Naturalist Everglades National Park Institute

Everglades National Park Institute Naturalist

Position Description

Location: Homestead, Florida

Reports To: Program Coordinator

Status: Part-time

Pay: $17.50 per hour

Summary Description
The Florida National Park Association (FNPA) is the official cooperating association and nonprofit partner to Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve. Our Institutes partner with our National Parks to enhance visitor experience by providing educational and interpretive opportunities.

FNPA is seeking multiple part-time Naturalist for its Everglades National Park Institute. Naturalists are part of a dedicated staff committed to connecting National Park visitors to the Everglades National Park through delivery of exceptional educational and interpretive experiences. They are knowledgeable about Everglades' natural, geologic, and cultural history and are experienced outdoor leaders who provide a fun, educational, and safe program. Naturalists are responsible for positively representing FNPA, through program delivery, program support, and coordination.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver engaging and organized programs to a diverse range of learners with the goal of connecting them to Everglades National Park.
• Work alongside National Park Service Rangers in the visitor center welcoming and orienting the visitors of Everglades National Park.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills.
• Articulate the FNPA and National Park Service mission and represent it accurately and positively; encourage participation in the organization through education and philanthropy.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of Everglades National Park and the greater Everglades ecosystem, to include (but not limited to) the natural, cultural, and geologic history, wildlife, and management issues.
• Understand and follow FNPA policies and procedures and National Park Service regulations by emphasizing the protection of park resources and adherence to FNPA employee handbook.
• Perform field-based risk management duties during programs by anticipating and managing potential hazards or group issues that might arise due to wildlife, terrain, weather, or student attitude/ability.
• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment with all FNPA employees, contract instructors, volunteers, board members, and partners.
• Assist in coordinating educational programs, to include answering phone calls and emails, booking programs, and developing program outlines and itineraries.
• Assist with teaching material and equipment management.
• Travel throughout the Everglades National Park area, as required.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Institute Program Coordinator, or other designated leadership.

Basic Qualifications

• Strong commitment to education and the mission of Everglades National Park.
• Experience in guiding, teaching, environmental education, or interpretation.
• Demonstrated outdoor leadership skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Team player with excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of biology, ecology, geology, and natural and cultural history.
• Proficiency in working with Microsoft Applications.
• Experience developing programs and registering participants into programs.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications, or willingness to attain and maintain these certifications.
• A satisfactory criminal background check is a condition of employment.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, walk, bike, and paddle a canoe and kayak up to 10 miles, and work outdoors in all climate conditions common to the region.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to represent FNPA in a courteous and professional manner.
• A collaborative attitude with demonstrated ability to work effectively, and professionally as a part of a team.
• Must be 21 years and older.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of ecology and natural and cultural history of Everglades National Park and the greater Everglades ecosystem.
• Bachelors in Biology, Environmental Science, or any other related science majors and/or experience and knowledge in working in any of these fields for 2 or more years.
• Experience in guiding individuals or groups for 2 or more years.
• Experience working in a non-profit environment.
• Experience working with both youth and adult learners.

Location

• This position will be stationed at the FNPA main office at 10 parachute Key lot #51 Homestead, FL 33034.

Schedule:

• This position is part-time consisting of about 8-32 hours a week dependent on bookings and weather conditions.
• Holidays
• Weekend availability

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person