Naturalist - Seasonal

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Girdwood, AK

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Naturalist – Seasonal is a full-time, eight-month seasonal member of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) education team. The role supports and leads educational and interpretive programming that advances AWCC’s mission. As part of a small nonprofit, the Naturalist must shift flexibly among duties and work collaboratively with team members; specific programs and tasks may vary to account for team members’ strengths and development. Programs primarily focus on Alaskan wildlife, environment, history, and geography, with particular relevance to Portage Valley. Preferred dates are early April through November. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, beginning in January 2027.

The position includes guest interpretation and education, sanctuary presentation and safety, assistance with animal care, participation in the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program as a Cook Inlet beluga whale observer, and supporting interns. Workdays and hours are assigned by the Director of Education and Naturalist Supervisor and vary by week. The schedule is 40 hours across five days per week, with a maximum of eight hours per day; flexible scheduling may include early, late, and weekend shifts.

Seasonal housing is available in dormitory-style shared accommodations with shared bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living room, and laundry machines; Wi-Fi is provided. Staff housing residents with a valid driver’s license and safe driving record may occasionally access an AWCC vehicle for group grocery and supply runs, though employees are strongly encouraged to bring their own vehicle. The position has uniform requirements; AWCC provides specified items, while employees are responsible for additional clothing and gear in appropriate colors. Employees receive free AWCC admission for friends and family and a discount at the Be Wild Gift Shop.

Requirements

• Educated and confident public-speaking skills for both large and small audiences.
• Ability to prepare and deliver 15-minute interpretive talks and lead walking tours lasting 1–1.5 hours.
• Comfort connecting with people of all ages, cultures, and perspectives from Alaska and around the world.
• 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 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 with a positive attitude in extreme wind, temperatures, rain, and winter conditions.
• 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.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must be eligible 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.
• Ability to live courteously with other team members if using staff housing.

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 BS, BA, 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.
• Ability to demonstrate how the opportunity would support career development.
• Knowledge of AWCC programs.
• Interest or ability to return for multiple seasons.
• Fluency in multiple languages.
• Familiarity with the Dena’ina language.
• Experience using the Microsoft suite.
• First Aid and CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide frontline interpretation while roving, support positive guest interactions, and manage 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; help prevent trash from entering animal habitats; inventory and remove invasive plant species; and 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 assigned husbandry duties.
• Assist with the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program as a Cook Inlet beluga whale observer.
• Support and coach interns who facilitate programming, and supervise interns when senior education staff are absent.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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