Seasonal Naturalist

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission•Cloverly, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Montgomery Parks’ Maydale Nature Classroom is seeking a Seasonal Park Naturalist to create original content and lead programs for the public. This position will work as part of the Maydale Nature Center team to deliver exceptional and engaging educational programs and events for a wide range of audiences. This position is part-time, year-round, and predominately works on weekends. The ideal candidate is available at least 2 weekends per month to lead public programming. The schedule may vary from 2 - 8 hours per week. The schedule of specific dates and times is flexible – based on instructor availability and programming requests from the public. Weekly hours will vary dependent on program demand. Maydale Nature Classroom is owned and operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Montgomery County, Maryland. Maydale Nature Classroom provides interpretive programming for the public, schools, and special groups. Maydale specializes connecting community members with one another and the natural world! The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 420 parks, and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington DC area.

Requirements

A positive attitude, strong initiative, and exemplary customer service skills.
Skilled in collaboration, adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving.
Skilled in effectively communicating concepts so that others can understand them.
Experience and/or ability to work and interact well with people of diverse backgrounds.
High School Diploma or GED.
Two (2) years of experience in Customer Service, Education, or Interpretation, or as a Naturalist Aide or Camp Counselor.
An equivalent combination of higher education and experience may be substituted, which together total two (2) years.

Nice To Haves

Experience creating and leading educational programs for a variety of audiences and ages.
Knowledge of Maryland natural history.
Experience with campfire building and campfire safety.
Available at least 2 weekend dates per month for scheduling programs.
CPR/AED and First Aid Certified.
Ability to communicate in another language is a plus.

Responsibilities

Creates original nature-focused programs for the public and private groups. Programs may include hikes, campfire building, nature scavenger hunts, ecological themes and more.
Develops program descriptions for seasonal program submissions.
Submits purchase requests for program supplies in a timely manor.
Learns how to operate our registration system to pull program registration lists, communicate with program participants, and assist with registration and refunds when needed.
Leads programs with a focus on building community and making outdoor spaces a safe and rewarding place for all.
Modifies programs to meet the needs of participants based on their age, language, or abilities, and initial knowledge of the topic.
As requested, collaborates with the Maydale Nature Classroom Staff on other programming and special events.
As requested, attends Maydale and Brookside Nature Center staff meetings and division-wide interpretation meetings and provides input.
Works with other staff to make sure the Nature Classroom is an enjoyable and welcoming place for all visitors.
Ensures indoor and outdoor spaces are clean, organized, and safe for visitors at the start and end of each day.
Communicates with visitors, program participants, volunteers, and co-workers courteously and accurately.