently required to hike, sit, reach, use hands to manipulate objects or tools, and work in all weather conditions; and often required are the abilities to lift, carry, bend, and stoop.

Essential Functions

• Programs: Delivers or arranges for delivery of nature-based and place-based educational programs, both onsite and offsite, to children and adults. Maintains and expands upon current educational programs as appropriate. Recommends new programs, including those to be funded through regular operating stream and those requiring grant funding. Develops and implements recommended programs as approved. Markets educational programs, maximizing use of no-cost options. Interprets Nature Center and Gwynns Falls Leakin Parks to children and adults using generally accepted nature interpretation techniques. Leads or arranges for leadership of interpretive trail hikes on Nature Center property. Organizes and orders program materials & supplies as approved. Establishes annual and monthly program calendars for on-site educational programs. Tracks attendance at programs.
• Community Relations: Develops and maintains positive linkages with schools, libraries, Board, committees, and other appropriate community constituents Contributes to the development and operation of strong teams to enhance Nature Center programs and position. Distributes agency brochures throughout the target areas, recommending changes and/or reorder times. Participates in appropriate community events to promote Nature Center
• Administration & General: Staffs office as assigned, performing telephone, public relations, and relevant office tasks in a timely and professional manner. Prepares monthly, annual, and other periodic reports analyzing and summarizing program attendance, successes, challenges, and other relevant information. Maximizes use of limited resources through donations, volunteers, and creativity. Uses environmentally friendly materials, tools, and equipment whenever possible. Participates in marketing via social media. Supports all Nature Center activities, assisting as appropriate/assigned
• Volunteers: Assists Volunteer Coordinator in the training of volunteers, focusing on those delivering or assisting with programs, leading interpretive hikes, or providing property maintenance tasks. Engages volunteers in all aspects of program as appropriate. Organizes relevant program tasks for completion by volunteers
• Property Maintenance: General Grounds Maintenance: mulching, weeding, weed whacking, trash pickup.
• Cleaning and organization of outdoor spaces: compost area, aviary, outdoor classroom, fire circle, etc., gazebos, etc.
• General cleaning of indoor spaces: kitchen, animal room, bathrooms, lodge, hallways, office
• Animal Care: Support animal care naturalists by providing general animal care tasks: fluffing substrate, feeding, water changes, etc. Handle live animal ambassadors when leading programs for the public