The McDowell Environmental Center (MEC) is hiring a full-time Head Naturalist to join our team! We are looking for someone who is eager to share their love and knowledge of southeastern flora and fauna with the staff and guests of Camp McDowell. The Head Naturalist will be the fifth member of the MEC leadership team, helping to ensure the smooth operation of our residential programming.

Come help us share our 1,140 acres of forests, streams, waterfalls, and canyons in northwest Alabama with groups of students from all over the Southeast. Students of the McDowell Environmental Center come from a variety of backgrounds and visit our Center for three-day programs. These students are mostly 3rd-8th grade students.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrate a respect and affinity for children
• Desire to work outdoors and be a member of a friendly and supportive team
• Demonstrate maturity, initiative, enthusiasm, sense of humor, flexibility, and a team spirit
• Demonstrate professionalism in appearance and behavior
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equal experience
• Have at least two years experience in Environmental Education 
• Be familiar with the outdoors, environmental issues and the proper identification of local flora and fauna

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with educational animals: raptors, reptiles and amphibians, have a working knowledge of the use of positive reinforcement and operant conditioning in animal training

Specific Responsibilities:

• Teach a full range of McDowell Environmental Center classes
• Provide a positive experience for all clients (students, parents, chaperones and teachers)
• Facilitate seasonal staff professional development schedule and activities each season
• Facilitate relationships with local environmental groups to foster relationships and involvement among students and staff
• Act as lead for Radical Raptors and Hop, Slither & Slide programs
• Daily care for McDowell resident raptors and reptiles
• Coordinate with the Director of Animal Programs in resident raptor/reptile training for seasonal staff
• Participate in training staff
• Serve as a mentor for seasonal staff
• Act as an Advisor for up to 3 seasonal staff members
• Observe and evaluate staff performance, provide guidance as needed
• Organize continuing education training for staff on local flora/fauna, geology, etc. 
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings 
• Represent the McDowell Environmental Center and Camp McDowell at conferences, promotional events, and occasionally with McDowell conference center guests 
• Support McDowell by completing additional tasks as needed/they arise

Essential Functions:

• First Aid/CPR certified
• Observe the behavior of students and be able to provide guidance as needed
• Recognize and report any hazards and report to the MEC Director or Program Coordinators
• Be able to work and communicate with a variety of age groups
• Act as a positive role model to visitors and staff