What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nature Center Specialist position at Reston Association?
Position Location
12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20191 and 11450 Glade Dr, Reston, VA 20191
This is an on-site position requiring a minimum of four days per week at Reston Association Headquarters and Walker Nature Center.
Position Overview
Are you passionate about making a difference in the community? At Reston Association (RA), we’re committed to enhancing the quality of life for Reston residents through outstanding programs, exceptional services, and dedicated stewardship of the community’s natural and recreational resources. As the community's steward, RA is responsible for maintaining the quality of life in Reston, chiefly by caring for and administering the community's most precious asset - its real property.
At RA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are actively seeking a Nature Center Specialist to join our Environmental team! The primary function of this position is to provide exceptional visitor services, coordinate Nature Center operations and facility rentals, while delivering engaging environmental education and interpretive programs that connect the community with the natural resources of Reston.
The Nature Center Specialist will be responsible for providing exceptional visitor services, coordinating facility rentals, and supporting the daily operations of the Walker Nature Center. This role will develop and deliver interpretive and environmental education programs for diverse audiences, assist with special events, maintain administrative and program records, manage social media content, and support natural resource stewardship activities across the Nature Center’s 72-acre property. The Nature Center Specialist will collaborate with staff, volunteers, community members, and program participants to foster meaningful connections with nature while ensuring excellent customer service and efficient facility operations. Maintains basic knowledge of all programs, facilities, and natural resource management initiatives of the Walker Nature Center and Reston Association.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s Degree in parks and recreation, natural or life sciences or education plus 1 year of work experience in interpretation, parks & recreation, education or conservation related activities or equivalency.
- A minimum of 1 year of related work experience in interpretation, parks and recreation, education, conservation, or other related work experience.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively and interact professionally with individuals of all ages.
- Knowledge of native plants, local wildlife and ecology.
- Knowledge of local environmental issues and conservation practices.
- CPR and First Aid certified (preferred).
- Knowledge of RecTrac software (preferred).
- Certification in environmental education or interpretation (preferred).
- Advanced degree or coursework in outdoor education, interpretation or natural sciences (preferred).
- Ability to work effectively in both office and outdoor environments.
- Comfortable working in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
- Ability to perform physically active work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and other related activities.
- Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends to support programs, events, and operational needs.
What You Can Expect From Reston Association
At RA, we are leading the model community where all can Live, Work, Play and Get Involved, and we strive to preserve and enhance the Reston community through outstanding leadership, service and stewardship of our resources. Our Core Values of Service, Collaboration, Stewardship, Innovation and Leadership guide everything we do, and we are proud to provide a workplace in which everyone is treated as an individual with dignity and respect, encourages creativity, and always endeavors to provide an atmosphere that exceeds member expectations and engages collaboration and communication.
If you are passionate about a workplace that is dedicated to the preservation of natural resources and advancing community while at the same time creating a collaborative workplace, we want to hear from you.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or state as an individual with a disability.
Compensation
In addition to a competitive hourly wage, we offer several benefits designed to enhance your experience at RA.
Our offerings include:
- Free recreation passes for seasonal employees and their dependents
- One Free Season Long Guest Pass
- Discounted fees for all Recreation Programs and Camp Programs
- Discounts in the RA Tennis and Pickleball Pro Shop
- One free pavilion reservation per year
- Half price reservations at Community Buildings
- Four complimentary boat rental passes
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Staff events
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Free electric car charging on-site
We are dedicated to promoting a welcoming and rewarding workplace where all employees can thrive and feel valued. Your growth and success are important to us, and we strive to provide the resources and support necessary for you to achieve your personal and professional goals.
Reston Association is committed to maintaining a secure and transparent recruitment experience. As part of our standard hiring practices, all communication with applicants is conducted exclusively through official ADP email messages. Reston Association does not use text messaging, social media direct messages, or calls from unidentified numbers to schedule interviews or request personal information. If you receive a message that appears inconsistent with these guidelines, or if you would like to verify the legitimacy of any communication, please contact: Devon Mangual, People and Culture Specialist, dmangual@reston.org
Salary : $24 - $27