Join an exciting team of professionals nationally recognized as one of the best clubs in America by Boardroom Magazine and Forbes Travel Guide. As the Ford is recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for its outstanding golf course, amenities, facilities, and its exceptional staff, its roots reach back more than a century to 1917, when American industrialist Henry Ford first encountered the land.

Our team lives and breathes the mission of teamwork, continuous improvement, individual responsibility, sharing information, ideas and solutions, commitment to our organizational core values and pride in providing personal services to members and guests.

Job purpose

The Naturalist position is an integral part of the overall success of the Outdoor Pursuits Department and The Ford Field & River Club. The Naturalist explores and actively manages the preservation of the beauty and uniqueness of the environment, the wildlife of the club grounds and surrounding areas. This position organizes on-site and off-site programs and outings such as trail walks, canoe and kayak trips, excursions to local wildlife refuges and area barrier islands for members and guests of The Ford Field & River Club. The Naturalist conducts educational and instructive seminars and workshops that focus on nature activities for all member demographics. Is an active advocate for Ford inside and outside the community. Assists with the management of wildlife populations as needed and serves as retail store attendant at Ogeechee Outfitters as needed.

Duties and responsibilities

• Designs and organizes opportunities for the members and guests, both youth and adults, to explore the wetlands, woods and waters of the club and surrounding areas.
• Ensure that all appropriate safety measures are taken in regard to the walks and tours and that all members and guests are aware of any potential hazards that may exist.
• Submits stories and photos of events for the newsletter to keep members updated and promotes Nature program activities.
• Encourages members and guests to participate in the conservation of the area’s environment and wildlife.
• Develops and leads an active youth program for the children of members and guests to include week-long summer kids camps, nature walks, canoe and kayak trips, nature camps and educational workshops on the coastal Georgia region.
• Maintains all ODP kayaks, canoes, golf carts, life vests, etc.
• Maintains all permits related to offsite trips as well as permits for the housing of animals at Oyster House Nature Center.
• Maintain habitats of animals at Nature Center, which may include non-venomous snakes, turtles and fish, etc.
• Assists in the management of the wildlife that inhabit The Ford Field & River Club, including the management of deer, feral pigs, and the bluebird trail.
• Assists in the processes to control or eliminate rodents, gators, and other wildlife and determine the course of action and/or care.
• Manages and maintains the trail system at the club, which includes signage as well as the identifying of exotic invasive species working with Director of Agronomy on a maintenance plan.
• Assists ODP Director in the successful management of fish habitat in both freshwater and brackish lakes on property.
• Maintain and log Outdoor Pursuits clinics as it relates to your position and programming to be submitted to the General Manager/COO on a weekly basis.
• Ensures that all members, guests and co-workers are treated in a friendly and respectful manner in accordance with the standards of excellence of The Ford Field & River Club.
• Assists in other departments and performs additional related duties as required.
• Understands and follows policies and procedures of the ODP department and The Ford Field & River Club.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related Environmental studies preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years involvement with nature programs, preferably in the local coastal region.
• Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the coastal Georgia region.
• Must be a patient and thorough teacher and be able to communicate with members and guests in a pleasant, respectful manner while on nature walks and in related programs.

Working conditions

Works in an outdoors environment which has fluctuations with the local weather. Must be able to work irregular hours as required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must have ability to uphold the standards of the nature center

Physical requirements

Standing, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling. Lifts 50 pounds occasionally up to 75 pounds. Vision must be correctable to read and write. Hearing must be sufficient to understand conversation on the telephone in a noisy environment. Must have hand usage to operate various equipment as required.

Direct reports

None