Seasonal Naturalist

Dates: September 15, 2026 until approximately February 12, 2027.

Primary Responsibilities: The seasonal naturalist position offers a variety of hands-on experience and training in the following areas:

• 60% – Environmental Education:
  • Help lead outdoor educational and recreational programming for public, private, and homeschool groups following the educational standards outlined by the Georgia Standards of Excellence.
  • Assist with a variety of off-site outreach programs designed to introduce and educate the community about Georgia’s natural wildlife and other wonders.
  • Gain experience with classroom management, teaching, effective communication, and lesson planning.
  • Topics include ecology, herpetology, fishing, and more. Please see https://georgiawildlife.com/charlie-elliott-wildlife-center for a list of all programs.
• 40% – Additional Responsibilities:
  • Assist with cleaning, stocking, and maintaining indoor/outdoor classroom areas and education supplies.
  • Aid in the creation of education and outreach materials, including social media content, newsletters, and promotional program flyers.
  • Gain experience in animal handling with CEWC’s residential animal ambassadors under the supervision of the Animal Care Specialist.
  • Utilizing the CEWC fleet vehicles (trucks, vans, and SUVs) to transport visitors and guests to programs.
  • Contribute to maintenance projects and additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Self-motivated, conservation-minded, passionate about education, and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of the natural world with others.
• Interested in working with children and visitors of all ages in an outdoor setting to foster connection and meaningful experiences with nature.
• Flexible working in hot, cold, humid, rainy, and buggy weather and able to adjust to changing weather conditions.
• Preference will be given to candidates who are working toward or who have earned a degree in wildlife, education, natural science, or a similarly related field.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $13 per hour, 40 hours per week.
  • Seasonal employees do not qualify for personal leave, vacation, or holiday pay.
• Monday-Friday schedule from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with occasional evening and weekend work dependent upon program needs.
• Complimentary housing and utilities in a historic antebellum style home (optional).
  • Shared facilities include bedrooms, den/living spaces, bathrooms, an in-house laundry unit, kitchen, and spacious porch/lawn area. Value estimated at $5,000.
• Some meals are provided during residential programs and for staff engagement lunches.
• Access to on-site trails and fishing ponds perfect for hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, nature journaling, and more.
• Hands-on training and mentorship with a dedicated team of educators, opportunities for networking with DNR professionals.
• Additional opportunities for professional development and certification in Project WILD.