Naturalist

City of Rockville, MD; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Croydon Creek Nature Center in Rockville, MD seeks a Naturalist to join the education team. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of Maryland’s flora and fauna, experience leading environmental programs, and a passion for connecting people with nature.

Responsibilities include developing and presenting programs, caring for animal ambassadors, and supporting daily operations. This is a year-round, temporary part-time (non-benefitted) position with 12–20 hours per week and roughly 3–5 weekend

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, environmental education, natural resources, education or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will also be considered.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, adults and diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to safely handle native reptiles and amphibians (or willingness to be trained).
• Ability to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and present environmental education programs for schools, scouts, families, adults and the public.
• Plan and lead at least two week-long nature-based summer day camps.
• Provide daily care for the Nature Center’s live native animal collection, including amphibians, reptiles and other animal ambassadors.
• Provide excellent customer service over the phone and in person.
• Process program registrations, payments and daily reports using the City’s registration system.
• Handle cash and credit card transactions.
• Assist with volunteer training and supervision.
• Assist with special events and seasonal programs as assigned.
• Work independently and collaboratively with staff and volunteers to support the Nature Center’s mission and daily operations.

Skills

Public speaking

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Independent & collaborative work

Basic computer skills

CPR/AED/First Aid certification

Driver's license preferred

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field

Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary: $18.00 – $24.00 Hourly
Location : Croydon Creek Nature Center – 852 Avery Rd Rockville, MD 20851, MD
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 202600089
Department: Department of Recreation and Parks
Division: Croydon Creek Nature Center
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 11/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Summary

Croydon Creek Nature Center is seeking an enthusiastic and engaging Naturalist to join our education team. The ideal candidate has knowledge of Maryland’s native flora and fauna, experience leading environmental education programs and a passion for connecting people of all ages with the natural world. Responsibilities include developing and presenting educational programs, caring for a collection of native animal ambassadors, including amphibians, turtles, snakes and an owl, and supporting the daily operations of a busy public nature center. This position involves working both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.

This is a year-round, temporary part-time (non-benefitted) position. Hours typically range from 12-20 per week depending on seasonal programming needs and include approximately 3-5 weekend days per month.

Essential Job Functions

Under the direction of Nature Center supervisors, responsibilities include:

• Develop and present environmental education programs for schools, scouts, families, adults and the public.
• Plan and lead at least two week-long nature-based summer day camps.
• Provide daily care for the Nature Center’s live native animal collection, including amphibians, reptiles and other animal ambassadors.
• Provide excellent customer service over the phone and in person.
• Process program registrations, payments and daily reports using the City’s registration system.
• Handle cash and credit card transactions.
• Assist with volunteer training and supervision.
• Assist with special events and seasonal programs as assigned.
• Work independently and collaboratively with staff and volunteers to support the Nature Center’s mission and daily operations.

Qualifications

Qualifications/Skills

• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, adults and diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to safely handle native reptiles and amphibians (or willingness to be trained).
• Ability to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk over uneven natural terrain and lead hikes outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while teaching programs or caring for animals.
• Ability to safely handle live animals after training.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

Experience

• Experience developing and leading environmental education, interpretive or outdoor recreation programs.
• Experience working with children and families.
• Experience caring for live animals or willingness to learn.
• Experience working with volunteers is a plus.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, environmental education, natural resources, education or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will also be considered.
No Benefits