Naturalist/Lead Guided Discoveries Instructor

Position: Naturalist/Lead Guided Discoveries Instructor

Direct Supervisor:  Education Director

Employment Classification:  Full-time, Year-round, Non-exempt

Compensation: Starting salary of $37,000 Annually, benefit-eligible

Schedule: 40 hours per week

Position Purpose and Summary

This position serves as a naturalist from September to mid-June and Lead Guided Discoveries summer day camp instructor from mid-June through August. Naturalists are responsible for teaching school programs onsite, offsite, and virtually and public programs such as Up Close to Animals, live animal outreach programs, afterschool programs, homeschool programs, boat cruises, and natural adventures for families. Education Staff members assist with exhibit design, develop education programs, serve on staff committees, complete independent projects to support education programs and missions, and assist with organizing/contributing to special events. Science Center Guided Discoveries day camps encourage discovery, learning, and outdoor play in and about the natural world for kids ages 4 through 12. Our camps are active and emphasize time spent outdoors. The Lead Guided Discoveries Instructor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the summer camp, supervising and coaching the Guided Discoveries Instructor and Intern, planning educational activities, leading day camps, communicating with parents, handling and presenting live animal ambassadors, and performing other tasks that support the safety and success of the program.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach school programs, including programs at the Science Center, offsite at schools, and virtually, and assist in developing new programs.
• Develop and teach public programs such as Up Close to Animals, outreach programs, afterschool programs, homeschool programs, boat cruises, and natural adventures for families. 
• Teach naturalist sessions with Blue Heron School students as scheduled.
• Handle and present live animal ambassadors for educational purposes while ensuring the safety of animals, participants, and yourself.
• Close the Live Animal Exhibit Trail one day per week: May, June, September, and October.
• Assist in designing, constructing, producing, maintaining, and refurbishing educational materials/props.
• Assist with educational exhibit development.
• Serve on relevant staff committees.
• Contribute to and participate in SLNSC special events.
• Plan and lead innovative, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for eight weeks of nature and science-themed camps targeted for youth ages 4 through 12.
• Update/develop weekly lesson plans for Guided Discoveries.
• Provide high-quality customer service to Guided Discoveries campers and parents.
• Coordinate daily camp activities and animal encounters.
• Purchase camp supplies and track camp supply budget.
• Complete necessary camp record keeping, including tracking daily camper arrival and departure.
• Effectively communicate and coordinate with all Science Center team members to ensure overall programming success.
• Provide direction to Guided Discoveries Instructor and Intern; work with camp staff to plan and lead activities and provide feedback on performance.
• Ensure the site's safety, activities, and program participants; report any accidents, injuries, and safety concerns to the Education Director.
• Work in all weather conditions.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of all program and office spaces.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with a major in the natural sciences, environmental education, natural resources interpretation, or a related field or comparable relevant experience.
• Two to three years of experience teaching in a non-formal environmental education setting. 
• Previous experience working with youth in an outdoor setting, with demonstrated success working with a 4 to 6-year-old age group.
• Enthusiasm, motivation, a willingness to learn, and a desire to work with people and animals. 
• Current Adult and Child CPR/First Aid certification with AED (recertification provided for all employees biannually).
• Able to receive a clean criminal background check before hire (as required by NH state law when working with youth).
• Licensed NH commercial boat operator or ability to obtain an NH commercial boating license.
• Possess or obtain a valid NH Driver’s License. 
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, locomote long distances on uneven terrain, and lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in an environment that includes exposure to zoonotic diseases and environmental allergens, including but not limited to dust, mold, pollen, live birds, live mammals, live reptiles, live insects, and other animals.
• A solid and active interest in learning and personal growth, including self-assessment and feedback from colleagues.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of New Hampshire’s natural history.
• Animal handling experience.
• Demonstrated public speaking skills and ability to communicate with enthusiasm.
• Ability to play a musical instrument(s) and willingness to play with/in front of kids. 
• Willingness to sing songs with students and campers.
• Computer literacy on a Microsoft-based platform.
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation.