What are the responsibilities and job description for the NATURALIST position at The Wildlands Conservancy?
ORGANIZATION
The Wildlands Conservancy (TWC) is a private nonprofit public benefit organization dedicated to preserve the
beauty and biodiversity of the earth and to provide programs so that children may know the wonder and joy of
nature.
LOCATION
The Oak Glen Preserve, a 909-acre nature preserve located in Oak Glen, CA.
THE POSITION
Conduct outdoor education programs teaching children in multiple grade levels environmental, science-based and
cultural programs. Topics include forest ecology and ecosystems, watersheds, geology, animal adaptations, wildlife
habitats, early inhabitants of the area and activities relating to the enjoyment of nature’s beauty. Responsible for
providing a safe and interactive learning experience to school and youth groups, and activities and interpretive
programs for families and public visitors. Additional responsibilities include working on the Preserve, greeting
visitors and performing public contact. Requires weekend work.Weekly hours range from 18-24 per week, with
reduced or no scheduled hours during school and program breaks. Bilingual (English and Spanish) is highly
desired.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Effectively relate TWC’s mission and interact positively with visitors, teachers, education professionals, students,
residents and community groups.
Engages visitors to sign up for our Behold the Beauty Association. Greets public visitors, provides information to the
general public, ensures their safety and enforces Preserve rules and regulations.
Assists with regular cleaning and organizing of the Preserve office, in addition to cleaning and stocking trail
restrooms on a daily basis. Perform litter removal, as needed.
Lead interpretive natural history, cultural history and science discussions while at a hands-on activity station or on
a nature hike while walking up to six miles per day in uneven terrain, at 5000’ elevation, in a variety of weather
conditions.
Direct students and the public in scientific observations and activities using guidebooks, ocular devices, and
monitoring and measuring equipment, and other related items.
Involve students in spontaneous interactive learning exercises.
Lead and assist with volunteer programs.
Maintain educational program and informational materials and program sites.
May conduct weekend, evening and off-site programs for families and the general public.
Performs clerical duties including and not limited to answering phones, taking reservations, scanning documents,
filing, keeping statistics, data input, and other paperwork.
Reports safety hazards or maintenance needs as necessary.
Assist with trail maintenance, invasive eradication, and habitat enhancement/restoration projects, including
participation in staff planting days.
Performs other duties relating to land stewardship, education, and clerical functions as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with multiple age groups and cultures in the natural sciences, environmental education,
- Able to work flexible hours (including weekends and some evenings)
- Passionate about the outdoors, have a personal dedication to environmental conservation and education.
January 17, 2023
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle, valid California Driver License, and ability to be insured under TWC’s
- Pass Live Scan criminal history background check, drug screen, and TB Clearance (post-job offer).
- Current CPR/First Aid training or ability to acquire within ninety days of hire.
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) is highly desired.
COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS
- Effectively teach and interpret interactive outdoor programs to children and adults.
- Excellent communication (written and verbal in English).
- Handle difficult student behavior effectively and with discretion.
- Work with minimal direct supervision.
- Positive, upbeat, and enthusiastic about working in a non-profit environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Lead education-based hikes up to six miles per day, at 5000’ elevation, in uneven terrain in a variety of
- Perform other routine walking, standing, sitting, reaching, bending, kneeling, speaking, learning, and
- Perform standard office functions such as filing, typing, learning, photocopying, scanning, and speaking on
- operating a motor vehicle.
CLASSIFICATION & COMPENSATION
Non-exempt, part-time 18-24 hours per week with fluctuations in hours throughout the year. Starting pay is
$17.00-$17.50 per hour based on skills/ experience. In accordance with California’s pay transparency requirements,
the pay scale for the position is $17-19 an hour.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Wildlands Conservancy is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying
with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and
regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or
retaliation based on an individual’s race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as
braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national
origin, ancestry, citizenship (including those who hold a drivers license granted under vehicle code 12801.9 ), physical
or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital
status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender (including gender
identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status,
protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California
Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal,
state, or local laws. We are dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment,
including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other
compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or
responsibilities that are required of the employee. Employment with The Wildlands Conservancy is on an “at-will”
basis. This means employment may be terminated at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause.
Likewise, we respect an employees right to leave Wildlands at any time, with or without notice and with or without
cause. Additionally, the terms of employment at TWC, including but not limited to, promotion, demotion, discipline,
transfer, compensation, benefits, duties, and location of work may be changed by Wildlands at any time, with or
without notice, and for any or for no reason. Nothing in this document should be understood as creating a contract,
guaranteed or continued employment, a right to termination only “for cause,” or any other guarantee of continued
benefits or employment or interpreted, applied, or enforced to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the
exercise of their rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position email your cover letter expressing why you make the ideal candidate along with
your resume to jobs@wildlandsconservancy.org.
January 17, 2023
Salary : $17 - $18