Naturalist

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biogeography, wildlife biology, animal science, or equivalent natural science; or Master’s degree in peripheral field that includes significant natural science coursework. 

Local Ecological Knowledge

Must possess a thorough understanding of basic ecological principles, and exhibit the desire to learn through both formal and informal training, the ecology of the Denali National Park and Otto Lake areas. These ecological principles include: physical geography (atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere); subarctic terrestrial & aquatic biomes; species evolution and adaptations; behavioral & reproductive ecology; mutualism & commensalism; succession; and biochemical cycles. 

Experience

Requires a minimum of two years professional presentation experience beyond academic degree program.

PRIMARY DUTIES

The Naturalist primary responsibility includes front-line delivery and execution of ecological programing, including presentations to guest audiences and nature walks. In general, we blend scientific understanding with communication skills to foster greater guest appreciation for the natural world.

DDC PROGRAMMING

Presentation programs are generally either 20- or 45-minutes in length, on a variety of ecological, cultural or historical subjects relative to the Denali area; but all with the intent of helping guests appreciate what they see, both large and small.  We also offer guided nature walks of varying length within the taiga communities of the immediate Otto Lake area.  

PROGRAMMATIC PHILOSOPHY 

The job of the DDC naturalist is to assist guests in creating more meaningful experiences and personal interpretations of the natural world, with a focus on the immediate Denali area.  We introduce a few simple tools to help them observe, and therefore better connect with the natural world around them.

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION

The Denali Discovery Center Naturalist is considered a 1/2-time regular seasonal position, requiring a minimum of 20-hours of dedicated work time per week. The employment period runs from May 3, 2027 through the end of August, 2027.

PROGRAMMATIC REQUIREMENTS

The requirements of this position are for a maximum of eight (8) program presentations and/or guided nature walks per week, along with work toward program improvement. 

Each program, with the exception of a two-hour Special Nature Hike, require two-hours of work, which include program set-up time and conversing with guests following program conclusion. The two-hour Special Nature Hike requires 2.5 hours of work.

There are generally 16-hours of program delivery during an 8-program week, which leaves a minimum 4-hours for program revision and ecological study. If there are fewer than 8-programs per week, the additional time commitment is determined by subtracting two (2) hours for each program from the 20-hour expectation. For example, if only five (5) programs are delivered, there is the expectation of 10-hours work toward program revision and continuing ecological study.

PROGRAM SCHEDULING

The scheduling of programs in this industry requires flexibility. Within the season there are frequent requests for program dates and times by clients with short lead-times that take several days to a week or more to confirm. As a result, much of the time we cannot issue work schedules more than a week in advance, and in some cases less than a week ahead of time. Changes to schedules are also very common, and can occur with less than a day’s notice, or sometimes even on the same day as the originally scheduled program. Programs are typically scheduled with start times between 8am-7pm. If flexible scheduling may be an issue for you, then working for Premier Alaska Tours may not be a good match. Please make sure this type of scheduling environment is workable for you before applying for this position.

TRAINING

Completion of pre-season and in-season assigned training programs is required. This training will consist of comprehensive information that will prepare a Naturalist for program delivery at the DDC. Pre-season training will begin May 3, 2027.

SUPERVISION

Works under the Denali Interpretive Manager and Denali Discovery Center Program Coordinator. 

APPLICATION

To apply for the Naturalist position, please email letter of interest including a brief overview of your ecological knowledge of Denali and/or willingness to receive additional ecological training as deemed necessary by the interpretive manager, along with a resume or vitae, and a list of three professional references to David.Arnold@touralaska.net by February 19, 2027.