Summer Naturalist

June 3–September 11, 2026 (some flexibility may be available for candidates with academic commitments) Five days per week, 10am–6pm (one-hour unpaid lunch break), Tuesday–Sunday, with one flexible day off. Candidates must be available to work weekends, Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day (September 7).

Position Summary:

Spend your summer teaching on the beach at Greenwich Point Park’s historic Innis Arden Cottage in a fun, collaborative environment. Summer Naturalists engage the public through hands-on marine and environmental education, including seining for fish and other marine organisms, identifying local species, caring for animals housed in Seaside Center tanks, and teaching visitors about Long Island Sound ecology. For over 50 years, the Bruce Museum’s Seaside Center has provided meaningful environmental education to the community. Summer Naturalists play a key role in continuing this tradition through engaging, interactive programming for visitors of all ages. Educational activities may include arts and crafts, science experiments, nature walks, and games. Naturalists are encouraged to develop and implement their own programs throughout the season. In addition, Summer Naturalists contribute written content for the Bruce Museum blog and assist with Seaside Center social media. Guidance is provided, but creativity and initiative are encouraged. This position requires a high degree of independence, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to adapt to changing operational needs.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the Seaside Center as part of a two-person team
• Lead daily family-friendly educational activities, including crafts, nature walks, and animal exploration
• Supervise and support interns and volunteers in coordination with the Seaside Center Manager
• Maintain saltwater aquaria and ensure proper care and feeding of marine life
• Manage content for the Seaside Center Instagram and contribute to Bruce Museum social media
• Prepare weekly reports and a season-end report, including attendance, programming, and operational updates
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the Seaside Center facility
• Assist with tidal observations and wildlife data collection

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to work with children and adults of all ages
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfort working independently and as part of a small team
• Basic computer proficiency
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or in progress) in science, education, museum studies, or a related field
• Familiarity with social media and science communication

Compensation:

• $18/hour
• $250 end-of-season bonus (awarded upon successful completion of the full season)
• Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked on designated holidays (Independence Day and Labor Day).