Lisa Benish Lisa Benish

Seeking Applications for Naturalist/Educator

Blue Ridge Discovery Center is seeking applications for a Naturalist/Educator (N/E) to help connect our regional youth and adults to one of the greatest natural treasures in the east. This is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact on the next generation of stewards.

Position Announcement

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

Join Blue Ridge Discovery Center as the Naturalist/Educator 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 a lasting impact on the next generation of stewards. Play a major role in program development, coordination, and delivery while contributing to our community and BRDC’s educational foundation.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Naturalist/Educator is our point of connection with the public and is primarily responsible for implementing BRDC programming. The role of the N/E is to help participants develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the wonders of the Blue Ridge. The N/E does this through the discovery method of guiding: an inquiry-based education technique. The N/E works with all ages of participants. These include grade school kids, summer camp attendees, researchers and adult participants. The N/E is expected to work in a wide variety of settings, including wilderness areas, public classrooms, meeting halls and summer camp facilities.

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

  • Strong organizational skills

BENEFITS:

  • Competitive Pay

  • 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.

Read More
Lisa Benish Lisa Benish

Seeking Applications for Chief Naturalist/Educator

Blue Ridge Discovery Center is seeking applications for a Chief Naturalist/Educator (N/E) to help connect our regional youth and adults to one of the greatest natural treasures in the east. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your leadership and management skills and make a lasting impact on the next generation of stewards.

Position Announcement

Job Title: Chief 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 the Chief Naturalist/Educator and help connect our regional youth and adults to one of the greatest natural treasures in the East. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your leadership and management skills and make a lasting impact on the next generation of stewards. Play a major role in program development, coordination, and delivery while contributing to our community and BRDC’s educational foundation.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This full-time position at BRDC is responsible for serving the organization with a personal commitment to meet our mission to: inspire curiosity, discovery, and stewardship through the wonders of the Blue Ridge. The Chief N/E position requires dedication to experiential learning, natural history/science education, and lifelong learning. This role coordinates and executes natural history/science programming on campus and in the field during our school programs, community programs, and summer camps. The Chief N/E works with all programmatic staff to ensure top notch program and curriculum development, field and classroom instruction, and program coordination and administration for 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 some travel in Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, and Washington Counties and the City of Galax, VA.

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

  • 3-5 years 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

  • Strong organizational skills

  • Creative in curriculum design and development

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.

Read More
Aaron Floyd Aaron Floyd

Seeking Applications for Naturalist/Educator

Blue Ridge Discovery Center is seeking applications for 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 building naturalist skills.

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.

Read More
Aaron Floyd Aaron Floyd

Seeking Applications for Facilities Manager

Blue Ridge Discovery Center is seeking applications for a Facilities Manager to help create and maintain one of the most exciting projects in Southwest Virginia. This is an opportunity to fill a vital role in the success of our mission while working at the base of Virginia’s highest mountain and in one of the most stunning landscapes in the East.

 Position Announcement

Job Title: Facilities Manager
Hours: Part-time - 2 days/week
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Blue Ridge Discovery Center, Konnarock, Virginia
Pay: Based on experience

Join Blue Ridge Discovery Center as a Facilities Manager and help create and maintain one of the most exciting projects in Southwest Virginia. This is an opportunity to fill a vital role in the success of our mission while working at the base of Virginia’s highest mountain and in one of the most stunning landscapes in the East. The approximately 10-acre property you will be managing exists to connect our community to a rich and diverse ecosystem and this position will be central to that experience.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This part-time position at BRDC maintains and expands all facility infrastructure as needed. The position is responsible for preserving the good condition of infrastructure and ensuring that facilities are safe and well functioning. The goal is to establish a setting that inspires staff, volunteers, and participants that is also safe and hassle-free. The Facilities Manager will be challenged with maintaining a biologically diverse property that supports wildlife at all levels without the use of toxic chemicals and avoids pollutants. The position will be responsible for monitoring and producing reports on drinking and wastewater; managing waste disposal with an emphasis on reduce, reuse, recycle; inspecting and repairing buildings; maintaining clean and hazard-free grounds; managing property security; and working with volunteers, partners, and contractors to achieve maintenance goals with the dual purpose of engagement and cost-efficiency.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:

  • Is well-organized and dedicated to property cleanliness

  • Has excellent organizational and leadership skills

  • Has excellent problem-solving skills

  • Maintains operations at a high level of efficiency while reducing both short and long-term maintenance costs

  • Efficient with task management 

  • Ability to work independently and with a high level of personal responsibility

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Proven experience as a facilities manager or relevant position

  • Well-versed in technical/engineering operations and facilities management best practices

  • Proven skills in general maintenance of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

  • GED/High School Diploma required, BSc/BA in facility management, engineering, business administration, or relevant field preferred

  • Relevant professional qualifications (e.g. CFM) will be an advantage

  • Skills as a naturalist are a plus

BENEFITS:

  • Competitive Salary

  • Schedule flexibility

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. 


Read More
Aaron Floyd Aaron Floyd

Seeking Applications for Naturalist/Educator

Blue Ridge Discovery Center is seeking applications for 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 building naturalist skills.

 

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 be 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. 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 the 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

  • Work/life balance and flexibility

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • 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.


Read More
Aaron Floyd Aaron Floyd

Seeking Applications for Bookkeeper/Administrator

Blue Ridge Discovery Center is seeking applications for a Bookkeeper/Administrator to help build the structural framework for our future. This is an opportunity to fill a vital role in the success of our mission while working at the base of Virginia’s highest mountain and in one of the most stunning landscapes in the East.

 Position Announcement

Job Title: Bookkeeper/Administrator
Hours: Part-time - 3 days/week
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Blue Ridge Discovery Center, Konnarock, Virginia
Pay: Based on experience

Join Blue Ridge Discovery Center as a Bookkeeper/Administrator (B/A) and help build the structural framework for our future. This is an opportunity to fill a vital role in the success of our mission while working at the base of Virginia’s highest mountain and in one of the most stunning landscapes in the East. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This part-time position at BRDC takes on two closely linked roles: the Bookkeeper and Administrator. We expect the work to be focused on ⅓ bookkeeping and ⅔ administrative work. 

The Bookkeeping role maintains all financial data and prepares accurate reports for our organization. Bookkeeper responsibilities include processing receipts and invoices, managing payments, and producing internal reports. The role will monitor all financial data and prepare accurate statements for BRDC and act as a consultant for the Executive Director, Program Director, and other staff. The position ensures that all our accounting transactions comply with the BRDC Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual, state and federal laws, and specific grant requirements.

The Administrator role keeps Blue Ridge Discovery Center working in an effective, efficient, mistake-free environment. Administrator responsibilities include maintaining digital and hard copy records, securing permits and insurances, managing inventories, (including office) and being the first line of public inquiry. The role will work with a variety of staff to ensure all t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted. Ultimately, you will ensure that the needed groundwork is in place for our staff to succeed. 

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:

  • Clearly organized and diligent

  • Efficient with task management 

  • Excellent math skills with attention to detail

  • Ability to work independently and with a high level of personal responsibility and confidentiality

  • Has an in-depth understanding of business bookkeeping practices, procedures, and accounting regulations

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Proven work experience as a Bookkeeper, Accountant, Non-profit Administration or similar role

  • Advanced knowledge of Quickbooks Online and spreadsheets

  • Experience in Google Sheets and Squarespace is a plus

  • GED/High School education required, Associates Degree/Bachelor’s Degree preferred

  • Additional certifications (e.g. CPA) is a plus

BENEFITS:

  • Competitive Salary

  • Schedule flexibility

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. 


Read More