Naturalist Wild Compass Environmental Education

Earth Day; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and holiday leave

HRA plan

Simple IRA contribution

Job summary

Wild Compass Environmental Education (Wild Compass) seeks a full-time Naturalist to plan, prepare, and deliver environmental education for diverse audiences. The role includes teaching, animal care support, and helping maintain program materials across multiple sites, including indoor and outdoor classrooms.

You will lead engaging lessons, work with staff and volunteers, and help expand programs while ensuring safety and a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience in environmental studies, environmental education, natural resources, education, or a related field.
• Teaching experience in outdoor or environmental education, early childhood education, summer camps, or other relevant experience.
• Knowledge of and passion for natural world.
• Enthusiasm for working with children and volunteers.
• Strong capacity in active listening, patience, flexibility, creativity, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions leading participants over rugged terrain for hours.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekend.

Responsibilities

• Implement Wild Compass environmental education/learning outreach programs with staff, Executive Director, and volunteers.
• Teach programs to preschool-12th grade youth groups, scouts, families and adults at schools, camps, fairs and events.
• Responsible for equipment and materials setup, cleanup, and follow-up with participants.
• Master Wild Compass curriculum and implement program goals daily.
• Assist with development and implementation of new programs as requested.
• Work independently and as part of a team with staff and volunteers.
• Create a safe and fun learning atmosphere for children while projecting a knowledgeable image to parents and teachers.
• Assist in care and maintenance of animals, buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment.
• Engage with donors, members, and visitors at events; participate in staff and volunteer trainings.
• Attend staff meetings and other organization-related activities; perform general office duties.

Skills

Teaching experience

Active listening

Patience

Flexibility

Creativity

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience in environmental studies/education

Job description

This full-time Naturalist position is responsible for the planning, preparation, and execution of environmental education programs for children and adults of all ages. Wild Compass Environmental Education (Wild Compass) programs are taught at a variety of locations across the southwestern Minnesota region in outdoor and indoor classrooms and a variety of event locations. This position is expected to also support program areas, as assigned, such as: park maintenance and cleaning; animal care; volunteer coordination; and maintenance and creation of program equipment and materials.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

• Implement Wild Compass environmental education/learning outreach programs with naturalist staff, Executive Director, and volunteers
• Teach environmental education programs to preschool-12th grade youth groups, scouts, families and adults, including school programs, summer camps, birthday parties, community education programs, county fairs, and public events
• Responsible for all equipment and materials set-up, clean up, and follow-up with participants
• Master Wild Compass curriculum and implement purpose, goals and objectives of each program daily
• Assist with the development and implementation of new programs as requested
• Work and teach both independently and as part of a team with staff and volunteers
• Create a safe and fun learning atmosphere for children while projecting a knowledgeable and confident image to parents and teachers
• Articulate Wild Compass ’s mission and project a professional and positive attitude with the public
• Assist in proper care and maintenance of animals, buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment
• Work with staff, volunteers, and Board to meet Strategic Plan goals and initiatives
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, key events, volunteer trainings, and other activities on behalf of Wild Compass , engaging with donors, members, and visitors
• Participate in staff meetings, volunteer events, and other organization-related activities
• Other office duties as assigned, including mail, errands, cleaning, and general help

Qualifications

• Commitment to Wild Compass mission and organizational goals and programs
• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience in environmental studies, environmental education, natural resources, education, or a related field
• Teaching experience in outdoor or environmental education, early childhood education, summer camps, or other relevant experience. Prefer minimum of 1-year of teaching experience.
• Knowledge of and passion for natural world
• Enthusiasm for working with children and volunteers
• Strong capacity in active listening, patience, flexibility, creativity, and solution-oriented mindset
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions leading participants over variable, rugged terrain for hours at a time
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekend

MN Driver’s License Class D required, or ability to obtain license.

Current first aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain certification.

Criminal History background checks will be required.

Compensation

• Hourly Rate: $18 – $20 per hour dependent on education, skills, and experience

Wild Compass offers vacation and holiday leave. Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Account Plan. Simple IRA Contribution. Wild Compass supports state-wide and regional professional development opportunities for naturalist staff. Position requires a combination of on- and off-site program-based work. Office location: Lakefield, MN.