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Seasonal Interpretive Naturalist
Position Available:
Seasonal Interpretive Naturalist
Status: Part Time, Seasonal
Application deadline: Open until filled
Join a team of passionate, professional naturalists who seek to help people make meaningful connections with the natural world. Through kayak trips, hikes, frog catching, and more, our naturalists welcome people of all ages to connect with nature through hands-on, engaging experiences.Objective: To provide high quality natural and cultural history programs to visitors at CNC as well as during outreach programs in the community.
Duties & Responsibilities:- Develop and deliver public programs and experiences focusing on natural and/or cultural history topics for audiences of all ages including recreation-based programs such as kayaking.
- Teach and assist with some camp, scout, and other youth-specific programs.
- Assist with development and maintenance of a wide variety of self-guided interpretive resources.
- Serve as the naturalist on duty in rotation with other program staff.
- Assist with the care of live reptiles and amphibians.
- Be an engaged member of the CNC team, attending staff meetings and trainings as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Degree or experience in environmental education, interpretation, outdoor recreation or related field
- Proficiency in outdoor recreation skills related to environmental interpretation (canoeing, kayaking, hiking)
- Experience working with children in a group setting
- Ability to communicate with visitors of all ages
- Knowledge of basic interpretive/teaching techniques
- Knowledge of natural and/or cultural history
- Certification in Project Wet, Project Wild and similar programs is encouraged
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the position (i.e., hike over rugged terrain, kayak, and lift 50 pounds)
- Ability to work varied hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays (schedule will be tentatively set at the beginning of the season)
- Certification in CPR and basic first aid (or ability to become certified)
Start Date: Week of May 19, 2025
End Date: August 31, 2025
Compensation & Benefits: $15/hr; staff uniform, CNC membership, 20% discount in Nature Center Store, 10% discount on registered program member fee
Application procedure: Send resume and cover letter to Jenn Kirts, Director of Programs, jkirts@chippewanaturecenter.org or 400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI 48640
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Overview: Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) is a non-profit organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 2,000-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with an Ecosystem Gallery, River Overlook, Ecosystem Gallery, Wildlife Viewing Area and more; a late 1800s Homestead Farm complex (sugarhouse, cabin, schoolhouse); Nature Preschool; an arboretum and 19 miles of trails. Visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org for more information.
Chippewa Nature Center is committed to creating a workplace and visitor experience where all people feel valued for their unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives. Staff, volunteers, program participants, visitors, and all those who engage with the nature center are invited to fully connect with CNC regardless of their race, color, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, marital status, political affiliation, or parental status. Through ongoing learning, training, and listening, CNC strives to welcome all people.
Equal Opportunity Employer: CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.
