Naturalist Assistant (Variable Hours)

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

7d•$15 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply. Ready to jump into a job that feels like a big hug from Mother Nature? 💚 This Naturalist Assistant role is definitely not just another walk in the park 🌳. We are looking for a human Swiss Army Knife who thrives when blending high-energy teaching with focused project time. One minute, you are a master interpreter, leading awesome programs like guided hikes, planning programming for adults, or conducting Scout events. You need the skill to explain complex science topics to all kinds of audiences without turning your lecture into a confusing marathon. The next minute, you shift gears into quiet, self-directed project time, researching local plant life or helping design cool new exhibits. This unique job combines highly energetic and interactive work with those necessary quiet moments for deep thought. If you have at least one year of experience teaching science—paid or volunteer—in formal or informal environments, you already have the right foundation. We especially need someone who genuinely loves connecting with people of all ages and abilities. This job is all about spreading the joy of nature! 😊 You also need a good sense of humor, because this job is equal parts glamorous education and necessary upkeep. Think of yourself as the personal assistant to a small, fascinating crew of live reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods 🦎. Sometimes, being a steward of nature means light cleaning, pulling weeds, or even shoveling snow 🧹—but it’s all part of keeping our space beautiful. If you are well organized, self-motivated, and truly live by values like Integrity and Respect, we want you on our team. Bring your basic knowledge of ecology and biology, and let’s inspire the community together! Apply today! ✨ Hiring salary $15.34 - $19.18/hour Salary to be commensurate with experience. The deadline for submitting applications is Sunday, January 11, 2026. Please note that the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice. The Naturalist Assistant job uniquely combines highly energetic and interactive work with quiet, self-directed project time. This role requires attending busy events, engaging with a wide range of audiences, and motivation to complete assigned relevant research projects.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
At least one year of experience (either volunteer or paid) 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
Skill in explaining complex topics to a wide range of audiences
Skill in oral and written communication
Ability to interact positively with people of all ages and abilities
Well organized and self-motivated
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
Excellent driving record

Nice To Haves

Certified Interpretive Guide certification through the National Association for Interpretation
Spanish language skills desired, but not required

Responsibilities

Leads or assists 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 (answer phones, greet visitors, impromptu center and exhibit tours, etc.).
Assists full-time naturalists with interpretive programming for pre-k through adult age groups.
Plans, researches, and presents interpretive programming for a variety of audiences.
Assists in researching, updating, designing, and installing interpretive exhibits on local plant and animal life.
Assists with live animal care for a small collection of reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods.
Performs maintenance and light cleaning such as picking up trash, pulling weeds, vacuuming, dusting, shoveling snow, tidying restrooms, sweeping, and mopping.
Educates park users regarding park rules and regulations.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package
Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
Light rail station minutes away
On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs
Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
Access to innovation workspaces
Rich benefits package with low employee costs
Generous paid-time-off program (Vacation, Sick and Personal leaves)
Retirement pension plan
Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community
Growing city and employee population
Expansive perk benefits such as free Recreation Center Membership, wellness programs, tuition assistance, career advancement, performance bonus programs, etc.
On-site fitness center and wellness programs
Remote work opportunities