Naturalist - The Ridges Sanctuary

Position Service Site: The Ridges Sanctuary (Baileys Harbor, WI)

Service Time: June 6 – August 26, 2022 (450 Hour AmeriCorps Term) (12 weeks)

Benefits: Living stipend total for whole term = $4,026.72 (335.56 per week) Education Award = $1,718.25 upon successful completion of service.

Housing provided.

OVERVIEW: The Ridges Sanctuary mission is to protect the Sanctuary and inspire stewardship of natural areas through programs of education, outreach, and 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 1600 acres comprising fifteen discrete plant communities, 475 inventoried vascular plants, a Boreal Forest glacial relict and twenty-six of Wisconsin’s forty-nine native orchids. The Ridges has also established popular early childhood education programs, a nationally recognized Orchid Restoration Project, and welcomes over 35,000 visitors to our Nature Center each year.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION: The Ridges Sanctuary is seeking motivated individuals to join our team of naturalists. The primary responsibilities will be developing and leading educational programs for The Ridges Backpack Adventure Camps, leading guided hikes for adults and families, and to assist visitors at the Nature Center and along the trail. Other experiences include weekly immersion into the operations of the Organization including our Orchid Research Project, Land Management, and other special projects throughout the summer.

Training that will be provided, if not already completed:

· Knowledge of local natural history.

· Early Childhood Education Training

· CPR and Shaken Baby Syndrome

· Throughout the experience, there will be ongoing learning opportunities to expand your knowledge in education, research, preservation, and more!

RESPONSBILITIES:

Education Programs

· Assist with developing and teaching Backpack Adventure Camps for children ages 4 to 11.

· Lead nature hikes on a daily basis teaching visitors about The Ridges.

· Assist with group tours as needed.

· Participate in special events.

· Assist developing brochures, programs, activities to enhance the visitor experience.

Visitor Engagement

· Interact with visitors daily and answer questions about The Ridges, the Nature Center and Door County.

· Responsible for managing daily operations for visitors and members to include program registration, customer service, store sales, and other needs.

· Help answer incoming phone calls.

Research/Preservation

· Support land management and research staff in various projects throughout the summer such as orchid monitoring, plant surveys, and trail maintenance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· At least 18 years of age

· Experience in developing and delivering environmental education and/or camp programs.

· Lifeguard Certification and Experience is a plus

· Energetic and enthusiastic personality to help motivate children and collaborate with co-workers.

· Excellent communication skills.

· Withstand the physical demands of work which involves some lifting, carrying, bending and hiking across uneven terrain.

· Must pass a criminal background check.

To Apply: https://wiscorps.wufoo.com/forms/z73k2sn1hfyapg/

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $335.56 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: One location