Nature Camp Naturalist

Who We Are 

Founded in 1916, Birds Connect Seattle is one of the oldest environmental nonprofit organizations in the region. Everything we do is to benefit our mission for people and birds. 

Locations of Work* 

North end locations: 

• Kruckeberg Botanic Garden - 20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177 
• North Seattle College - 9600 College Way N, Seattle, WA 98103 

South end locations:  

• Environmental Science Center at Seahurst Park - 2220 SW Seahurst Park Rd, Burien, WA 98166 
• Explorer West Middle School - 10015 28th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146 

*Naturalists will be assigned roles at either north end or south end locations, with occasional travel to other sites 

Meetings, trainings, and supply pick up may occur at the Birds Connect Seattle office – 8050 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Teach age-appropriate ecology, cultural, and art education activities to children between the ages of 6-12, in field group of 10-12 campers.  Lead educational lessons, games, and team-building activities with your assigned field groups to foster a fun and respectful camp spirit. 
• Supervise campers at all times, conduct regular head counts, and uphold safety measures while out in public places. 
• Tailor activities to camper needs to create a fun and engaging camp learning environment.  
• Support camper behavior management using principles of Positive Discipline, including family communications and meetings as needed, with the Camp On-Site Coordinator's help.  
• Monitor camper safety and comfort; assist with health care and first aid as needed; respond to accidents and emergencies appropriately.   
• Act as a mentor to volunteer high school students (Jr. Naturalists) assigned to your group.   
• Assist with camp set-up, breakdown, and cleanup. 

Required Qualifications and Skills  

The ideal candidate will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and prior experience working with children, ideally in an informal education or camp setting. BA/BS in science, education, or related field is great. Bonus skills such as art, storytelling, music, and writing are highly desirable, as is enthusiasm for learning about PNW ecology. Though you don’t have to be a bird or birding expert, you should have a willingness to seek knowledge and share your passion for nature. 

Adult and Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification required by start of work  

Birds Connect Seattle will provide certifications to those who need them at no cost. 

Commitment  

Full time, seasonal: 10 weeks between June 17 – August 23 OR June 24 – August 30, (includes one week of training, 9 weeks of camp, and breaking down camp at the end of the summer). 

Expected hours from 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Monday through Friday.    

Other Benefits 

Staff discount at the Birds Connect Seattle Nature Shop 

A fee waiver for one Birds Connect Seattle class 

Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid Certification provided at no cost 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer 

It is the policy of Birds Connect Seattle to administer advertising, selection, employment, compensation, promotion, training, layoff, recall, and benefits at all levels without regard to race, gender, gender identity or gender expression, color, creed, national origin, age, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, physical, mental or sensory disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Birds Connect Seattle strictly prohibits any sexual, racial or other forms of discrimination prohibited by law. 

How to apply 

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume as one (1) combined electronic PDF file to jobs@birdsconnectsea.org with Nature Camp Naturalist in the subject line OR submit paper versions of these documents mailed to or dropped off at Birds Connect Seattle, 8050 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115. No phone calls please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis upon receipt, and the position remains open until filled.