Naturalist

OVERVIEW

Once a farm for the Schlitz Brewery draft horses, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is Milwaukee’s comprehensive nature center. We offer six miles of trails that take visitors through 185 acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairies, ravines, bluffs, and Lake Michigan shoreline. Schlitz Audubon Nature Center’s mission is to conserve our land’s diverse habitats on Lake Michigan and provide meaningful experiences and environmental education for all. Located nine miles north of downtown Milwaukee on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Center offers six miles of trails that take visitors through 185 unique acres of forests, wetlands, prairies, ravines, bluffs, and shorelines. Each year, Schlitz Audubon reaches over 161,000 community members and nearly 20,000 children participate in our nature science programs. Over 155 preschoolers are enrolled throughout the school year in our nationally recognized Nature Preschool. In addition, thousands of adults and families attend a variety of environmental education programs. The Center’s education building/visitor center received the first Gold LEED certification award in Wisconsin. Schlitz Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).  

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Naturalist will share the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center’s mission primarily through environmental education to children age K4-12th grade both at the Center and at offsite locations. Additionally, this position is responsible for assisting and/or leading effective adult and family education programs. The Naturalist reports to the School Programs Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Teach on-site environmental education programs both indoor and outdoor, including weekends and evenings throughout the calendar year as assigned
• Teach outreach education programs to schools, libraries, and community events throughout the Greater Milwaukee area
• Teach six or more summer camps per year
• Assist with secondary-level programs as assigned
• Responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of all participants in the group. This includes understanding and following safety rules and guidelines, carrying and using first aid kits and two-way radios, and administering First Aid and CPR as needed
• Handle and teach with live reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods; assisting with their care as needed
• Encourage students to be responsible environmental stewards, generate enthusiasm, and learn the value of the natural world

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Assist and be willing to lead Family and Adult education programs, including Center-wide events such as Species Spooktacular and Xtreme Raptor Day
• Lead birthday and scout programs as assigned
• Teach with the Raptor program and Nature Preschool as assigned
• Serve as a staff resource on various natural subjects and serve as an interdepartmental collaborative partner
• Participate actively in required educator and general staff meetings
• Maintain building areas including equipment used for education programs
• Other duties as assigned

 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental studies, education, natural science, outdoor recreation, or related field.
• Knowledge and understanding of environmental education and the ability to implement and effectively share that knowledge with children at age appropriate level
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate and respond to both internal and external customers professionally and in a timely manner​
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work with frequent interruptions. Must have the ability to professionally respond to variations in schedules and plans​
• Must have the creativity, flexibility, and understanding necessary for working with children, parents, and staff members
• Ability to quickly respond to unsafe conditions which may put students at risk
• Requires a valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets the qualifications of the organization
• Proficient with MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and the willingness and ability to learn other software packages as needed​​
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain
• Ability to travel and work at more than one site
• Must be able to work flexible work schedules including weekends and evenings throughout the calendar year

 Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to travel and freely move around the Center and off-site locations. On occasion, may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. Must have the ability to frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 35 pounds. Must have the ability to speak and hear.

HOURS Non-exempt, full-time 30-35 hours/week including some evenings and weekends.