Naturalist Assistant (Variable Hours)

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Naturalist Assistant supports the City of Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department by delivering nature and science education, assisting with public programs and interpretive exhibits, caring for a small collection of live animals, and helping maintain recreation and park facilities. The position combines energetic, interactive work with visitors and self-directed research and project work. Programming serves audiences from preschool children through adults and may take place indoors or outdoors. The role works primarily in recreation facilities, public buildings, and parks. Outdoor programming may involve varying weather, dust, haze, or other outdoor conditions. Duties may include medium physical work, with frequent lifting, carrying, walking, and standing, and may require pushing, pulling, bending, and stooping. Employees may be required to work as essential personnel during a City-declared emergency or disaster. The hiring range is $15.54–$19.42 per hour, with salary commensurate with experience. The position is listed as variable hours. The application deadline is November 22, 2026, though the posting may close earlier once a qualified applicant pool is established. The City plans 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 a formal or informal environment.
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.
Organization and self-motivation.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials.
Excellent driving record.
Ability to perform medium physical work, including moving up to 50 pounds with or without assistance, with frequent lifting, carrying, walking, and standing; frequent pushing, pulling, bending, or stooping may also be required.
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 adult.
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.