Location: Vero Beach, FL
About the Organization
The mission of the Environmental Learning Center (ELC), a not-for-profit nature center located in Vero Beach, FL, is to educate, inspire and empower all people, including those with minimal access to nature, to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being. Now in its 27th year, the ELC serves on- and off-site nearly 20,000 children and adults through school excursion, camp, adult education, professional development and other programs. Its 64-acre campus is surrounded on three sides by the Indian River Lagoon, an estuary of national significance, and is 1.4 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The campus includes native plant gardens, an interactive museum including aquaria and touch tank, pontoon boat and canoes, children’s nature play area, visitor center, gift shop, picnic facilities and more. One and a half miles of raised boardwalks, trails, docks and elevated lookout stations with educational signage and a wireless audio tour also allow guests an educational first-hand experience of mangrove forests and the lagoon.
Position Summary
The Naturalist is an invaluable team member of the ELC, helping to strengthen current programs and create new nature education and outreach initiatives focused on building a positive relationship between people and the environment. Reporting to the Education Director, the Naturalist is responsible for working closely with the organization’s fellow staff and large volunteer core in planning, developing, and implementing environmental education and enrichment activities for youth and adults on- and off-campus, with particular focus on expanding the organization’s offerings for diverse audiences including those who have minimal contact with nature and/or are facing financial, physical and/or psychological challenges. This is a new position for the organization.
Representative Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and teach cross-disciplinary, participatory programs including but not limited to school field trip, camp, professional development and adult enrichment programs. Collaborate with other organizations in developing, maintaining and assessing impact of nature-based programs that serve community needs. Contribute to the expansion and maintenance of interpretive exhibits and displays, including aquaria. Assist in project and funding proposal development in collaboration with fellow staff and community members. Represent the organization at community events and in other venues, as applicable. Other duties as required.
Qualifications
Required: Bachelor’s degree in an area related to the organization’s mission and initiatives, e.g. environmental education, environmental social sciences, environmental communications, ecological or conservation-based biological sciences, or human health. Minimum of two years relevant professional experience. Positive, energetic, and outgoing attitude with a strong work ethic, team-player mentality, and willingness and ability to adapt to changing scenarios. Creativity and passion for engaging diverse audiences with nature in a variety of settings. Out-of-the-box strategic thinking and ability to implement plans that support moving the organization forward. Self-motivated, and committed to working with audiences who have minimal contact with nature. A willingness to continually learn. Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for transportation to off-site programs (mileage reimbursed). Two years of professional experience.
Preferred: Master’s degree in Environmental Education or Environmental/Conservation Psychology, or an area related to the organization’s mission as described above, with a minimum of three years’ relevant professional experience. Strong educational or professional experience using nature as therapy or to improve quality of life for diverse audiences. Experience in project planning, funding proposal development and assessment. Experience in interpretive techniques and teaching Master Naturalist programs. Knowledge of Florida plants and ecology.
Physical and Sensory Requirements
Physical requirements include working outdoors under physically demanding conditions, sitting, standing, walking, lifting and carrying objects up to 30 pounds. Sensory requirements include the ability to communicate with and respond to staff, volunteers and the public in a friendly manner.
Hours and Benefits
Full-time position with benefits. Some weekend and evening programming required.
To Apply
Submit a resume and cover letter detailing your experience as it relates to the position, and salary requirements, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Salary commensurate with experience.
