Everglades National Park Institute Naturalist

Florida National Park Association

Naturalist

Position Description

Location: Homestead, Florida

Reports To: Program Coordinator

Status: Part-time, Seasonal November 4th – April 30th

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Summary Description The Florida National Park Association (FNPA) is the official cooperating association and nonprofit partner to Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve. Our Institutes partner with our National Parks to enhance visitor experience by providing educational and interpretive opportunities.

FNPA is seeking multiple part-time, Seasonal Naturalist for its Institutes. Naturalists are part of a dedicated staff committed to connecting the public to the Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park through the delivery of exceptional educational and interpretive experiences. They are knowledgeable about these parks and are experienced outdoor leaders who provide a fun, educational, and safe program.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver engaging and organized programs to a diverse range of learners with the goal of connecting them to Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.
• Work alongside National Park Service Rangers in the visitor center welcoming and orienting the visitors of Everglades National Park and selling Institute programs.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills.
• Articulate the FNPA and National Park Service mission and represent it accurately and positively; encourage participation in the organization through education and philanthropy.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of Everglades and Biscayne National Park to include (but not limited to) their natural, cultural, and geologic histories, their wildlife, and their management issues.
• Understand and follow FNPA policies and procedures and National Park Service regulations by emphasizing the protection of park resources and adherence to FNPA employee handbook.
• Perform field-based risk management duties during programs by anticipating and managing potential hazards or group issues that might arise.
• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment with all FNPA employees, contract instructors, volunteers, board members, and partners.
• Assist in coordinating educational programs, to include answering phone calls and emails, booking programs, and developing program outlines and itineraries.
• Assist with creating teaching material and equipment management.
• Travel throughout the Everglades and Biscayne National Park areas, as required.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Institute Program Coordinator, or other designated leadership.

Basic Qualifications

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• Applicants cannot have any moving violations on their driver’s license within the last 5 years. They must also possess a Florida Driver’s License.
• Applicants must have at least 2 years of outdoor guiding experience.
• Strong commitment to education and the mission of Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.
• Demonstrates outdoor leadership skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Knowledge of biology, ecology, geology, and natural and cultural history.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications, or willingness to attain and maintain these certifications.
• A satisfactory criminal and driving record background check is a condition of employment.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Willingness to travel to our various locations listed below.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, walk, hike, bike, and paddle a canoe and kayak up to 10 miles, and work outdoors in all climate conditions common to the region.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be comfortable on a boat.
• A collaborative attitude with demonstrated ability to work effectively, and professionally as a part of a team.

Seasonal Staff Requirements

• Seasonal staff are expected to start working no later than November 4th and are expected to stay through April 30th.
• No holiday requests off allowed.
• Will be scheduled up to 40 hours per week, but hours are not guaranteed due to booking availability or weather-related cancellations.
• Requests for days off are limited to one additional day off during the scheduled weekend. No more than three consecutive days off are permitted.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Biology, Environmental Science, or any other related science majors and/or experience and knowledge in working in any of these fields for 2 or more years.
• Experience working in a non-profit environment.
• Experience working with both youth and adult learners.

Locations

• This position will be mainly stationed at the FNPA main office at 10 parachute Key lot #51 Homestead, FL 33034.
• Shark Valley Entrance of Everglades National Park at 36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
• Biscayne National Park Institute at Coconut Grove at 3400 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133

Schedule:

• This position is part-time that does not to exceed, 40 hours a week depending on bookings and weather conditions.
• Must have holidays and weekends available.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18