Teacher Naturalist

~ Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont provides in-depth experiences through education programs that celebrate ecological and cultural diversity, foster stewardship, and nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. ~

Connecting people and nature summarizes our mission, which we accomplish through providing hands-on learning experiences with the National Park, focusing on developing in people a greater sense of place, a deepened appreciation and awe for the diversity of life and people, and an ethics of stewardship that follows them home. 

Position Overview 

Teacher Naturalists assist in all aspects of implementing residential environmental education program including teaching daily classes mostly with youth and occasionally with adults, conducting evening programs, planning and implementing programs, and assisting in overall facility operations.

This position also works extensively with a variety of summer youth camps (nature, science, backpacking) as well as adult and college summer workshops. 

Key Responsibilities 

The following duties are normal for this position and are noted in priority order. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned by supervisors. 

• Teaches classes in various environmental education topics and recreational camp activities to youth/adults attending summer programs at the Institute; develops/implements lessons concerning cultural and natural history of the Smoky Mountains region; shares outdoor living skills and outdoor recreational skills with program participants.
• Leads summer camp activities for young children, teenagers, and adults; coaches, instructs, and supervises participants in games, arts/crafts, hikes, camping, and various other athletic, social, and educational activities.
• Supervises, leads, or assists with night hikes, multiple-day hiking/camping trips, swimming activities, and sing-alongs in dining hall or around campfire.
• Serves in leadership capacity for summer interns and staff.
• As on-site staff, teacher naturalists are responsible for responding appropriately to after hours needs of program participants, including but not limited to: medical emergencies, logistical issues, communication, etc.
• Supervises dormitory activities; acts as chaperone and lives in dormitory during summer camp sessions.
• Assists with all logistical aspects of programming, including set up, cleaning, maintaining facility.
• Monitors program participants to recognize potential emergency situations or necessary first aid; follows established procedures to obtain appropriate medical assistance.
• Maintains park trails; uses various tools to remove brush or other obstacles; maintains familiarity with nearby park trails.
• Responds to questions or requests for information from program participants, park visitors, visiting teachers, and chaperones about Institute policies/procedures, Association/Institute programs, points of interests in park, or other information.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments/divisions, Association personnel, park personnel, program participants, chaperones, school officials, park visitors, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. 

Addiitonal Responsibilities  

• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, instructional materials, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, program materials, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, file maintenance, or other software programs.
• Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information, guidance, and assistance; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service or assistance.
• Operates a motor vehicle to transport program participants or to conduct other work activities.
• Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.

Minimum Qualifications 

Experience and Education: 

• Applicants must be enthusiastic, energetic, and committed to teaching in the outdoors.
• Must have a Bachelor's degree with course work and/or relevant field experience in science, or other related field.
• Must have one year previous experience in environmental education program leadership, recreational camp leadership, mountain hiking/camping, and interpersonal relations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Must have experience and training in natural history, and working with both children and adults.
• Willing to commit at least 1-2 years to Tremont's mission of ‘connecting people and nature.'
• Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification required. Wilderness First Responder and lifeguard certification highly desired.
• Must be able to hike while carrying a pack 10-15 miles in a day.
• Online outreach, electronic media, creative writing and curriculum construction skills highly desirable. 

Performance Aptitudes: 

• Attitude: Requires ability to demonstrate tact, courtesy, enthusiasm, and cooperative image along with a positive attitude.
• Communications Skills: Requires the ability to listen well, speak clearly and express thoughts effectively.
• Initiative: Requires the ability to influence events rather than just accept them.
• Planning, Orgainzation & Problem Solving: Requires the ability to establish and translate plans for the department that are consistent with goals and priorities.
• Safety: Requires the ability to monitor and model safe work habits.
• Teamwork: Requires the ability to communicate, support, and cooperate with others to achieve organization goals. 
• Vehicle Utilization: Requires possession and maintenance of a valid Tennessee driver's license. 

Physical Ability: 

• Performs physical activity relating to programs/activities, which may include hiking in mountainous terrain, climbing steep trails, climbing rocks/boulders, participating in games/recreational activities, carrying backpacks, moving dining tables, and lifting/moving heavy materials.
• Must be able to hike while carrying a pack 10-15 miles in a day. 

Housing Requirements: 

• Position requires employee to reside on premises of Institute, with residence and utilities provided by Institute.
• Employees must provide their own phone service (cellular phone service is not available on site).

Compensation: Starting salary $335.00 per week, plus lodging, most meals and competitive benefits. 

To Apply 

• First, click here to downlaod an application. Then, please click below: "Apply Now Online" to email an application with resume and cover letter attached to Jennie McGuigan, School Program Coordinator. 
• Deadline: Looking to interview strong candidates immediately. Open until filled.
• Start date in late January 2015.  

~ The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, GSMIT will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. ~