Summer Naturalist
Highlands Nature Center: Summer Naturalist
The Highlands Biological Foundation is recruiting four Summer Naturalists to support our summer programming at the Highlands Nature Center. As part of a temperate rainforest at the southern edge of the Appalachians, the Highlands Nature Center is part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University. During the Summer over 10,000 visitors come to the Highlands Nature Center and the Highlands Botanical Gardens. Through the Nature Center Summer Naturalist and Education staff plan and supervise weeklong Summer Nature Camps, present free daily programs for the public, lead Tuesday evening Nature Nights, and assist with Thursday night lectures. All of these programs take place in the Highlands Nature Center and adjoining 11-acre Highlands Botanical Garden.
These positions are essential to the success of the Highlands Nature Center. Summer Naturalists are responsible for leading Summer Nature Camps, which encompass a variety of exploratory, placed-based learning for children ages 5-10. Naturalists also serve as program support for events conducted by the Highlands Biological Foundation, including evening lectures and Nature Nights. They work both independently and as a team supervised by the Education Specialist. Opportunities to develop on-site curriculum and contribute to on-going programs are available.
Compensation:
$520/week ($13/hr) and on-site housing. Summer Naturalists will share living quarters and rooms in our campus dorms. They will also receive First Aid and CPR certifications.
Hours:
Summer Naturalists work an average of 40 hours a week. Days may begin as early as 8:00 am or end as late as 10:30 pm. Overtime pay is not available. Some evenings are required. Willingness to work a flexible schedule is a must. Position dates are May 12–Aug 16, 2025; however, some flexibility with these dates is possible.
Duties, Primary Responsibilities Include:
- Preparing and leading week-long day camps for youth ages 5 to 10.
- Developing and presenting Environmental Educational programs for diverse audiences including Nature Nights, Creature Features with our Animal Ambassadors, Scientist Skills sessions, and Storytimes.
- Opening, staffing, and closing the Nature Center
- Feeding and handling live animal ambassadors (primarily reptiles and amphibians)
- Cleaning animal enclosures
- Interpreting the Natural History of the Southern Appalachians and related exhibits for the general public
- Answering questions about local natural areas and recreational opportunities
- Assisting with special events and evening programs for the general public
Additional duties include:
- Setting up and operating A/V systems
- Handling transactions in the Gift Shop
- Cleaning and maintaining the Nature Center
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
Physical Requirements:
- Sit, Stand, walk and reach with hands and arms
- Comfortable 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/taking care of Animal Ambassadors including reptiles, amphibians, and insects
- Ability to load/unload/haul supplies (up to 50 pounds) over moderate distances for events and programs
Environmental/Working Conditions:
- Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner is required
- Affinity for nature and animals
- Exposure to fluctuations in temperatures, extreme heat, and/or outdoor conditions may be required
- May be required to work holidays, weekends, and occasional after-hours events
Requirements and Skills:
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.
Ideal candidates should have experience in at least one of the following areas: supervising children, working in a visitor’s center, being a camp counselor, or handling and caring for animal ambassadors.
Knowledge and Skills:
Previous experience in dealing with the public is a must. Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians is very desirable. Familiarity with a variety of Environmental Education programs and curriculum such as Project WILD is desirable.
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 prior to their arrival in May and a week of in-person training in May
upon their arrival in Highlands.
Application Instructions:
Applications must be submitted by Friday, February 21, 2025.
To apply, submit one document that includes your cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Julie Thomson, Education Specialist, at julie@highlandsbiological.org with the subject line “HBF Summer Naturalist”. Applications will be accepted
through Friday, February 21, 2024. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Julie Thomson at julie@highlandsbiological.org or 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 work and responsibilities of the position, HBF completes an annual background check on each staff member as a condition of employment.