Nature Center Specialist

Reston Association•Reston, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about making a difference in the community? At Reston Association (RA), we’re committed to enhancing the quality of life for Reston residents through outstanding programs, exceptional services, and dedicated stewardship of the community’s natural and recreational resources. As the community's steward, RA is responsible for maintaining the quality of life in Reston, chiefly by caring for and administering the community's most precious asset - its real property. At RA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are actively seeking a Nature Center Specialist to join our Environmental team! The primary function of this position is to provide exceptional visitor services, coordinate Nature Center operations and facility rentals, while delivering engaging environmental education and interpretive programs that connect the community with the natural resources of Reston. The Nature Center Specialist will be responsible for providing exceptional visitor services, coordinating facility rentals, and supporting the daily operations of the Walker Nature Center. This role will develop and deliver interpretive and environmental education programs for diverse audiences, assist with special events, maintain administrative and program records, manage social media content, and support natural resource stewardship activities across the Nature Center’s 72-acre property. The Nature Center Specialist will collaborate with staff, volunteers, community members, and program participants to foster meaningful connections with nature while ensuring excellent customer service and efficient facility operations. Maintains basic knowledge of all programs, facilities, and natural resource management initiatives of the Walker Nature Center and Reston Association.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in parks and recreation, natural or life sciences or education plus 1 year of work experience in interpretation, parks & recreation, education or conservation related activities or equivalency.
A minimum of 1 year of related work experience in interpretation, parks and recreation, education, conservation, or other related work experience.
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate effectively and interact professionally with individuals of all ages.
Knowledge of native plants, local wildlife and ecology.
Knowledge of local environmental issues and conservation practices.
Ability to work effectively in both office and outdoor environments.
Comfortable working in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
Ability to perform physically active work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and other related activities.
Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid certified
Knowledge of RecTrac software
Certification in environmental education or interpretation
Advanced degree or coursework in outdoor education, interpretation or natural sciences

Responsibilities

Provide exceptional visitor services.
Coordinate Nature Center operations and facility rentals.
Deliver engaging environmental education and interpretive programs.
Develop and deliver interpretive and environmental education programs for diverse audiences.
Assist with special events.
Maintain administrative and program records.
Manage social media content.
Support natural resource stewardship activities across the Nature Center’s 72-acre property.
Collaborate with staff, volunteers, community members, and program participants.
Maintain basic knowledge of all programs, facilities, and natural resource management initiatives of the Walker Nature Center and Reston Association.