Seasonal Naturalist

Position Category: Full-Time, Seasonal (40 hours/week)

Salary: $15.00/hour

Duration: May 27, 2024 – August 23, 2024

JOB DESCRIPTION
Have fun, get outdoors, and make a difference this summer while gaining valuable training and experience working in environmental education! Seasonal Naturalists will provide leadership and instruction for the full-day Summer Outdoor Discovery Day Camps at the Montana Natural History Center. Seasonal Naturalists will facilitate and lead various activities and themed camps, connect youth to nature, and explore the outdoors with children of different ages.   The week of July 4th will be an unpaid week off, and one other unpaid week off will be given to all seasonal naturalists if scheduling permits.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

Specific Responsibilities:

• Maintain MNHC’s expectations for safety, education, and positive group dynamics. 
• Facilitate and build Summer Camp activities and schedule as assigned.
• Actively engage with campers throughout the normal camp day and during before- and after-care as scheduled.
• Communicate effectively, professionally, and positively with guardians, MNHC staff, and campers on daily successes and challenges. 
• Maintain program supplies and participate in keeping camp and storage areas organized.
• Supervise before- and after-care activities as scheduled to provide a safe and positive environment for children and build trust with their guardians.
• Work alongside a co-instructor to supervise, mentor, and lead activities for groups of up to 13 campers. 
• Create a fun and educational camp week schedule with activities and lessons that will be available to you. 
• Build positive group dynamics and ensure a safe and fun learning environment. 
• Engage in reflective teaching practices, work towards skill building for yourself, and support staff and campers in their growth.
• Drive MNHC’s short bus from the Center to field trip locations or other campsites (Note: not all Seasonal Naturalists will be required to drive a bus, but it is preferred). 

Required Qualifications 

• Experience with or passionate commitment to teaching/working with children of various ages.
• Work effectively as an individual and a team member.
• Flexible, positive, and solutions-oriented attitude and mindset.
• Ability to thrive in an environment that is fast-paced, creative, and dynamic.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain before the start date.
• (For bus drivers only) Having a clean driving record to be verified by a driving record check

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience participating in or teaching various outdoor and naturalist skills such as hiking, nature journaling, orienteering, citizen science projects, place-based knowledge of Montana, etc.
• Practical knowledge of methodologies in science and natural history education.
• Knowledge of local Montana flora and fauna.
• WFR, Lifeguard, and/or additional safety certifications.

Reporting Relationships 

Seasonal Naturalists report directly to the Camps Coordinator.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Montana Natural History Center is committed to building a diverse community that is inclusive of people from all backgrounds. The Montana Natural History Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, citizenship status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, mental illness, or physical illness. This nondiscrimination policy applies to employees, volunteers, participants, and all aspects of our operations.