Interpretive Naturalist (Seasonal)

https://albanypinebush.org/connect-careers

Are you passionate about our environment and helping others learn about it?

Can you see yourself educating the public about one of the greatest natural treasures in the Albany area?

Would you like to join a tight team of passionate experts who are committed to our mission and to each other?

Then read on…

Summary of Position:

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC) is a public-private partnership that protects and manages the Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP) and provides the public with educational and recreational opportunities.

The 3,400+ acre APBP, located in New York’s Capital District, protects a northeastern interior pine barrens including one of the best remaining inland pitch-pine scrub oak barrens in the world. The APBP is a National Natural Landmark and is home to more than 20 percent of the species designated as New York State wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need, such as the endangered Karner blue butterfly. Characterized by rolling sand dunes and over 20 miles of trails, the APBP provides visitors with unique opportunities for hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, and canoeing.

The APBP Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road, Albany, is seeking a dynamic person to serve as a Seasonal Interpretive Naturalist. This role is a member of the APBPC Education Department and works to implement comprehensive education programs for the APBP in alignment with the APBPC Management Plan and Community Connection Initiative. As part of the education team, the Seasonal Interpretive Naturalist also provides coverage of operating the Discovery Center.

Opportunities available for the Seasonal Interpretive Naturalist include:

• Housing available as a taxable benefit
• Paid professional development opportunities including interpretive training.
• 40 hours of paid time off (PTO)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead Pine Bush-centered, interactive, and hands-on education programs for a diversity of school (and home school) groups and the public. 
• Share responsibility for program set-up and clean-up including Discovery Center classrooms.
• Assist with interpretive writing including creation of brochures and other publications.  
• Use on-line applications for virtual programs and webinars including Zoom and Google Classroom.
• Provide interpretive (educational) services for Discovery Center visitors both in person and remotely that help connect them to, and spark their interest in, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
• Operate the gift shop including opening and closing the register, filling out daily revenue report forms, following and adhering to established cash and merchandise handling procedures, receiving deliveries, pricing, and labeling merchandise and organizing shop inventory for display.
• Monitor, clean, open, and close the Discovery Center and exhibits.
• Provide animal care for the Discovery Center’s captive turtle collection.
• Work alongside and lead volunteers.
• Share coverage of weekend and evening interpretive programs and weekend front desk.
• Communicate with supervisor to resolve any unforeseen problems or questions.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with a major in environmental education, environmental science, cultural or natural history interpretation, biology, elementary/secondary education OR Associate’s degree in related field and min of 1 year work experience work experience in a nature center, teaching, museum, or other work experience related to education.
• Experience leading programs for a diversity of audiences or public speaking experience.
• Knowledge of natural sciences or interest in learning.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office’s suite of software applications.
• Ability to prioritize and complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Attention to detail and ability to self-start.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel locally for work purposes (personal vehicle not required).
• Able to work flexible hours, including weekends and some evenings.
• Current certification in basic first aid and CPR preferred. Training will be provided if needed.
• Work requires minor physical exertion and infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements.

Worried that you don’t meet all the preferred qualifications but still interested in the role? Apply anyway! We would love to attract a great candidate that can build upon their skillset.

APBPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APBPC does not discriminate in its employment opportunities or practices on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, hairstyle and hair texture, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity, transgender status, genetic information/predisposition or carrier status, age, religion, creed, domestic violence victim status, and any other classification protected by federal, state or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of APBPC for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. APBPC is an at-will employer.