Naturalist Assistant (Variable Hours)

City of Aurora, CO; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness center

Well-being programs

Career development

Job summary

The City of Aurora, Colorado, is seeking a Naturalist Assistant to support PROS programs and interpretive activities in Aurora and nearby school districts. You will engage diverse audiences through guided hikes, camps, birthday events, and classroom programs, both indoors and outdoors.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, science-teaching experience, and strong communication skills. Familiarity with ecology and basic Excel/Word/PowerPoint is helpful.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience teaching science for at least 1 year (volunteer or paid).
• Certified Interpretive Guide certification preferred.
• Spanish language skills desired.
• Basic knowledge of ecology, biology and science concepts.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Leads or assists with Scout programs, nature-themed birthday parties, guided hikes, day camps, preschool programs, and curriculum-based programs for school-aged children in the Aurora and Cherry Creek school districts.
• Staff information desks (answer phones, greet visitors, impromptu center and exhibit tours, etc.).
• Assists full-time naturalists with interpretive programming for pre-k through adult age groups.
• Plans, researches, and presents interpretive programming for a variety of audiences.
• Assists in researching, updating, designing, and installing interpretive exhibits on local plant and animal life.
• Assists with live animal care for a small collection of reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods.
• Performs maintenance and light cleaning such as picking up trash, pulling weeds, vacuuming, dusting, shoveling snow, tidying restrooms, sweeping, and mopping.
• Educates park users regarding park rules and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Science teaching

Public speaking

Oral and written communication

Spanish language

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certified Interpretive Guide certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

JOB LOCATION16002 E Smith Rd Aurora, Colorado 80011-3200City of Aurora, ColoradoIt is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.Why Work for Aurora?Make a difference in the lives of real people every dayDiverse communityCompetitive total compensation packageWell-Funded General Employees Retirement PlanLight rail station minutes awayOn-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancementAccess to innovation workspacesPRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESThe city of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Department's mission is to encourage active lifestyles and create healthy environments for people, nature and community.The award-winning operation consists of seven divisions (Golf, Open Space and Natural Resources, Parks Operations, Planning, Design and Construction, Recreation, Business Services and Communications) that collectively manage more than 8,000 acres of open space, 100+ parks, 180+ athletic fields, over 100 miles of trails, three nature centers, two reservoirs, five recreation centers, five golf courses, indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities and one of Colorado's largest municipal urban forestry programs.Aurora PROS is committed to delivering exceptional public service while being responsible stewards of its diverse system of parks, programs, natural resources and amenities that enhance the daily quality of life for Aurora residents.The hiring range for this role is $15.54 - $19.42/hour.Salary to be commensurate with experience.The application deadline is November 22, 2026. Please note that the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing application screenings on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.The Naturalist Assistant job uniquely combines highly energetic and interactive work with quiet, self-directed project time. This role requires attending busy events, engaging with a wide range of audiences, and motivation to complete assigned relevant research projects.PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESLeads or assists with Scout programs, nature-themed birthday parties, guided hikes, day camps, preschool programs, and curriculum-based programs for school-aged children in the Aurora and Cherry Creek school districts.Staff information desks (answer phones, greet visitors, impromptu center and exhibit tours, etc.).Assists full-time naturalists with interpretive programming for pre-k through adult age groups.Plans, researches, and presents interpretive programming for a variety of audiences.Assists in researching, updating, designing, and installing interpretive exhibits on local plant and animal life.Assists with live animal care for a small collection of reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods.Performs maintenance and light cleaning such as picking up trash, pulling weeds, vacuuming, dusting, shoveling snow, tidying restrooms, sweeping, and mopping.Educates park users regarding park rules and regulations.Performs other related duties as assigned.This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONSAn equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.Education:High School Diploma or GEDExperience:At least one year of experience (either volunteer or paid) teaching science in formal or informal environmentsPreferred Qualifications:Certified Interpretive Guide certification through the National Association for InterpretationSpanish language skills desired, but not requiredKnowledge:Basic knowledge of scientific concepts and principles including adaptation, evolution, biology, and ecologyBasic working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPointSkills:Skill in explaining complex topics to a wide range of audiencesSkill in oral and written communicationAbilities:Ability to interact positively with people of all ages and abilitiesWell organized and self-motivatedEstablish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officialsLicenses and Certifications Required:Excellent driving recordWORKING CONDITIONSEssential Personnel:When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnelPhysical Demands:Medium level work that involves moving no more than 50 pounds with or without assistance at a timeFrequent lifting, carrying, walking, and standingMay require frequent pushing, pulling, bending, and stoopingClear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documentsSpeech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and residentsHand/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard, working with othersWork Environment:Works primarily in recreation facilities, public buildings, and/or parks. Programming often takes place outdoors so employee may be exposed to varying weather conditions, dust, haze, or other outdoor conditions.Equipment Used:Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, ExcelThis job may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employmentThe city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.Notice Regarding Colorado Identification Document Protections (HB26‑1283)As part of the employment eligibility verification process, the city of Aurora may request government-issued identification documents as permitted by law. Original identification documents will be reviewed only as necessary for employment eligibility verification and will not be retained longer than permitted by law. Applicants will retain possession and control of their original identification documents except for any temporary retention permitted or required by law.