Island Naturalist

Little St. Simons Island (LSSI) is a privately-owned barrier island in coastal Georgia accessible by boat only. Its Lodge is a destination for as many as 32 overnight guests with extraordinary opportunities for bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, beach-combing, and kayaking. The island is a member of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network and is recognized internationally as an Important Bird Area. 

As a naturalist, you will live and work on a private barrier island, on the Georgia coast with <20 other people. Your primary focus would be facilitating the many activities offered by the lodge for overnight guests; birding, hiking, fishing, kayaking, etc. 

In addition to the experience that comes with the position, many career networking opportunities are afforded to our naturalists. Many have gone on to work for places such as Cornell Lab of Ornithology, The National Parks Service and Manomet just to name a few. 

Basic Job Responsibilities:

• Primary focus is Natural history education programs in: bird watching, reptiles, coastal plant communities, marine invertebrates, fishing, and conservation.
• Cleaning and maintenance of equipment: vehicles, kayaks, motorized skiffs, fishing equipment, bicycles (bike mechanic knowledge a plus), optical equipment et cet.
• Giving occasional presentations concerning Natural History topics related to Coastal Georgia.
• Trail and road maintenance using hand and powered tools such as weedeaters,  loppers, machetes, hand saws, etc….
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, humidity, biting insects.

Salary:

• $11/hr plus room/board/tips (Room/Board valued at additional $10/hr)
• Housing (private fully furnished apartment, WiFi, Air Conditioned and Heated)
• Meals provided (3 meals/day)
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance (Employer covers 85% of health insurance cost)
• 5% match 401K Plan
• Paid vacation/holidays/sick time

Minimum Requirements:

• Outgoing personality: strong communication and leadership skills. Abundant enthusiasm.
• B.S. degree in Biology or related field.
• Driver’s license.
• Hospitality experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of: bird and reptile identification, saltwater fishing (spin, fly), kayaking skills, plant communities of the coastal plain habitat.
• Computer literate in Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint.
• The position requires that the successful applicant live on a small private island with limited boat access. (Ferry departs island @10am and 330pm and returns @1030am and 4pm)
• Due to our unique situation and limited accommodations, we are unable to accommodate spouses/children.
• No pets are permitted on the island.
• CPR, first aid certified.
• While a 2 year commitment is preferred it is not contractually obligated.

https://www.littlestsimonsisland.com/