Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium (CNCP) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of “inspiring people to connect with Nature”. CNCP focuses on the care of non-releasable rehabilitated wildlife, environmental education, astronomy, and ecological well-being for the SWFL community and visiting guests.

The Naturalist/Environmental Educator’s (EEC) primary responsibilities include:

(1) manage, design and implement CNCP’s educational and interpretive programs highlighting the natural and cultural features found on and around CNCP’s properties (2) network with the community to develop and provide comprehensive environmental education and interpretive programs (3) assist with the daily operations at CNCP’s natural history museum and planetarium, and wildlife exhibits (4) assist with animal care and upkeep, including snakes and raptors; (5) provide program-based assistance to Volunteers and CNCP’s departments; and, (6) perform a variety of administrative and technical duties in support of the organization.

Responsibilities May Include But Are Not Limited To:

Education and Interpretation/Animal Care

1. Develop, implement and manage county-wide environmental education including:

a. Networking and fostering relationships with agencies, organizations, schools, businesses, and community groups;

b. Creating and developing educational materials, activities and curricula that align with the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, and Science-Technology-Engineering-Art- and Math (STEAM);

c. Planning and conducting teacher and professional development workshops;

2. Coordinate and present indoor and outdoor environmental education interpretive programs, workshops, field trips, and outreach. Utilize live animal ambassadors.

3. Plan, oversee, and coordinate public hikes, trail tours, on and off site field trips.

4. Plan, oversee, and implement summer and school’s out camp programs.

5. Create and maintain bulletin boards and “self-guided” trail kiosks, informational displays, brochures and other interpretive resources;

6. Assist with the production and review of periodic newsletters and the Calusa Critters and Cosmo’s newsletter

7. Respond to information and assistance requests from businesses, academic institutions, and the public

8. Conceive and implement exhibit design and interpretive signage utilizing current technologies, and type and condition of interpretive facilities and amenities

9. Prepare and manage realistic and responsible program budget and be fiscally responsible.

10. Assist in all aspects of the care and maintenance of existing captive animals

Community Outreach

1. Conceive and conduct special events that encourage use of CNCP trails and facilities by culturally diverse individuals and groups.

2. Assist in the coordination and facilitation of special events at the facilities

3. Staff CNCP centers and interpretive facilities on weekdays, weekends and/or holidays as required to ensure coverage.

4. Provide leadership and partnership with Volunteers to ensure CNCP consistently offers high-quality visitor services.

5. Coordinate CNCP’s participation in local community events including staffing, design, set-up and take-down

Qualifications:

1. Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies/Science, Education, Integrated Studies, or biology/science related fields.

2. Strong organizational, problem solving, and teaching skills.

3. Ability to work efficiently, in a group or individually.

4. Ability to work with and direct groups of all ages and sizes.

5. Comfortable working with children, seniors, and special needs groups.

6. Comfortable speaking to and directing large group events and activities such as nature walks or public shows and presentations.

7. Comfortable working with and around live animals including reptiles and raptors.

8. Comfortable assisting administration with events, programming, and other duties as assigned.

9. Computer literacy including but not limited to Microsoft Office.

10. Positive and outgoing demeanor.

Additionally, Ideal Candidate Will be/have:

1. 3+ years experience in environmental/outdoor education or similar field.

2. Strong outdoor classroom management skills.

3. Experience designing lesson plans to fit state science standards.

4. Knowledge of local flora and fauna.

5. Biking/kayaking/archery experience and teaching qualifications.

6. Experience with production of appropriate social media posts, including video production and editing.

7. First Aid/CPR (WFA/WFR preferred).