Overview
The Naturalist is responsible for teaching environmental and social science education programs to children at the Environmental Nature Center and ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. The Naturalist’s goals are to encourage students’ awareness and appreciation of the environment, broaden students’ knowledge of science concepts, and foster students’ commitment to the protection of the natural environment. The Naturalist will also staff ENC facilities on weekends as needed. Must be willing and able to commute to both Newport Beach and Silverado, CA, although if candidate prefers, they can be based out of one location or the other and spend the majority of their time there. This is a Part-Time position. Starting pay rate: $17/hour
Supervision
The Naturalist works under the direct supervision of the Director of Education.
Essential Functions/Duties Include but Are Not Limited To:
1. Teach on-site field trip programs based on Next Generation Science Standards.
2. Teach Traveling Naturalist programs, the ENC’s version of in-school field trips. Visit schools with the ENC’s Animal Ambassadors to facilitate hands-on, engaging lessons about nature to up to 40 students. The curricula for each grade-specific program supports the Next Generation Science Standards for each grade.
3. Maintain program supplies; inform supervisor of supplies needing replacement or repair.
4. Teach on-site and off-site Scout programs and other community programs, ensuring that they are taught according to the requirements of the groups and in consideration of the mission of the ENC.
5. Teach Enrichment Camps and Summer Nature Camps (this may include working on days close to holidays). Responsibilities include:
a. Attending Camp Teacher Training.
b. Developing curricula and providing it to the Education Director at least two weeks prior to the first day of each camp session.
c. Providing your “best camp activity” for the next day to the Education Director each day before leaving.
d. Arriving on site early enough to be able to fully set up all activities & areas needed, and be completely ready to sign-in campers / greet parents prior to camp start.
e. Keeping materials organized, and completely cleaning all teaching/snack/lunch areas used for the day, including kitchen, before leaving.
f. Completing an evaluation after session is complete. Meeting with Camp Director to go over evaluation.
g. Attending a follow-up meeting at the end of Summer Camp to review the summer and provide feedback for future camps.
6. Set-up, take-down, and staff outreach booths at off-site events, professionally representing the ENC to the public.
7. Arrive when scheduled to prepare and set-up for programs, being mindful of travel time.
8. Supervise students at all times for the duration of programs, extending to the release of students to their guardians. Maintain the highest possible degree of safety.
Qualifications:
1. Commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of the ENC.
2. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrate flexibility.
3. Knowledge of California’s plant and animal life highly desirable.
4. Knowledge of California Native Americans and local indigenous people highly desirable.
5. Ability or willingness to handle animals including birds, amphibians, mammals, arthropods, and reptiles.
6. Ability to memorize and recall facts, figures, and information.
Required Skills:
1. Effectively communicate environmental education concepts to students of all ages in both indoor and outdoor settings.
2. Interact successfully with supervisors, teachers, parents, volunteers, and students. Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of all age groups, including adults, in small as well as large groups.
3. Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of all age groups, including adults, in small as well as large groups.
Preferred Skills:
4. Communicate effectively in the English language, in both oral and written forms.
5. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions in an independent manner.
6. Understand and apply pertinent personnel policies, laws, rules, and regulations.
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.
