Job Title: Naturalist

Reports to: Environmental Education Manager

Classification: part-time (20-24 hours per week), seasonal (mid-August through mid-May), non-exempt, not benefits eligible

Position Summary:

The Naturalist is a new position that expands environmental education programming at Belwin. This person will help shape program design with the Program Team and deliver natural history programming for new education partners. Responsibilities will include teaching outdoors and in schools, primarily with Stillwater Area Public Schools. Programming will initially be focused on 2nd-5th grades, but will expand to K-12 over time. This position will teach on-site curriculum and activities for in-class learning to prepare students for their visit and help cement concepts they learned at Belwin. In addition, this person will provide natural history programming alongside other Belwin Naturalists for the general public and at Belwin’s large events.

Responsibilities:

• Lead high-quality environmental education activities for students at Belwin, with pre-lessons at schools. Primary focus will be working with Stillwater Area Public Schools (SAPS) elementary students
• Maintain and curate educational materials
• Work with the Program Team to develop and deliver natural history programs to the public
• Work and communicate with Belwin Outdoor Science (Saint Paul Public School Staff) about nature programming at Belwin
• Coordinate with other naturalists to lead activities during Belwin’s major events
• Participate in annual planning for programs and events with the Program Team
• Evaluate programs regularly with program partners to improve success
• Participate in organizational work around inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications of the ideal candidate:  

• Two years of relevant work experience
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural science, or related field is a plus
• Experience conducting a variety of natural history classes outdoors in all seasons for K-12 students
• Experience with management of groups of 10-20 students in indoor and outdoor settings
• Knowledge of local ecosystems, including flora and fauna
• Preference for bilingual applicants
• A familiarity with inclusive teaching practices and able to engage people of all backgrounds
• Excellent communication skills
• A positive frame of mind and solid work ethic; open to direction and collaboration with a commitment to an inclusive workplace culture
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and Google suite
• First aid, CPR, and AED certification or willingness to obtain within 3 months of hire

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to bend, twist, push, pull, and lift above the shoulders
• Must be able to be on your feet for extended periods of time
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
• Ability to traverse rough and hilly terrain

Other:

• Ideal start date is August 12; this is somewhat flexible
• This position is based on site at our office in Afton, MN; all work must be completed on-site
• Typical work hours are standard business hours, with a regular schedule of three days per week. There will be opportunities for occasional weekend and evening hours, however this is not required
• Employees must pass annual background checks

We offer:

• Starting salary of $21.00 per hour
• Paid time off and floating holidays
• Professional development opportunities