Naturalist/Educator Position Opening
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.
Calling all Naturalist Educators: We have a position for you!
Job Title: Naturalist/Educator
Hours: Full-time
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.