Lead Naturalist

Organization

Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society

Job Category

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Contact Name

George-Ann Maxson

Contact Email

ynp@spearheadmhas.org

Contact Phone

218-586-3414

Location

Bemidji, MN
United States

The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society is seeking enthusiastic and engaging persons to apply for the 9-week long head naturalist position at Neilson Spearhead Center (NSC) to start in mid-June and run through mid-August. The program will primarily be week-long nature-based day camp sessions; however some sessions will have an overnight as part of the overall experience. See www.spearheadMHAS.org for information on the Young Naturalist Program, the Neilson Spearhead Center, and the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society.

Summary

The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society is seeking enthusiastic and engaging persons to apply for the 9-week long head naturalist position at Neilson Spearhead Center (NSC) to start in mid-June and run through mid-August.  The program will primarily be week-long nature-based day camp sessions; however some sessions will have an overnight as part of the overall experience.  See www.spearheadMHAS.org for information on the Young Naturalist Program, the Neilson Spearhead Center, and the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society.

Position responsibilities: 

  • Coordinate and implement the weekly day camp sessions, including one to three overnights over the course of the summer;  
  • Coordinate program and lesson planning, design and implementation with an emphasis on the Neilson Spearhead Center and Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society mission and goals;
  • Be on-site from 8:00am to 4:30pm week-days, or longer if needed; be available to lead the overnight sessions;
  • Coordinate and implement day-long outdoor activities that are interactive, experiential, and accommodate a wide range of learning modes for people age 7years to adult.  
  • Excite the participants, building upon their natural curiosity and sense of wonder as you explore the trails, the lake, and other natural communities; 
  • Provide information about the local natural history and help to develop an environmental ethic and sense of stewardship in program participants; and
  • Completing the weekly lesson plans, weekly and daily activity summaries and other “paperwork” as necessary.
  • Supervise and provide  direction to the  Assistant Naturalist and volunteers.

Qualifications:  Education, Knowledge and Skills

  • 4 year degree in Natural Sciences or education or equivalent 2 year degree and experience
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience with grade school age youth in an outdoor setting. 
  • Safety training - First aid and CPR certification required .
  • Swimming ability. Prefer lifeguard certification or training.
  • Ability to engage youth..  
  • Ability to lead hands-on activities  with children in mud, muck, water, and woods.  
  • Able to deal with spiders, ticks, biting insects and poisonous plants. 
  • Works as a team member with the MHAS Education Committee, Board, staff and participants to meet young naturalist and Audubon goals.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills.
  • Experience with aquatic ecosystems 
  • Knowledge of Northern Minnesota Ecology
  • Experience canoeing; knowledge of basic canoeing strokes 
  • Ability to hike uneven terrain.  
  • Familiar with use of field guides and identification keys.

If interested, email your resume with a letter of interest to mhas@spearheadmhas.org

Compensation Information

$20 to $25/hr based on experience and education.