Outreach Naturalist

Fenner Conservancy, a nonprofit organization and managing body for the Fenner Nature Center, connects people to nature in the heart of Lansing through conservation, education, and stewardship.

Through the efforts of this organization, Fenner Nature Center continues to meet that commitment in difficult times, but the we need your help to sustain this crucial part of our community.

Position Overview:

Friends of Fenner Nature Center is currently hiring an Outreach Naturalist. The schedule includes 8-20+ hours per week, depending on need; weekend work is expected, as well as occasional evenings.

Responsibilities:

Programmatic (75%):

• Development and delivery of environmental education programs (primarily outreach and off-site programming) for schools, home school groups, and other clients (including alignment with curriculum standards.)
• Lead interpretive tours, family programs, scout badges, evening campfire programs, and rare overnight camping experiences that cover a wide range of environmental topics at Fenner Nature Center.
• Lead and/or participate in service learning projects with volunteers of all ages and abilities.
• Assist with special events.

Administrative (20%):

• Light janitorial, clerical and office duties, including scheduling and registration/fee collection for programs and facility rentals at Fenner Nature Center.
• Opening, staffing, and closing the Nature Center, as well as various types of computer work.
• Development of promotional materials, organization of library, and development of interpretive displays.
• Provide assistance to the public in person, on the phone, and via the internet.
• Maintenance of live animal displays and bird feeding areas.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%):

• This position description does not include all tasks that may be completed in this position.
• Duties may be added, removed, or modified at any time. 

Qualifications:

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of college-level course work in biology, natural history, earth science, elementary education, or related fields preferred.
• Previous experience communicating and interacting with children individually and in a group setting preferred.
• Required education, experience, or a combination of education and experience includes, but is not limited to: the use of a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and database software, creation of complex letters and marketing materials, documents and memorandum, and records management, including the collection and tracking of program fees. 
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Finally, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their experience and competence in oral and written communication.
• The City of Lansing reserves the right to utilize equivalencies where deemed appropriate with regard to education and experience requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements:

• Knowledge of general ecology. 
• Knowledge of outdoor skills such as camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and other similar topics. 
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of group communication. 
• Knowledge of general office procedures and policies. 
• Skill in the use of a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheets, and other software packages. 
• Skill in the use of various pieces of office equipment. 
• Skill in facilitating groups of children, adults, and families in an outdoor setting. 
• Ability to develop promotional materials and interpretive displays. 
• Ability to develop interpretive programming and link to educational standards. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to effectively teach the public about environmental topics. 
• Ability to proactively identify tasks that need to be accomplished and work independently to ensure their completion. 

Physical Capacity Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to walk, speak, hear, lift, carry, finger dexterity, and visual acuity. 
• It also requires the ability to lift 10 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds. 
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if necessary, for individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential job functions of the assignment.

Environmental Conditions of Position:

• The work associated with this position will occur in both the office environment and the outdoor environment in all kinds of weather and in uneven terrain. Work will occur at sites across the greater Lansing area. 
• Mileage will be reimbursed by Fenner Conservancy (the nonprofit that manages Fenner Nature Center) at the current IRS mileage rate.  

Compensation: $9.50 per hour

To Apply:

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter and resume.