Naturalist - Seasonal

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Anchorage, AK

10d • $16 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Naturalist – Seasonal is a full-time, eight-month seasonal member of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center’s education team. The role supports and leads educational and interpretive programs in service of AWCC’s mission. Team members collaborate across programming and other tasks, with specific assignments varying according to program needs, individual strengths, and opportunities for growth. Applicants should bring knowledge of Alaska’s wildlife, environment, history, and geography, especially the Portage Valley ecosystem. Preference is given to applicants who may return for multiple seasons. Preferred dates are early April through November.

The position combines public interpretation and education, sanctuary presentation and safety, animal-care support, beluga monitoring, and intern coaching. The work takes place outdoors in varied and sometimes extreme weather and includes long periods on foot, walking on uneven terrain, and physically demanding tasks. Workdays and hours vary by week as assigned by the Director of Education and Naturalist Supervisor, with a schedule of 40 hours across five days per week and a maximum of eight hours per day. Flexible scheduling may include early, late, and weekend shifts.

Seasonal staff housing is available in a dormitory-style arrangement with shared bedrooms and shared bathrooms, kitchen, living room, laundry machines, and Wi-Fi. Staff living in housing who have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record may occasionally access an AWCC vehicle for group grocery and supply runs; use of a personal vehicle is encouraged. Employees are provided specified uniform items, including a jacket, rain jacket, mid-layer, and shirts; employees are responsible for other appropriate outdoor and personal clothing. Employees receive free AWCC admission for friends and family and a discount at the Be Wild Gift Shop.

Requirements

• Confident public-speaking skills for large and small audiences.
• Ability to prepare and deliver 15-minute interpretive talks and lead walking tours lasting 1–1.5 hours.
• Ability to connect with people of all ages, cultures, and perspectives.
• Ability to proactively complete assigned duties and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Ability to contribute to a productive, fun, and positive work environment and participate in group and team-building activities.
• Comfort and ability interpreting Alaska and Portage Valley wildlife, geography, culture, and history.
• Comfort working around animals in human care.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme wind, temperatures, rain, and winter conditions with a positive attitude.
• Ability to spend long hours on one’s feet and walk long distances over uneven terrain while providing interpretive talks and information.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including cleaning and moving up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on programming needs, including early, late, and weekend shifts.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.
• Must have received or be willing to receive a tetanus vaccination by the date of hire and provide proof of vaccination.
• Availability for a full 40-hour workweek over five days, with no more than eight hours per day; days and hours vary by week.

Nice To Haves

• Some college coursework in a related field, such as education, interpretation, wildlife biology, environmental studies, natural resources, zoological sciences, ecology, or animal science.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Experience in a related internship.
• National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide credential and/or experience writing programs in an interpretive outline.
• Proficiency identifying local flora and fauna, including native and invasive species.
• Knowledge of wildlife health, care, behavior, and handling.
• An application that explains how the opportunity supports career development and demonstrates knowledge of AWCC programs.
• Ability or interest to return for multiple seasons.
• Fluency in multiple languages.
• Familiarity with the Dena’ina language.
• Experience using Microsoft Suite.
• First Aid and CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide frontline interpretation through roving and support positive guest interactions, including managing guest behaviors and needs.
• Lead daily and impromptu tours, talks, tabling activities, and animal encounters.
• Educate participants during field trips and educational events.
• Represent AWCC at outreach events.
• Assist with development and maintenance of the education department.
• Plant, weed, and harvest garden beds.
• Keep trash out of animal habitats and inventory and remove invasive plant species on the property.
• Clean interpretive signs and buildings.
• Respond to guest incidents and address behaviors to help ensure the safety of guests and wildlife.
• Assist in caring for resident wildlife, especially program and encounter species, and perform other husbandry duties as assigned.
• Assist with the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program as a Cook Inlet beluga whale observer.
• Support and coach interns facilitating programming, and supervise interns in the absence of senior education staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Seasonal staff housing is available; housing includes Wi-Fi and shared facilities.
• Occasional access to an AWCC vehicle for group grocery and supply runs is available to staff living in staff housing who have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Specified uniform items are provided, including a jacket, rain jacket, mid-layer, and shirts.
• Free AWCC admission for friends and family.
• Discount at the Be Wild Gift Shop.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed