Naturalist

~ The Wildlands Conservancy (TWC) is a private nonprofit public benefit organization dedicated to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the earth and to provide programs so that children may know the wonder and joy of nature. ~

The Wind Wolves Preserve, a 93,000-acre nature preserve located 30 miles south of Bakersfield, CA. Additional information can be found by visiting the Wind Wolves Preserve webpage.

Position Overview

Naturalist will conduct outdoor education programs teaching children in multiple grade levels environmental, science-based and cultural programs. Topics include ecology, ecosystems, watersheds, geology, animal adaptations, and cultural history. Responsible for providing a safe and interactive learning experience to school and youth groups, and activities and interpretive programs for families and public visitors. Additional responsibilities include greeting visitors on the trail, providing both natural history and Preserve information.

Position begins September 18, 2018 and requires weekend work. ​Weekly hours range from 18-28 per week, with reduced or no scheduled hours during school and program breaks.

The Wind Wolves Preserve, a 93,000 acre nature preserve located 30 miles south of Bakersfield, CA.

Responsibilities

• Lead 11 curriculum-based interpretive natural history, cultural history, STEAM, and science programs while at a hands-on activity station or on a nature hike while walking up to 4 miles miles a day in uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions.
• Direct students and the public in scientific observations and activities using guidebooks, ocular devices, and monitoring and measuring equipment, and other related items.Involve students in spontaneous interactive learning exercises.
• Lead and assist with volunteer programs.
• Maintain educational program and informational materials and program sites.
• Periodically conducts weekend, evening and off-site programs for families and the general public. This includes periodic vehicle tours in the backcountry of the preserve and the San Emigdio Express shuttle service.
• Perform general care for snakes and tortoises, including daily feeding, watering, and terrarium cleaning.
• Interact with and educate the public about the snakes and tortoises during education programs.
• May participate/ attend the Safety Advisory Committee meetings.
• Effectively relate TWC’s mission to the general public and school participants, and interact positively with visitors, teachers, education professionals, students, residents and community groups. Greets public visitors, provides information to the general public, ensures their safety and enforces Preserve rules and regulations.
• Assists with regular cleaning and organizing of the Preserve office, in addition to cleaning and stocking trail restrooms on a daily basis. Perform litter removal.
• Performs clerical duties including and not limited to answering phones, taking reservations, scanning documents, filing, keeping statistics, data input, and other paperwork.
• Occasionally assists with special event planning, preparation, and operation during the event.
• Reports safety hazards or maintenance needs as necessary.
• Performs other duties relating to land stewardship, education, and clerical functions as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Experience working with multiple age groups and cultures in the natural sciences, environmental education, or recreation.
• Passionate about the outdoors, have a personal dedication to environmental conservation and education.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle, valid California Driver License, and ability to be insured under TWC’s auto insurance policy per the Driver Acceptability Standards.
• Pass Live Scan criminal history background check and TB clearance.
• Current CPR/First Aid training or ability to acquire within ninety days of hire.

Competency Requirement: 

• Effectively teach and interpret interactive outdoor programs to youth and adults.
• Excellent communication.
• Handle difficult student behavior effectively and with discretion.
• Work with minimal direct supervision.
• Positive, upbeat, and enthusiastic about working in a non-profit environment.

Physical Demands:

• Lead education based hikes up to seven miles per day in uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions.
• Perform other routine walking, standing, sitting, reaching, bending, kneeling, speaking, learning, and seeing.
• Perform standard office functions such as filing, typing, learning, photocopying, scanning, speaking on radio, telephone, and in person. Lift carry, pull and push a minimum of 30 pounds.
• Operating a motor vehicle.

Compensation

• $14.00 per hour, non-exempt, part-time.

Additional Information

At-Will Employment:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Employment with The Wildlands Conservancy is for an unspecified term and is based upon mutual consent and may be terminated at will by either party. Therefore, employment and compensation may be terminated by TWC or me “at-will” at any time, for any or for no reason, with or without cause or prior notice.

Additionally, I understand and agree that the at-will nature of employment relationship with TWC means that the terms of employment at TWC, including but not limited to, promotion, demotion, discipline, transfers, layoff, compensation, benefits, job duties and responsibilities, hours and schedules, work assignments, and location of work, may be changed by TWC at any time, with or without notice, and for any or for no reason. Although other terms or conditions of employment may change, this at-will aspect of my employment relationship will remain in effect throughout my employment with TWC, unless there is a written agreement to the contrary.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume by August 24.
• Please state the position you are applying for in the subject line. 

~ The Wildlands Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Wildlands Conservancy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need. ~