Position Title:  Teacher Naturalist (Seasonal)

Reports To: Program Manager

Status: Contract Personnel

Start Date: Mid August – Mid December

General Description:  The Teacher Naturalist (TN) is the front-line educational staff for all ONSC programming and program-related operations.  TN’s lead educational activities including interpretive hikes/field investigations on the trail, off-site trips, special topic classes, and various other activities. Programs range from one day to a full week for the duration of the summer season.  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).

Goals:

• Provide exceptional learning experiences to participants of all ages.
• Learn, demonstrate, and share conservation-minded habits.
• Maintain safety as the number one priority in all center activities.

Duties:

• Teach and lead groups of program participants of any age both in the field and the classroom
• Actively participate in appropriate group briefing and debriefing meetings
• 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 programs and the development of new programs as assigned
• 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.
• Provide logistical and supervisory support for ONSC programs and participants, including during ONSC meals, orientation of students and guests, maintenance of facilities and equipment
• Making presentations to interested groups, hosting and providing supplies and assistance for visiting groups and other duties as assigned
• Provide at all times for the safety of students and peers and other ONSC guests to the best of your ability.
• To be a professional representative of ONSC at all times
• Use knowledgeably, maintain and return at your departure, all teaching and safety equipment assigned
• Actively engage in self-improvement as a naturalist and informal science educator
• To maintain in an appropriate manner, staff housing provided for you during your time of employment at ONSC
• Maintain active communication with the Program Manager on issues of importance relating to programming and operations.
• Participate in the preparation and production of ONSC L.I.V.E. (www.onsc.us/live)

Candidate Requirements:

• 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
• Ability to hike long distances, over uneven terrain, in all seasons and varying weather conditions
• CPR & basic First Aid trained, Wilderness First Aid preferred.
• Ability to work as a team
• Desire to continually develop as both an educator and a naturalist

Ozark Natural Science center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, residential, environmental education and conference facility in the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks.  ONSC provides overnight programming for regional schools students, summer campers, and adult groups annually.  Our campus is located on the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission’s Bear Hollow Natural Area. Programming includes experiential, field science, ecology and environmental education topics during activities such as hiking, arts, and more.

The mission of the Ozark Natural Science Center is to enhance the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the Ozark Natural Environment.