Paradise Point Lead Naturalist

SCHEDULE: Seasonal position, full-time preferred, with part-time considered for the right candidate. May 21 – September 10, 2023, possible hours available starting early May for Center preparations advance of opening. Anticipated schedule: Weekends 8 am to 4 pm and Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Two hours on Tuesday evenings. Days off: Wednesdays & Thursdays. Expected to work most holidays and weekends with one 5-day block of time off during the summer. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:    

Programming & Exhibits – 50%  

• Spearheading program promotion, marketing, and facilitation of regularly occurring public programs at Paradise Point 
• Marketing and facilitating interpretive hikes and hands-on discovery activities for children, adults, and families.  
• Assisting with the facilitation of the Red Barn Speaker Series Tuesday evenings.  
• Leading canoe tours on Newfound Lake.  

• Planning and implementing outreach naturalist programs (possibly some evening programs).  
• Maintaining exhibits for the Newfound Center.    

Boats & Trails – 40%  

• Assist visitors with boat rentals including payment processing  

• Reporting and/or performing basic trail maintenance as needed.  
• Organizing, maintaining, and inventorying program equipment.  

Other related duties as assigned – 10%  

• Greeting and assisting visitors to the Center with general orientation, describing the benefits of NH Audubon membership   

LEADERSHIP: Reports to the Paradise Point Nature Center Coordinator    

WORKING CONDITIONS: NH Audubon’s work culture is characterized by excellent colleagues who share a collaborative spirit, commitment to mission, open communication, and high integrity.  Our offices are non-smoking, with both open workspaces and private offices. Expected to work in indoor & outdoor settings with varied terrain.   

QUALIFICATIONS:    

Education: Some higher education coursework completed in adventure education, environmental education, conservation, biology, natural history, or related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.    

Experience: Two years' experience working with the general public in situations requiring an array of different skills with demonstrated ability to make independent and coordinated decisions. Must have ARC or AHA Standard First Aid certification and CPR certification or equivalent, or willingness to obtain certifications prior to the start of employment; ARC First Responder or Life Guard certification or equivalent desirable.    

Interpretive and public speaking experience is a plus, along with canoe and kayak paddling experience. Knowledge of natural sciences is a plus, especially in ornithology, ecology, biology, geology, or other related fields.    

Skills, Traits and Characteristics Necessary for Success: Requires exceptional interpersonal skills, attention to detail, good problem-solving skills, and a high degree of organization. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to develop a good rapport and positive relations with the public. Must have the ability to prioritize and complete work tasks on time in a complex and dynamic workflow, a positive attitude, excellent customer service skills, ability to work independently, and a professional and courteous manner. Must pass a criminal background check. Must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 and can provide COVID vaccination card. Access to reliable personal transportation and maintaining a clean driving record is a necessity.   

Physical Demands: To perform the essential functions of the position, the following applies: requires standing, stretching, bending, walking, lifting about 50 lbs. (transporting and handling canoes and kayaks down steep slopes). Must be able to climb stairs and navigate outdoor trails which includes steep and rocky terrain, lake environment as well as be physically and mentally capable of performing multiple tasks under pressure and be able to function in a fast paced indoors and diverse outdoors environment. Ability to participate in moderately active programming including hiking, kayaking, and canoeing as necessary. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUITY STATEMENT: NH Audubon is a welcoming inclusive organization that is committed to ensuring people of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and respected. NH Audubon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or Vietnam Era/Disabled Veteran status, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NH Audubon complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where NH Audubon has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  

TO APPLY: Please send resume and cover letter resume to the hiring committee at: jobs@nhaudubon.org with "Paradise Point Lead Naturalist Application" in the subject line.