Seasonal Education Specialist - WNC Nature Center

Summary

About our opportunity:
The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the seasonal position of Education Specialist in the Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities Department’s WNC Nature Center. The WNC Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region. This position plays a key role in providing interactive education, animal care, and programming for guests, campers, and volunteers.

What you’ll be doing:

• Ensure the safety of guests, volunteers, and staff on-site and during off-site programs, including responding to emergencies like animal escapes or medical incidents.

• Monitor and maintain safety standards in guest areas, classrooms, and animal interaction spaces.
• Handle and care for the education animal collection, including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and medication administration.
• Train and monitor staff and volunteers in the safe handling and care of education animals.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate environmental education programs and public animal encounters.
• Design and guide the development of classrooms, nature play areas, and educational exhibits.
• Coordinate and lead nature-based summer camps for children, including curriculum planning, camper safety, and communication with families.
• Train and supervise seasonal staff and volunteers in alignment with safety and operational standards.
• Participate in planning and executing public special events, coordinating activities such as crafts, animal programs, and entertainment.
• Manage complex projects related to education programming, animal handling, and process improvement.

Salary: $25.25/hour

About you:
We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements or have comparable experience and/or education will be considered:

• One year of experience in environmental education, animal care, or a related field, plus an Associate’s Degree in Biology, Education, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• A valid state's drivers license
• Experience in summer camp leadership roles.
• Knowledge of Southern Appalachian Natural History.
• Knowledge of current best practices in professional animal care.

Performance Aptitudes:

• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and large groups
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Comfortable handling live animals and educating others about them
• Skilled in creating engaging educational experiences for diverse audiences
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Regularly walk on uneven terrain and engage in physical activities such as hiking, animal care, and moving equipment

Persons of all genders and races are encouraged to apply.

Other things to know:
Work Schedule: M-F 8:15am - 5:15pm

Some positions may require a fingerprint-based SBI background check after a conditional offer and before your start date; HR will provide instructions if applicable.

For benefits-eligible positions, explore our full benefits at AshevilleBenefits.com.

About us:

The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC is a thriving mountain city that has a culture enriched by its diversity.

The City’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment. Applicants will be assured of fair treatment in all aspects of recruitment and selection without regard to a person’s age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, genetic information,or disability, except where certain physical and mental requirements are Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications (BFOQ). The City of Asheville is proud to be a second chance employer.

The City of Asheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.