Position: Lead Nature Interpreter (Winter 2020)
Organization: Allan Brooks Nature Centre
Location: Vernon, BC
Eligibility: 15-30 years of age (see below)
Allan Brooks Nature Centre Society (ABNCS) is a charitable not-for-profit organization that educates and engages the public around the natural history of flora and fauna, ecosystems and stewardship of nature in the Okanagan. We provide education, resources, and hands-on opportunities and experiences to learn and appreciate the Okanagan’s unique and diverse natural history. Our work is motivated by the understanding that healthy ecosystems, environmental stewardship, and habitat conservation are all important and that these depend on informed, engaged, and empowered public, especially young people and their families, to care about nature. To learn more about Allan Brooks Nature Centre, visit our website http://www.abnc.ca
Lead Nature Interpreter (Winter 2020)
The Lead Nature Interpreter will directly contribute to the ABNC mission through the design, development and delivery of on-site environmental education programs for children, youth, seniors and special interest groups. This position will also act as one of the primary liaisons between visitors and ABNC, providing the community with first-hand experiences of the Okanagan and ABNC through greeting visitors, nature interpretation and delivery of programs and services at the Nature Centre.
Reporting to the Education Program Coordinator, this position works closely with all staff of the Education Program team.
Work Term
This position is dependent on funding and is anticipated to be full time (up to 35 hrs per week) from January 7th, 2020 to May 1st, 2020, with the possibility of extension. The work term will be confirmed after the confirmation of funding.
Candidates must be available to work regular days and hours, including some evenings, weekends and holidays.
The starting wage is $16.00 – $18.00 per hour and is dependent upon experience and knowledge.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide a positive, enthusiastic ecological and/or cultural learning experience to visitors through informative and interpretive guided tours;
- Research and provide information and facts about flora & fauna, and ecosystems in the Okanagan;
- Design and develop new experiential programming;
- Lead nature interpretive programs indoor and outdoor independently to individual visitors and small to large-sized (4 to 20+) groups;
- Assist in the development of new outdoor interpretive signage;
- Lead the design and installation of a new nature play space;
- Develop activities for and supervise summer day camps (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays) for children 4 – 12 years of age;
- Assist in the planning of ABNC events and family activities;
- Work with other staff & volunteers to ensure the best possible experience for public while they visit Allan Brooks Nature Centre;
- Advertise school programs and summer camps, and take program bookings;
- Liaise with education program volunteers to ensure full coverage of all programs;
- Supervise, motivate and support ABNC volunteers under the direction of the Education Program Coordinator to encourage the success of the Nature Centre;
- Assist landscaping volunteers and personnel in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the ABNC nature site, buildings and trails.
- Assist with creating and developing new displays and programs for the Nature Centre;
- Assist with incorporating Okanagan language, local legends (chaptiks) and cultural values into public programming and information presented at the Nature Centre;
- Provide direct support for the Grasslands, Building & Grounds and/or volunteer committee projects, as required.
General Duties & Responsibilities
- Coordinate work schedules and teamwork activities with the Education Program Coordinator and the Education Team to help ensure efficient and effective delivery of programs;
- Maintain indoor exhibits, floors and displays in a clean and safe condition;
- Assist with daily tasks of the Nature Centre, including working the front desk, answering phone calls, handling cash, completing daily cash reports and cleaning;
- Represent ABNC at public and private ABNC functions, as required.
Qualifications, Abilities and Educational requirements:
- Must be between 15-30 years of age at the start of the employment;
- Have strong interpersonal, intercultural and intergenerational skills to ensure clear communication across all visitors, volunteer and staff personnel;
- Strong conflict resolution and relationship building skills;
- Knowledge of nature in the Okanagan preferable, and/or the ability to learn quickly and integrate new information;
- Experience and ability to confidently educate and inspire groups of people through public speaking;
- Experience and ability to confidently supervise and lead Summer Day Camps for children aged 4 – 12;
- Ability to make sound judgment and respond tactfully as the leader of the visitor, volunteer groups and summer day camps;
- Previous experience as a supervisor and/or an outdoor guide an asset;
- Educational/practical background or interest in science, education and/or nature interpretation;
- Self-directed, highly organized with strong coordination skills. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and problem solve;
- Able to work independently and with minimal supervision;
- Able to work under pressure and adapt quickly to changing priorities;
- Flexibility and willingness to adjust hours to accommodate the needs of the role and ABNC program scheduling needs;
- Passionate about nature, education and working with a great group of people while having fun;
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment;
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number and be eligible to work in Canada.
The position requires candidates to:
- Have a valid BC Driver’s License and be willing to provide a driver’s abstract for review;
- Have a reliable vehicle available to them;
- Have or willing to obtain Occupational First Aid Level 1 (or acceptable equivalent);
- Provide a Criminal Records Check;
- Lifeguard certification would be an asset;
- Indoor and outdoor work during all seasons and types of weather in both independent and team settings;
- Occasionally lift boxes 15 pounds or less, climb ladders, and safely lead groups of visitors around the grounds for the duration of approximately one hour.
Please apply by emailing your resume and cover letter ‘stating why you would be an ideal fit for this role’ attention of Chantelle Adams at education@abnc.ca by December 2nd, 2019.
Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews will be held accordingly. Please state “Lead Nature Interpreter” in your email subject line.
Thank you in advance for your interest – we will do our best to reply to all applicants; however, in the event of a high number of applications only short-listed candidates will be contacted.