Assistant Naturalist - Fountain Rock Park

Posting number: FY26-00568

Department: Recreation

Job classification: Assistant Naturalist - Fountain Rock Park

Posting type: Open

Categories: Parks and Recreation, Parks

Summary

 

Non-exempt; part-time; hours vary but up to 20 hours per week; no-benefits

The Assistant Naturalist position is primarily responsible for leading nature/environmental focused activities at Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center. This position provides support to the Park Naturalist and may occasionally serve as a team leader when working with other part time staff at the Nature Center and surrounding park. The Assistant Naturalist will assist with the preparation and implementation of several nature and animal-based activities primarily for school aged youth. Supervision is received from the Park Naturalists and/or Recreation Manager.

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Examples of duties

• Assist with development and implementation of Nature, outdoor education and environmental activities for the public
• Assist with the coordination of volunteer projects (Department events, Master Naturalist, Weed Warriors, etc.)
• May occasionally perform office support, handle cash transactions and record-keeping related to activity and nature center attendance
• Create, implement and lead nature focused recreation activities
• Update Park bulletin boards for promotion of park and nature center activities
• Assist with inventory of activity and exhibit supplies
• Care for resident animals of the nature center and maintain exhibits, as needed
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

Qualifications

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job 

• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Minimum 1 year of work experience closely related to Nature Studies or Environmental Education (volunteer experience may be considered)
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or the ability to become certified before the program begins (certification must be maintained throughout employment)

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Ability to effectively access and utilize computerized systems and equipment as well as other office machines
• Ability to work with various groups/ages of people in indoor or outdoor settings
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public, especially youth, and lead various classes 
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including accurate writing/proof-reading skills
• Basic knowledge of native Maryland flora and fauna
• Willingness to lead various courses and all trainings/meetings as required by Supervisors

PREFERENCE MAY GIVEN FOR:

• Additional education related to Environmen