Summer Naturalist

Highlands Nature Center
Summer Naturalist

The Highlands Nature Center is recruiting four Summer Naturalists to join our team to help lead our day camps and summer programming!

Highlands Nature Center is located within the 12-acre property of Western Carolina University’s Highlands Biological Station. Highlands Nature Center serves as an extension of the UNC System, and has provided unique educational opportunities to the Highlands community and beyond since its opening in 1933.

Each summer, Highlands Nature Center will welcome well over 10,000 visitors. The highlights of our public summer programming include our:

  • Experiential and nature-based day camps for ages 5 to 10
  • Daily programs that reflect monthly themes
  • Encounters with our Ambassador Animals
  • Nature at Night experiences such as Salamander Meanders and What Bat is That
  • The Zahner Conservation Lecture Series

Our Naturalists are essential to the success of each year, leading our day camps and assisting with all other summer programming. HBF is seeking individuals who have an affinity for nature, are enthusiastic about place-based, experiential, and outdoor learning, micro adventures, and working with kids.

As a Naturalist, you will report to the HNC’s Education Specialists and can expect to work both independently and as a team. Opportunities to develop curriculum and contribute to ongoing programs are available and encouraged. We welcome creativity, experience, and collaboration!

Compensation:

  • $560/week ($14/hr.; 40 hours/week)

  • On-site housing (Shared living quarters w/HBS summer staff)

  • First Aid and CPR certifications

Primary Responsibilities Include:

  • Assisting in the preparation and leading day camps for youth ages 5 to 10

  • Assisting with and facilitating various programs, experiences, and activities  within the Highlands Nature Center and Highlands Biological Station property

  • Opening, staffing, and closing the Nature Center

  • Ambassador Animal husbandry and handling 
    – Primarily reptiles and amphibians 

  • Interpreting the natural history and environment of the Southern Appalachians

  • Assisting with special events and evening programs

Additional duties include:

  • Manning the front desk

  • Handling transactions in the Gift Shop

  • Assist in maintaining the cleanliness of HNC

  • All other duties as provided by Education Specialist

Requirements and Skills:

Desired Education and Experience:

Preference will be given to candidates with a degree (or enrolled in a degree program) in  Biology, Zoology, Botany, Environmental Science, Science Education, Outdoor Education,  Outdoor Recreation, Museum Studies, or other related fields. 

Desired Knowledge and Skills:

  • Experience in working with the public

  • Experience in environmental interpretation
    – Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians

  • Experience in facilitating environmental education activities and curriculum
    – Project WILD, Project WET, or similar programs

**Ideal candidates should have experience in at least one of the following areas: 

  • Supervising children, or, having served as a camp counselor or similar position
  • Customer service experience 
  • Experience in Animal Husbandry

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

  • Sit, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms
  • Comfortable and can adapt to spending extended time outdoors in all types of weather
  • Capable of hiking up to 3 miles on uneven terrain, and carrying a First Aid Kit/Radio daily
  • Comfortable working with and caring for  Ambassador Animals
  • Ability to load, haul, and unload materials and supplies (up to 50 pounds) as needed, over moderate distances for events and programs
  • The ability to work under stress and handle it in an appropriate, professional manner
  • Shifts include working holidays, weekends, and occasional after-hours events

    Other Qualifications:

    Applicants must be U.S. citizens and possess a valid driver’s license. They must also successfully pass a background check and participate in both a virtual meeting before arriving in May and a week of in-person training upon arrival in Highlands.

    Application Instructions:

    To apply, please submit ONE DOCUMENT that includes your cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Maddie Wikstrom at maddie@highlandsbiological.org with the subject line “HBF Summer Naturalist”.  

    Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 6th, 2026, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

    Position dates are May 18–Aug 15, 2025 

    **Some flexibility with these dates is possible**

    If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Maddie Wikstrom at maddie@highlandsbiological.org or leave a message at 828-526-2623.

    The Highlands Biological Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The Highlands Biological Foundation. This nondiscrimination policy applies to employees, volunteers, participants, and all aspects of our operations.

    Given the nature of this position and its responsibilities, HBF will conduct annual background checks on each staff member as a condition of employment.

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