Paradise Point Lead Naturalist

LOCATION: Paradise Point Nature Center, Hebron, NH  
  
HOURS: 35-40 hours per week, non-exempt (hourly paid). Hours will vary depending on Center needs.  
  
SCHEDULE: Seasonal position, full-time preferred, with part-time considered for the right candidate. May 17 – September 3, 2024, possible hours available starting early-mid May for Center preparations advance of opening. Anticipated schedule: Weekends, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two hours on Tuesday evenings. Days off: Wednesdays & Thursdays. Expected to work most holidays and weekends with one 5-day block of time off during the summer. 
 
FUNCTION: This position is based out of our Paradise Point Nature Center located on the beautiful north shore of Newfound Lake, NH and will support the mission of New Hampshire Audubon (to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people) by supporting the Center’s operations, boat rentals, and program coordination/delivery to area residents, visitors, and neighboring camps from an established nature center operated by NH Audubon.  
  
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  
  
Programming & Exhibits – 60%  

• Spearheading program promotion, marketing, and facilitation of regularly occurring public programs at Paradise Point
• Marketing and facilitating interpretive hikes and hands-on discovery activities for children, adults, and families
• Assisting with the facilitation of the Red Barn Speaker Series Tuesday evenings
• Leading canoe tours and guided paddles on Newfound Lake
• Planning and implementing outreach naturalist programs (possibly some evening programs)
• Maintaining and updating exhibits for the Newfound Center
• Organizing, maintaining, and inventorying education program equipment

Boats & Trails – 30%  

• Assist visitors with boat rentals including payment processing
• Reporting and/or performing basic trail maintenance as needed
• Organizing, maintaining, and inventorying boating equipment (PFDs, paddles, etc.)

Other related duties as assigned – 10%  

• Greeting and assisting visitors to the Center with general orientation, describing the benefits of NH Audubon membership
• Assisting with general cleaning and housekeeping duties of the center (sweeping, mopping, restocking toilet paper, etc.)

LEADERSHIP: Reports to the Paradise Point Nature Center Coordinator  
  
WORKING CONDITIONS: NH Audubon’s work culture is characterized by excellent colleagues who share a collaborative spirit, commitment to mission, open communication, and high integrity.  Our offices are non-smoking, with both open workspaces and private offices. Expected to work in indoor & outdoor settings with varied terrain.  
 
QUALIFICATIONS:  
  
Education: Some higher education coursework completed in adventure education, environmental education, conservation, biology, natural history, or related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.  
  
Experience: Two years’ experience working with the general public in situations requiring an array of different skills with demonstrated ability to make independent and coordinated decisions. Must have ARC or AHA Standard First Aid certification and CPR certification or equivalent, or willingness to obtain certifications prior to the start of employment; ARC First Responder or Lifeguard certification or equivalent desirable.  
  
Interpretive and public speaking experience is a plus, along with canoe and kayak paddling experience. Knowledge of natural sciences is a plus, especially in ornithology, ecology, biology, geology, or other related fields.  
  
Skills, Traits and Characteristics Necessary for Success: Requires exceptional interpersonal skills, attention to detail, good problem-solving skills, and a high degree of organization. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to develop a good rapport and positive relations with the public. Must have the ability to prioritize and complete work tasks on time in a complex and dynamic workflow, a positive attitude, excellent customer service skills, ability to work independently, and a professional and courteous manner. Must pass a criminal background check. Must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 and can provide COVID vaccination card. Access to reliable personal transportation and maintaining a clean driving record is a necessity. 
  
Physical Demands: To perform the essential functions of the position, the following applies: requires standing, stretching, bending, walking, lifting about 50 lbs. (transporting and handling canoes and kayaks down steep slopes). Must be able to climb stairs and navigate outdoor trails which includes steep and rocky terrain, lake environment as well as be physically and mentally capable of performing multiple tasks under pressure and be able to function in a fast paced indoors and diverse outdoors environment. Ability to participate in moderately active programming including hiking, kayaking, and canoeing as necessary. 
     
COMPENSATION  
Compensation for this seasonal, hourly position is $16 – $17 an hour; commensurate with experience.  This position also includes a free NH Audubon annual membership, access to pro deals, and paid professional development opportunities. 
  
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:  
NH Audubon is a welcoming inclusive organization committed to ensuring people of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and respected. NH Audubon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or Vietnam Era/Disabled Veteran status, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NH Audubon complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where NH Audubon has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.