Interpretive naturalist jobs near me - 8 jobs

The Summer/Fall Seasonal Naturalist supports the efforts of Mobile Outreach staff with educational programs, community events, recreation programs, animal care, gardening, hosting, office work, cleaning, and other duties as assigned. This is a short-term, entry-level opportunity designed to help candidates develop professional skills in the field of Outdoor Experiences. Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required. Provides outdoor recreation and educational programs that serve to enhance Cleveland Metroparks conservation, education and outdoor recreation mission and to promote environmental education and stewardship. Assists with outdoor recreation and environmental education programs within the park district and at off-site locations. Participates in special events or projects as assigned. Demonstrated organizational skills including verbal communication, problem solving, and conflict management. Drives Park District vehicles to transport equipment as required. Assists in maintaining and prepping equipment and program materials. Performs light maintenance functions.

Naturalist Part-Time (Non-Exempt) Rate: $11.00 hourly Pay Grade: PT | Starting salary based on prior experience and education. Location: Penitentiary Glen, Children's Schoolhouse, and Environmental Learning Center Position Description: Under the supervision of the Outdoor Connections Manager, the part-time Naturalist plans, presents, and evaluates interpretive programs and activities on natural and cultural history topics for children ages 1+, families, adults, and senior citizens. This position also assists with special events, family activities, visitor engagement, and interpretive displays across multiple sites including Penitentiary Glen, Children's Schoolhouse, and the Environmental Learning Center. Must be flexible to work up to 28 hours per week, including weekends, weekdays, evenings, and holidays. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to: Plans, creates, and presents engaging interpretive and educational programs for audiences of all ages. Leads hands-on indoor and outdoor experiences focused on natural history, environmental science, and wildlife. Assists with special events, projects, exhibit preparation, interpretive signage, and community programs. Provides outstanding customer service and visitor engagement for families, school groups, and the general public. Minimum Qualifications: Associate or Bachelor's degree in natural sciences, environmental education, interpretation, or a related field, or equivalent experience preferred. One (1) to two (2) years of experience teaching children preferred. Prior experience delivering environmental education or interpretive programs preferred. Position Requirements: Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable under the Park District's liability policy. Must complete and maintain all required training (e.g., emergency communication, hazardous materials, PPE, harassment prevention). Ability to work independently and as part of a team, often under varying weather conditions. Must be able to perform moderate physical labor and safely operate Park District vehicles, equipment, and small hand tools. Excellent communication, presentation, writing, and interpersonal skills. Ability to hike and lead programs on uneven terrain and in all weather conditions. Pre-employment background check required. Benefits: Lake Metroparks offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package for part-time employees, including: OPERS membership (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System) Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council Membership Agency Discounts

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: * CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. * CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. * If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS Camp Naturalists Shaver's Creek Camp naturalists use available resources, prior knowledge, and new ideas to create a lesson plan for their group each camp week. They provide support and leadership opportunities to assistant camp naturalists and Leaders-In-Training ("LITs," who are teenage volunteers at camp), while ensuring the safety of everyone in the group. Prior experience with children (ideally informal or outdoor education experience) and a growth-oriented mindset are crucial for camp naturalist applicants. This position is a daily blend of education, camp fun, and mentorship. Gimme the details, please! * At the Shaver's Creek facility, you will work 47 - 50 hours each week * Almost all of those hours are outdoors (regardless of weather conditions) with children and peers on/along narrow dirt trails in nature. * Access to bathrooms in stalls depends upon the schedule for the day, but is typically every 2 or 3 hours. * Gear for yourself and activities is carried on you (in your backpack or provided pack basket) and is likely to weigh 10 - 15 lbs; with or without accommodations * Pay is $11.50/hour for the first 40 hours worked in a week. Hours above 40 earn time and a half. * Returning staff earn an additional $1/hour in this position. * Housing may be available for out-of-the-area applicants. (There are a few rooms available; they are filled on need and a first-hire basis.) * Training: Monday - Friday, typically 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for the first two full weeks in June. * Training will include certification in First Aid, CPR, AED, and Epi-Pens- (Certification in advance of training is not needed.) * Training time includes peer bonding opportunities, techniques on working with children, examples of games and activities, lesson planning guidance, time on the trails, emergency procedures, and what a day of camp really looks and feels like. * Camp week hours worked: Monday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Saturday (having likely stayed overnight via camping on-site and only three times a summer) 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. * These hours include a staff meeting and limited prep time in the morning, as well as meetings at the end of the day. * There is a "mid-season" week over the week of July 8, 2026. We will have off that Monday and Friday but be on-site 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with professional development opportunities, some social time, goal check-ins and other sessions related to grounding and centering halfway through the program season. * It is absolutely ideal if someone can commit to the entire June 1 - August 1, 2026 time frame. While the timeframe is extensive, it is a way to get the most out of this experience. Great opportunities are missed by those who can only commit to a partial schedule as this is a time to learn, grow, try new things, and be with your new camp friends. In the words of a former employee who only committed to a limited part of summer program, during the last week of the season they commented "Now I understand why you want people to work the whole summer." * If you absolutely cannot commit to the entire time frame, you must at least be able to commit to the two full weeks of training and three weeks of program. If there is a specific day or time that you have an important life event (like you are graduating), we will likely be able to work with you taking time off; however, you must share that information with us during your interview so we are aware. What are the benefits of this position? * This position will teach you critical thinking, creativity, communication, leadership, problem solving, and adaptability which are key factors and skills that are desirable for all jobs you will ever have. * Form connections with peers that outlast the summer. * Professional development through sessions at the beginning and throughout the season on a variety of topics aimed at helping you to develop as a whole person. * Possible internship credit * Spend your summer outside in nature. * Learn techniques for how to be present and immersed in the moment. * Obtain 2-year certifications in First Aid, AED, CPR and Epi-Pens. * Gain confidence through growth that you should take with you everywhere. What would I need to do for employment before the camp season begins? (Mostly remote) * Complete the application process, interview, and accept an offer of employment (both verbally and digitally). * Complete all steps of the hiring process as instructed. * Complete all required and assigned online PSU training (reporting child abuse, cleary act, COINS, and others) * Read through "pre-training" materials (links to natural history information that provide a foundation for the camp topics of this year and the staff manual). * Create a wellness plan for yourself for the summer. * Complete and return forms by the deadlines. What would I be responsible for during the days/weeks of camp? (All on-site) * Keep everyone safe. * Communicate often and effectively. * Always uphold all PSU and Shaver's Creek policies whether that be in the presence of minors or within ear and eye shot of another adult. * Always be a leader and engaged team member whether it be for the big things (like creating the lesson plan for the group while leaving room for LIT and assistant camp naturalist input) or the little things (like opening food containers) on a consistent basis. * Lead games, activities, songs, riddles, and explorative exercises throughout the week with campers. * Set goals, actively work towards them, and check-in on progress. * Demonstrate appreciation of others (like writing the LITs in your group a thank you each week). * Maintain energy, engagement & patience that work for your leadership style and staff/campers. * Provide medical treatment and maintain records. * Serve in the "Super Naturalist" role for, at most, 1 week of the summer program. During this week, you will not be with a group of campers but will spend time assisting with behind-the-scenes logistics (like cutting lifesavers candies, watering the mushroom kits, packing the van with materials for time at Whipple Dam, and walking with children to the bathroom) and observing other's teaching styles. I'm interested! How do I apply? Submit via: *************************** 1) A complete application 2) A cover letter explaining why you want to work at Shaver's Creek summer camp and detailing corresponding skills. 3) Resume containing past work history or related positions/experiences A list of three references including name, title, relationship to you, telephone number and email address will be required at the time of interview. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact ************. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission. 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The Summer/Fall Seasonal Naturalist supports the efforts of Watershed Stewardship Center staff with educational programs, summer camps, recreation programs, animal care, gardening, hosting, office work, cleaning, and other duties as assigned. This is a short-term, entry-level opportunity designed to help candidates develop professional skills in the field of Outdoor Experiences. Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required. Provides outdoor recreation and educational programs that serve to enhance Cleveland Metroparks conservation, education and outdoor recreation mission and to promote environmental education and stewardship. Assists with outdoor recreation and environmental education programs within the park district and at off-site locations. Participates in special events or projects as assigned. Demonstrated organizational skills including verbal communication, problem solving, and conflict management. Drives Park District vehicles to transport equipment as required. Assists in maintaining and prepping equipment and program materials. Performs light maintenance functions.

The Summer Seasonal Naturalist supports the efforts of Rocky River Nature Center staff with educational programs, summer camps, recreation programs, animal care, gardening, hosting, office work, cleaning, and other duties as assigned. This is a short-term, entry-level opportunity designed to help candidates develop professional skills in the field of Outdoor Experiences. Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required. Provides outdoor recreation and educational programs that serve to enhance Cleveland Metroparks conservation, education and outdoor recreation mission and to promote environmental education and stewardship. Assists with outdoor recreation and environmental education programs within the park district and at off-site locations. Participates in special events or projects as assigned. Demonstrated organizational skills including verbal communication, problem solving, and conflict management. Drives Park District vehicles to transport equipment as required. Assists in maintaining and prepping equipment and program materials. Performs light maintenance functions.

The Summer Seasonal Naturalist supports the efforts of CanalWay Center staff with educational programs, summer camps, recreation programs, animal care, gardening, hosting, office work, cleaning, and other duties as assigned. This is a short-term, entry-level opportunity designed to help candidates develop professional skills in the field of Outdoor Experiences. Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required. Provides outdoor recreation and educational programs that serve to enhance Cleveland Metroparks conservation, education and outdoor recreation mission and to promote environmental education and stewardship. Assists with outdoor recreation and environmental education programs within the park district and at off-site locations. Participates in special events or projects as assigned. Demonstrated organizational skills including verbal communication, problem solving, and conflict management. Drives Park District vehicles to transport equipment as required. Assists in maintaining and prepping equipment and program materials. Performs light maintenance functions.

The Summer Seasonal Naturalist supports the efforts of Brecksville Nature Center staff with educational programs, summer camps, recreation programs, animal care, gardening, hosting, office work, cleaning, and other duties as assigned. This is a short-term, entry-level opportunity designed to help candidates develop professional skills in the field of Outdoor Experiences. Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required. Provides outdoor recreation and educational programs that serve to enhance Cleveland Metroparks conservation, education and outdoor recreation mission and to promote environmental education and stewardship. Assists with outdoor recreation and environmental education programs within the park district and at off-site locations. Participates in special events or projects as assigned. Demonstrated organizational skills including verbal communication, problem solving, and conflict management. Drives Park District vehicles to transport equipment as required. Assists in maintaining and prepping equipment and program materials. Performs light maintenance functions.