Teacher Naturalist

Job Description: Teacher Naturalist

Reports to: Programs and Communications Manager

Position Type: Part-time and Full-time Seasonal Positions Available

About ONSC:

Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit. We are Arkansas’ only residential science center and we provide hands-on, science-based learning experiences to students in Northwest Arkansas and beyond. We host school field trips, camps, weekend workshops, events, facility rentals, and more.

ONSC's mission is to strengthen the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of land, water, and wildlife in the Ozarks. At ONSC, we envision a future where everyone has the opportunity to connect with the outdoors. Through our dedication to education, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration, we aim to empower others to preserve the diverse ecosystems and natural heritage of the Ozarks. Our Core Values are creating clear and engaging educational programs, providing hands-on experiences in the outdoors, and encouraging responsibility for the natural world.

Our 89-acre main campus includes an event center, education building, outdoor classroom, pavilion, observation deck, 3 lodges, and staff and guest housing. Our 8 miles of hiking trails are situated within AR Natural Heritage Commission’s 400-acre Bear Hollow Natural Area, which is nestled within the 14,500-acre McIlroy Madison County Wildlife Management Area.

ONSC also has two urban locations. Our Lake Fayetteville education center is located at the border between Springdale and Fayetteville, and includes an education building with 2 classrooms, deck, dock, and paved and unpaved hiking trails. Our Kessler Mountain education center is located in Fayetteville, and facilities include a ½-mile interpretive loop trail, native plant and rain garden, and an indoor nature center.

Summary:

Are you an environmentalist or outdoor enthusiast who wants to help shape the future and change the world one student at a time? Join the ONSC team of Teacher Naturalists (TNs)! TNs lead students during wilderness immersion overnight and day programs, as well as other educational programs. For many students, this is the field trip that changes their life and opens their eyes to how the natural world is connected and essential for human survival. TNs help students understand nature through hands-on science, inspire appreciation of nature through explorative play, and teach stewardship through a love of the natural world.

Through this one-of-a-kind opportunity, TNs are not only paid and housed, but also given a professional development experience that exceeds a simple workshop or class. Each season begins with intensive training including your First Aid, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid Certification (dependent upon scheduling availability), followed by additional shadowing, coaching, and evaluations. Each TN is a wealth of knowledge, just like you, so the learning amongst the TN team members is ongoing and encouraged. Don’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Apply today and help us enhance the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the Ozark Natural Environment!

The Teacher Naturalist (TN) is the front-line educational staff for all ONSC programming and program-related operations. TNs lead educational activities including interpretive hikes/field investigations on the trail, interactive classes in the field and classroom, and various other activities. Programs range from one day to a full week for the duration of the season. Generally, programs include a one-night stay of students in onsite lodges and two days of educational programming led by TNs. Work hours are determined based on program length. Teacher Naturalists are typically assigned to programs in their entirety. TN’s are required to stay onsite overnight during assigned programming (housing provided).

Qualifications:

• BS/BA degree required. Degrees in environmental or natural science (i.e. biology, geology, environmental science, ecology) preferred.
• Passion for the ONSC mission and genuine appreciation for the natural world and conservation
• Demonstrated time management skills
• Great speaking and oral presentation skills, including ability to project your voice for a large outdoor audience
• Physical ability to hike long distances, over uneven terrain, in all seasons and varying weather conditions
• CPR & basic First Aid and Wilderness First Aid Certifications (provided onsite for no cost)
• Ability to work as a team
• Desire to continually develop as both an educator and a naturalist

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach, manage, and lead groups of program participants of any age both in the field (guided hikes) and the classroom.
• Participate in staff training/enrichment sessions for field staff and general ONSC staff training and information sessions.
• Assist with the on-going development and refinement of current ONSC educational programs and the development of new programs as assigned.
• Reside on-site during the overnight stays of students if they are scheduled for the programming of those students.
• Console homesick student participants during overnight field trips and provide first-aid to injured/sick students.
• Provide logistical and supervisory support for ONSC programs and participants, including during ONSC meals, student/guest orientation, and the maintenance of facilities and equipment.
• Ensure, at all times, the safety of students and peers and other ONSC guests to the best of your ability.
• Knowledgeably use, maintain, and return all teaching and safety equipment assigned at the time of your departure.
• To be maintained in an appropriate manner, staff housing is provided for you during your time of employment at ONSC.
• Provide on-call availability for emergencies during the entirety of your scheduled programming.
• Care for reptile animal ambassadors, including handling, feeding, weighing, and cleaning enclosures.

Additional Duties:

• Collaborate with the team to create a cohesive and safe work culture in which all are able to contribute effectively to ONSC’s mission.
• Actively participate in appropriate group briefing and debriefing meetings.
• Organize personal equipment and supplies in preparation for field science instruction duties, including, but not limited to: backpack supplies, hand-held radios, water bottles, etc.
• Give educational presentations to special interest groups, hosting and providing supplies and assistance for visiting groups, and other duties as assigned.
• Represent ONSC in the community at large and at public and/or professional meetings.
• Actively engage in self-improvement and self-education as a naturalist and informal science educator.
• Maintain active communication with supervisor and/or the Executive Director about issues of importance relating to programming and operations.
• Assist with hospitality, housekeeping, kitchen, and event duties as assigned.
• As a team, complete housekeeping of spaces used by the education team and for educational programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Employment Periods:

This position includes two unpaid breaks: a 1-2 month winter break and a 2 week summer break. Our competitive hourly rate is designed to allow TNs to develop a savings to cover the unpaid times off. We expect all Teacher Naturalists to commit to at least one year of employment, spanning from fall through summer and including the following work seasons:

• Fall Season: mid-August through late December
• Spring Season: mid-February through mid-May
• Summer Season: mid-May through early August

Compensation:

• Competitive hourly rate
• Regular raises based on length of employment and performance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), which includes vacation, sick, holiday, and personal leave days
• Meals provided when programs are in session
• Optional employee-paid dental and vision insurance coverage (full-time staff only)
• Optional employee-paid life insurance (full-time staff only)
• Staff housing provided during overnight programming
• Opportunity to live on campus year-round in a 4-bedroom house or a tiny house apartment; very reduced rent, which includes all utilities
• Training opportunities including certifications (CPR, WFA, and CIG) paid for entirely or partly by ONSC for employees (dependent upon scheduling availability).
• An opportunity to share your love of the natural world with an amazing and supportive team of naturalists while sparking and feeding the love of nature in the next generation

ONSC celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We seek employees, volunteers, and interns from a wide variety of backgrounds. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, education, culture, or any other federal, state or local protected class.

How to Apply:

Please apply by completing the ONSC Employment Application, where you will be asked to upload your resume, cover letter, and 3 references. The full job description and application link can be found on our website: www.onsc.us/staff

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $19