Interpretive Naturalist

~ Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. ~

Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 1,200-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with Ecosystem Gallery, classrooms and Nature Center store; an 1870s Homestead Farm complex; Nature Preschool; an arboretum and over 19 miles of nature trails. See our website for more information.

Awaken a sense of wonder and foster life-long connections with the outdoors while sharing your passion for nature along the Pine and Chippewa Rivers.

Position Overview

Join a staff of creative, energetic professionals who work together to connect all people with nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. CNC is in search of an Interpretive Naturalist with a passion for facilitating experiences that help people forge meaningful connections with nature. CNC is situated on the Pine and Chippewa Rivers with over 1,400 acres of forests, fields and meadows, 19 miles of trails, a beautiful visitor center, and several other facilities. These resources are shared through public programs, school programs, outreach presentations, Nature Preschool, Nature Day Camp, self-guided experiences and festivals.

Objective: The Interpretive Naturalist creates and facilitates engaging educational, recreational, and cultural experiences which connect people with the natural and cultural history of the Saginaw Bay Watershed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver natural and cultural history programs about the Saginaw Bay Watershed including public programs, school programs, hikes, presentations, festivals, field trips and workshops for a variety of audiences including children, families, adults, and seniors.
• Develop content for self-guided interpretive experiences including the authoring of articles, design of exhibits, and other written work.
• Serve as a resource for the public regarding natural history inquiries in person, via phone, social media, and email.
• Assist with the maintenance of program materials, exhibits, and outdoor interpretive features.
• Review program participation effectiveness and assist in making program improvements.
• Be an engaged member of the CNC team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Interpretation, Environmental Education, Field Biology, Natural History/Cultural Interpretation, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, Wildlife Management or related field.
• 3-5 years experience in the field of environmental interpretation involving public programming.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the natural history of the region, its relationship to local cultural history and awareness of conservation issues.
• Passion for interacting with and serving the public.
• Demonstrated ability to write and speak effectively.
• Ability to work varied hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Computer literacy including working knowledge of Windows platform and software including Microsoft Office.
• Certification in CPR and basic first aid.
• Proficiency in outdoor recreation skills related to environmental interpretation (canoeing, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, etc.).

Additional Information

• Status: Full time permanent
• Application deadline: July 5, 2019
• Schedule: The work schedule will be primarily Monday – Friday 8am-5pm but will be adjusted to include scheduled weekend and evening hours
• Start date: Early October

Compensation

• Salary based on experience and education.
• Health insurance, 403(b) contribution, CNC membership, 20% discount on programs and in Nature Center Store.

To Apply

• Please email your cover letter and resume to Jenn Kirts, Director of Programs at or 400 S Badour Road, Midland, MI 48640.

~ Equal Opportunity Employment: CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws. ~