The Education Naturalist is a professional position with primary responsibility for developing, implementing, delivering, and arranging educational programs for Carrie Murray Nature Center in Gwynn Falls Leakin Park.

Programs:

  • Delivers or arranges for delivery of nature-based and place-based educational programs, both onsite and offsite, to children and adults:
    • Maintains and expands upon current educational programs as appropriate
    • Recommends new programs, including those to be funded through regular operating stream and those requiring grant funding
  • Develops and implements recommended programs as approved
  • Markets educational programs, maximizing use of no-cost options
  • Interprets Nature Center and Gwynn Falls Leakin Parks to children and adults using generally accepted nature interpretation techniques
  • Leads or arranges for leadership of interpretive trail hikes on Nature Center property
  • Organizes and orders program materials & supplies as approved
  • Establishes annual and monthly program calendars for on-site educational programs
  • Tracks attendance at programs

Community Relations:

  • Develops and maintains positive linkages with schools, libraries, Board, committees, and other appropriate community constituents
  • Contributes to the development and operation of strong teams to enhance Nature Center programs and position
  • Distributes agency brochures throughout the target areas, recommending changes and/or reorder times
  • Participates in appropriate community events to promote Nature Center

Administration & General:

  • Staff’s office as assigned, performing telephone, public relations, and relevant office tasks in a timely and professional manner
  • Prepares monthly, annual, and other periodic reports analyzing and summarizing program attendance, successes, challenges, and other relevant information
  • Maximizes use of limited resources through donations, volunteers, and creativity
  • Uses environmentally friendly materials, tools, and equipment whenever possible
  • Participates in marketing via social media
  • Supports all Nature Center activities, assisting as appropriate/assigned

Volunteers:

  • Assists Volunteer Coordinator in the training of volunteers, focusing on those delivering or assisting with programs, leading interpretive hikes, or providing property maintenance tasks
  • Engages volunteers in all aspects of program as appropriate
  • Organizes relevant program tasks for completion by volunteers

Property Maintenance:

  • General Grounds Maintenance: mulching, weeding, weed whacking, trash pick up
  • Cleaning and organization of outdoor spaces: compost area, aviary, outdoor classroom, fire circle, etc, gazebos, etc.
  • General cleaning of indoor spaces: kitchen, animal room, bathrooms, lodge, hallways, office

Animal Care:

  • Support animal care naturalists by providing general animal care tasks: fluffing substrate, feeding, water changes, etc.
  • Handle live animal ambassadors when leading programs for the public

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing essential functions, the Education Naturalist is regularly required to walk, stand, see, speak, and hear; frequently required to hike, sit, reach, use hands to manipulate objects or tools, and work in all weather conditions; and often required are the abilities to lift, carry, bend, and stoop.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Must have completed at least 2 years of college.

AND

EXPERIENCE: Experience working with children, especially outdoors.

OR

NOTES(EQUIVALENCIES): Have an equivalent combination of education and experience. Two years of related work experience.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND CERTIFICATIONS: Pediatric First Aid/CPR, can be obtained after hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to develop and implement dynamic educational programs
  • Ability to learn new approaches, philosophies, and best practices in environmental education
  • Ability to promote and respect diversity of ethnic, cultural, linguistic backgrounds and, physical and mental abilities
  • Possession of and ability to transmit enthusiasm about nature and education
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong problem analysis and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to build, develop, and maintain strong teams among a variety of constituents
  • Ability to work independently
  • Proven ability to think creatively, recommend and implement resourceful strategies
  • Facility with Microsoft Office Suite, e-mail, and standard office equipment
  • Reliable transportation

NOTE: Those eligible candidates who are under final consideration for appointment to positions in this class will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Hiring is on a rolling basis.