Naturalist Assistant (Variable Hours)

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

2d•$16 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Naturalist Assistant role with the City of Aurora’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department combines interactive public programming and event work with quiet, self-directed research projects. The department encourages active lifestyles and creates healthy environments for people, nature, and community, while managing a broad system of parks, open space, trails, recreation facilities, and natural resources. The Naturalist Assistant leads or supports educational programs for audiences ranging from preschool children to adults, staffs visitor information desks, helps develop interpretive programs and exhibits, and assists with care for a small collection of live animals. The role also includes light maintenance and cleaning and educating park users about rules and regulations. The hiring range is $15.54–$19.42 per hour, with salary commensurate with experience. Applications are screened on an ongoing, first-come, first-served basis; the stated application deadline is November 22, 2026. The position works primarily in recreation facilities, public buildings, and parks. Programming often takes place outdoors, where employees may encounter varying weather conditions, dust, haze, or other outdoor conditions. When the City declares an emergency or disaster, employees may be required to serve as essential personnel. The City has scheduled unpaid furlough days for most employees in 2026: January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of paid or volunteer experience teaching science in formal or informal environments.
Basic knowledge of scientific concepts and principles, including adaptation, evolution, biology, and ecology.
Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Ability to explain complex topics to a wide range of audiences.
Oral and written communication skills.
Ability to interact positively with people of all ages and abilities.
Well organized and self-motivated.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials.
Excellent driving record.
Medium physical work involving moving no more than 50 pounds, with or without assistance, at a time; frequent lifting, carrying, walking, and standing; and potentially frequent pushing, pulling, bending, and stooping.
Clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents, speech and hearing to communicate with employees and residents, and hand/eye coordination for computer keyboard operation and working with others.

Nice To Haves

Certified Interpretive Guide certification through the National Association for Interpretation.
Spanish language skills.

Responsibilities

Lead or assist with Scout programs, nature-themed birthday parties, guided hikes, day camps, preschool programs, and curriculum-based programs for school-aged children in the Aurora and Cherry Creek school districts.
Staff information desks by answering phones, greeting visitors, and providing impromptu center and exhibit tours.
Assist full-time naturalists with interpretive programming for audiences from pre-kindergarten through adulthood.
Plan, research, and present interpretive programming for a variety of audiences.
Assist with researching, updating, designing, and installing interpretive exhibits on local plant and animal life.
Assist with care of a small collection of reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods.
Perform maintenance and light cleaning, including picking up trash, pulling weeds, vacuuming, dusting, shoveling snow, tidying restrooms, sweeping, and mopping.
Educate park users about park rules and regulations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.