Seasonal Naturalist

~ Sarett Nature Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education for schools and the community. ~

Position Overview

• Seasonal Naturalists play an active part in achieving this goal by participating in all aspects of operating the Nature Center.
• The majority of a naturalists’ time is spent teaching a variety of natural history programs. Program topics include: ornithology, entomology, geology, forest succession, dune formation and ecology and wildlife habitats.
• In the Spring we spend a lot of time exploring fresh water ecology while paddling on the rivers and lakes of the area in our 34-foot French-Canadian voyageur canoe replicas. We teach about dune ecology at Grand Mere State Park, spring wildflowers, natural communities, wildlife habitats, butterflies and life in a pond. 
• Summer gives you an opportunity to design and implement classes on natural history topics of your choice. Past summer classes include kayaking, geocaching, terrific turtles, water wonders, starry night, and our favorite, Muckin’ in the Marsh.  If you love nature and kids, this is the place for you! In addition to programming, naturalists spend time in our butterfly house working with visitors and maintaining the plants and feeders for the butterflies.
• In the fall, programs concentrate on pond life, tree I.D., fall wildflowers and nature preparing for winter.  During the winter we explore the out-of-doors on cross country skis and snowshoes. 
• Teaching natural history to children and adults requires good communication skills, creativity, a desire for knowledge, and a willingness to face new challenges. Since most teaching is done while hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, or climbing dunes, naturalists need to be in good physical condition.
• While at Sarett Nature Center, naturalists are encouraged to develop and present a weekend program for the public and/or to complete a project of their own such as design and construct an interpretive display or to engage in field research.  Naturalists are also expected to lead interpretive walks, maintain trails, and to help care for our resident animals.
• Seasonal naturalist positions are for a minimum of one season with the possibility of extension. Our seasons are: spring (April-May/June) summer (May/June-August), fall (September-December), and winter (January-March). Seasonal naturalists can expect to work forty hours per week.  This includes weekend hours. You will receive an hourly wage, plus housing if needed.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your resume and cover letter to Sarett director Dianne Braybrook or call (269) 927-4832 with any questions.