Naturalist

About The Ridges Sanctuary 

The Ridges Sanctuary promotes positive environmental behaviors through impactful educational experiences, land protection and ecological research. The Ridges was established in 1937 after Albert Fuller, then Curator of Botany at the Milwaukee Public Museum, began spending a significant amount of time surveying the landscape. Fuller spearheaded a grassroots movement to protect this incredibly diverse property and establish Wisconsin’s first land trust. The Ridges now protects over 1,600 acres comprising fifteen discrete plant communities, 475 inventoried vascular plants, a Boreal Forest glacial relict, and twenty-nine of Wisconsin’s forty-nine native orchids. The Ridges has also established popular education programs for all ages, a nationally recognized Orchid Restoration Project, and welcomes over 35,000 visitors to the Nature Center each year.  

Position Summary  

The Naturalist is a full-time and non-exempt role and reports to the Program Director. This position supports the ongoing implementation of interpretive programming, creation of informal learning experiences for visitors, and messaging and communications through our website and social media. This position will work closely with programming, education, and marketing staff to support the annual work plan. This position will start on May 20th, 2024, with some flexibility for alternative starting dates.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Programming (75%) 

• Work with the Program Director to facilitate and implement regular onsite interpretative programming related to the history and ecology of the Sanctuary 
• Creating informal learning experiences to engage with visitors of The Ridges 
• Coordinate group tours and guided hikes as needed 
• Interact with visitors and volunteers daily to answer questions about The Ridges, the Nature Center and Door County 
• Support the coordination of special events 
• Participate in and establish additional programs as assigned 

Marketing (20%) 

• Manage The Ridges Sanctuary website events calendar 
• Develop creative messaging and communication for Ridges programs 
• Support the implementation of new marketing strategies as it relates to communication and engagement.  
• Participate in copy editing for publications and additional messaging.  

Administrative (5%) 

• Meet with staff on a regular basis to share program ideas, collaborate on programs and events, etc. 
• Contribute to the programming operations budget annually.  
• Prepare program reports as needed  
• Help answer incoming phone calls 

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED  

Qualifications & Skills 

• At minimum, an undergraduate degree in environmental interpretation, environmental education, or related field 
• Experience in developing and delivering environmental education or interpretive programs for all ages and abilities 
• Energetic and enthusiastic personality to help motivate visitors and collaborate with co-workers 
• Knowledge of local natural history preferred 
• Excellent communication skills for all ages 
• Strong customer service skills 
• Retail/Service Industry experience a plus 
• Withstand the physical demands of work which involves some lifting, carrying, bending and hiking across uneven terrain 
• Must pass a criminal background check 

How to Apply 

Please send a cover letter and resume electronically to anna@ridgessanctuary.org with the subject line “Naturalist Application” by April 26th, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

The Ridges Sanctuary is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally-protected status.