Become a SUN Guide!

Seattle Urban Nature Guides enhance, promote and foster appreciation of nature by connecting families and students with their Seattle parklands, and providing educational opportunities for all.

As a SUN Guide, you will:

• Learn Job Skills such as public speaking, education techniques, team work and organization.
• Enjoy a community of fellow volunteers and city staff.
• Receive training on Pacific Northwest flora and fauna, habitats and environmental education techniques for diverse audiences and cultural competency
• Lead hands on learning experiences in a variety of settings from playgrounds to beaches. 

Commitment:

• Lead a minimum of 8 education events each year.
• Complete 4 days of training in Fall 2017 (choose either Thursday or Saturday trainings).

Locations:

Various places and parks in Seattle, including Discovery Park and Camp Long Environmental Learning Centers.

Service Days & Hours: 

Choose to volunteer Tuesday – Friday, and/or weekends.  Programs and events are an average of 2 hours.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Full Job Description

Duties for Seattle Urban Nature Guide:

• Complete training
• Lead and support interpretive and educational programs with school groups and or community and public groups.
• Communicate frequently with city staff regarding scheduling, upcoming events, and other details.
• Provide park information and corrective education to the public when appropriate.
• Commit to continuing self-education about environmental education for diverse audiences. 
• Commit to achieving cultural competence.

Benefits:

• Discover the natural and cultural history of Seattle Parks and Recreation various habitats.
• Develop and hone communication, education and group management skills.
• Share fun, fellowship and community with others who enjoy nature and appreciation of parklands throughout Seattle.

Requirements:

• Attend all training and commit to lead 8 programs or events by the spring of 2018.
• Enjoy working with diverse members of the public.
• Follow policies and procedures of the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation
• Ability and stamina to lead group walks over rough terrain.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to transport yourself to event locations in parks throughout Seattle in a reliable manner, and to take a Defensive Driving course.

Training:

Spring Guide Training:

• 30 hours of formal training.  1 Thursday evening, 3 Thursdays OR 3 Saturdays and one Saturday morning. 
• Program observations of veteran SUNGuides or city education staff is required.
• Spring training focus is pond and beach habitat, teaching techniques, interpretive methods, group dynamics, and cultural competence.

Fall Guide Training

• 30 hours of formal training. 4 Thursdays OR 4 Saturdays
• Program observations of veteran SUNGuides or city education staff is required.
• Fall training focus is forest habitat, teaching techniques, interpretive techniques, cultural competence and specialized programs

Continuing Education Sessions:

• Skill-building, natural history classes and evaluations are offered throughout the year.  

Applications due August 4!

Questions?  Contact Penny Rose at penny.rose@seattle.gov or (206) 386 – 4250.