Nature Guide

Auberge Collection•Town of Gardiner, NY

1d•$60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Nature Guide leads Wildflower Farms' outdoor and natural-world programming — guiding hikes and treks, hosting foraging and birding experiences, and drawing on deep knowledge of the property, farm, and wider Hudson Valley to bring the land's story to life for guests. This role blends naturalist expertise with guest-facing hospitality, translating a working knowledge of local flora, fauna, and history into classes, workshops, and daily activations that reflect Wildflower Farms' Soul of the Place.

Requirements

Naturalist, outdoor guiding, or park/conservation-level experience (or equivalent), with a strong working knowledge of regional flora, fauna, and ecology.
NY DEC Licensed Guide Program
Demonstrated experience leading guided hikes, walks, or treks for groups, including basic trail safety and group management.
Guest-facing teaching or instructional experience required.
Knowledge of local and Hudson Valley-region history, landmarks, and natural features, or demonstrated ability to build this knowledge quickly.
Strong communication and organizational skills; ability to collaborate across Experiences, Farm, and Culinary teams.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Birding expertise or certification.
Foraging knowledge (edible and medicinal plants).
Horticulture or floral design background, with ability to lead flower foraging and arranging.
Stargazing/astronomy knowledge, including constellation identification.
Existing relationships with local conservation groups, trail organizations, or naturalist networks.

Responsibilities

Lead guided hikes, walks, and treks across the property and surrounding trails, 5x/week.
Host a complimentary nature-based activation 5x/week (e.g., foraging walk, birding session, flower foraging & arranging).
Support group and private experience requests, including custom route/format input as needed.
Activate seasonal nature programming, refreshing offerings in line with migratory patterns, bloom cycles, and what's happening on the land and in the region.
Partner with the Experiences team to develop new activation concepts, including stargazing, seasonal foraging, and garden-based programming.
Work directly with the Head Farmer and Farm team to identify opportunities for programming tied to the farm's seasonal rhythms.
Build and maintain a working knowledge of the immediate area and wider Hudson Valley — trails, landmarks, local history, flora and fauna — sufficient to answer guest questions and weave regional storytelling into every offering.
Drive personalization and surprise-and-delight moments — partnering with the Experiences team on nature-themed guest touches, special occasion add-ons, and other personalization opportunities, within reason.
Support amenities that promote or tie back to Experiences programming (e.g., seasonal welcome touches, trail-ready guest moments).
Manage ordering for any program-specific supplies (e.g., foraging baskets, stargazing equipment, garden tools) and ensure all classes/activations are properly stocked.
Forecast and manage program-related costs as part of the department's overall budget
Teaching and hosting scheduled public hikes, classes, and daily activations
Prep, route-scouting, and sourcing for classes and activations
Administrative support, including ordering, guest communication, and scheduling