Seeking Applications for Naturalist/Educator

Update: the application period for this position has ended. Stay tuned for future opportunities!

Position Announcement

Job Title: Naturalist/Educator
Hours: Full-time - 40hrs/week
Reports To: Program Director
Location: Blue Ridge Discovery Center, Konnarock, Virginia
Salary: Based on experience

Join Blue Ridge Discovery Center as a Naturalist/Educator (N/E) and help connect our regional youth and adults to one of the greatest natural treasures in the East. This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact in our community while continuing to grow and develop your naturalist skills. Working as a Naturalist/Educator will involve some of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your life. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This full-time position at BRDC is responsible for serving the organization with a personal commitment to inspire curiosity, discovery, and stewardship through the wonders of the Blue Ridge. The N/E position requires dedication to experiential learning, natural history/science education, and lifelong learning. This role coordinates and executes natural history/science programming both in the classroom and in the field during our school programs, community programs, and summer camps. The N/E works with all ages of participants including grade school kids, summer camp attendees, researchers, and adults. You will be expected to work in a wide variety of settings, including in the field, classrooms, public events, and BRDC facilities with travel in Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, and Washington Counties and the City of Galax, VA. The N/E works closely with and directly reports to the Program Director.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:

  • Energetic, outgoing, enthusiastic, positive, inquisitive, goal oriented, hard working personality

  • Can inspire and empower others to engage in natural history

  • A strong base of natural history knowledge, preferably focused on the Southern Appalachians

  • Passion for and eagerness to expand and share their own personal knowledge

  • Bachelor's degree in environmental education, outdoor recreation, biology, or similar

  • Experience in environmental education working closely with youth and/or general public

  • Excellent verbal and written skills

  • Able to meet the physical demands of outdoor activities related to BRDC programming

  • Willingness to work in inclement weather conditions and wilderness settings

  • Can provide their own transportation

BENEFITS:

  • Competitive Salary

  • Paid Federal Holidays

  • Assistance with certifications as required

  • Travel reimbursement

ABOUT BLUE RIDGE DISCOVERY CENTER

Blue Ridge Discovery Center (BRDC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring, discovering, and sharing the natural history of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Founded in 2008, BRDC has built a reputation for implementing innovative hands-on experiential learning programs and initiatives. Working with all age groups from children to adults, including curious kids, professional researchers, and amateur naturalists, BRDC draws on a deep web of knowledge about local natural history to illustrate relationships within the rich flora, fauna, and geology that make up the unique Blue Ridge ecosystems. Emphasizing curiosity while establishing a life-long appreciation for the natural wonders of the Blue Ridge region are goals that shape BRDC’s work and its vision.

BRDC’s MISSION is to inspire curiosity, discovery, and stewardship through the wonders of the Blue Ridge.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, pregnancy, disability, work-related injury, covered veteran status, political ideology, marital status, or any other factor that the law protects from employment discrimination.