Overview
The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is seeking a passionate and reliable Naturalist to teach outdoor environmental and social science education programs to children. The Naturalist’s goals are to foster students’ awareness and appreciation of the natural world, deepen their understanding of science concepts, and encourage lifelong environmental stewardship.
This position involves teaching structured, standards-aligned programs for school groups, camps, scouts, birthday parties, and community programs, as well as developing and implementing age- and theme-appropriate curriculum.
The Naturalist works under the direct supervision of the Education Director and collaborates closely with education staff.
This is a part-time position with variable hours depending on the season and program schedule.
Qualifications:
Commitment to ENC’s mission, vision, and core values
Ability to work independently, reliably, and flexibly
Knowledge of California plants, animals, and local ecosystems (highly desirable)
Knowledge of California Native Americans and local Indigenous history (highly desirable)
Comfort handling live animals, including arthropods and snakes
Strong memorization and communication skills
Physical ability to:
Lift up to 50 pounds
Hike trails and traverse uneven terrain
Stand and work outdoors
Required Skills:
Teach on-site science and social science programs aligned with California State Standards
Lead programs for school groups, scouts, birthday parties, overnights, and community groups
Teach Nature Camps as scheduled, including:
Attending required camp trainings
Writing and submitting camp curricula in advance
Participating in post-camp evaluations and feedback sessions
Providing short marketing descriptions of camp themes
Preferred Skills:
Develop and implement environmental education curriculum and instructional materials
Supervise students at all times, maintaining the highest standards of safety
Set up and clean up instructional materials before and after programs
Communicate professionally with parents, teachers, and visitors
Follow program budgets and coordinate purchases through supervisors
Identify and report safety hazards; close trails if necessary
Staff the front desk when requested
About Environmental Nature Center
Founded in 1972, the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is a world class facility that provides transformative experiences resulting in a deeper connection to nature. The ENC’s mission is to provide quality education through hands-on experience with nature. Our vision is to provide equitable access and inspire all to protect the natural world by serving as our community’s leader in ecological responsibility, sustainable practices and environmental education. The ENC connects over 50,000 community members to nature annually through school field trips, Traveling Naturalist programs, community programs, nature camps, service learning programs, and professional development programs.
The ENC’s 5-acre Newport Beach campus features 15 California native plant communities, wildlife habitat, walking trails, and sustainably designed construction. The ENC’s LEED Platinum certified facilities are nationally recognized and provide an essential connection between nature and the built environment.
