Assistant Naturalist

Organization

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Job Posted

February 3, 2025

Job status

Job Category

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Contact Name

Audrey Eisenhauer

Contact Email

audrey.eisenhauer@nhnature.org

Contact Phone

6039687194

Deadline to Apply

Location

Holderness, NH
United States
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (SLNSC) seeks an Assistant Naturalist to join our education team and teach school and public programs. Onsite programs are taught in our classrooms, trailside amphitheater, and outdoors utilizing the fields, ponds, and forests of the Science Center campus. Offsite programs are taught at schools, libraries, and at community organizations and events. Our animal ambassadors, primarily non-releasable native wildlife, featured in our education programs and on our live animal exhibit trail, are the primary vehicle through which we achieve our mission to advance the understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world.

Summary

Full Position Description: https://nhnature.org/who/careers.php

Role & Responsibilities:

  • Teach school programs, including programs at the Science Center, offsite at schools, and virtually. 
  • Develop and teach public programs such as live animal presentations, outreach programs, afterschool programs, homeschool programs, and environmental education programs for families. 
  • Plan and lead innovative, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for 3 to 4 weeks of summer nature day camps targeted for youth ages 5 through 13. 
  • Teach naturalist sessions with Blue Heron School students as scheduled. 
  • Handle and present live animal ambassadors, following our Animal Ambassador Policy, for educational purposes while ensuring the welfare and safety of animals, participants, and yourself. 
  • Complete a project of your own design and choice that supports the education department. Projects can be focused on things such as developing education programs, ambassador animal care and training, exhibit design, or community science. 
  • Assist in the design, construction, production, maintenance, and refurbishing of educational materials/props. 
  • Assist with special events. 
  • Effectively communicate and coordinate with all members of the Science Center team to ensure the success of programming. 

Application Process: 

  • To be considered for this role, qualified candidates must email Bonnie Baker, HR/Finance Manager, a resume and a cover letter of interest at bonnie.baker@nhnature.org. 
  • All applicants must submit a cover letter and professional resume to be considered. 
  • A completed SLNSC employment application will be required before the first interview. 
  • Applicants will receive an acknowledgment email within two days of submitting their credentials. 
  • Candidates will be selected for interviews within five to ten business days, and the interview process consists of a series of interviews with our hiring committee. 
  • Telephone inquiries are not permitted due to the high volume of applicants.

Compensation Information

Employment Classification: Non-exempt, hourly 
Employment Type: Full-time, temporary; a 10-month position from March to December 
Average Hours Worked: 40 hours per week, 80 hours per pay period 
Schedule: Flexible, Includes evenings and weekends 
Compensation: $17.00 per hour (Housing assistance is available) 
Paid Time Off: 9 Holidays, vacation days1, sick days, and personal days (pro-rated) 
Employer-sponsored Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending, and 403(b) 
Supplemental Benefits: An 8-person SLNSC membership, retail, program, cruise discounts, training, and professional development support. A complete summary of benefits can be provided upon request.

Temporary Housing Assistance

  • Housing is available at an estimated cost of $500 per month. 
  • Housing is located two miles from the Science Center in a private one-bedroom cottage. 
  • The cottage is located on a property with other units occupied by employees of local nonprofits. 
  • The property includes amenities such as pickleball courts, an outdoor fire pit, and lake access. 
  • Rent includes utilities and internet. 
  • Transportation is required to get to work, and amenities such as grocery stores. 
  • We do not assist with relocation expenses.