Baylands Interpretive Center Weekend Naturalist

The Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is looking for a Baylands Interpretive Center Weekend Naturalist (Recreation Leader III) to staff public hours at the Baylands Nature Interpretive Center,  Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. each day. Each weekend, the Nature Interpretive Center receives approximately 100 - 200 visitors. Some stop in while hiking the beautiful trails of the Baylands for a quick break, while others travel to the Center specifically to learn about the flora, fauna and ecology of this special salt marsh that is home to thousands of migratory birds and permanent avian residents, small mammals, reptiles, arthropods, fish and other water dwellers, and many unique marsh plants. The Center is a particular favorite stopover for birders and nature photographers practicing their craft in the Preserve. The Weekend Naturalist will be expected to answer questions about plant and animal life in the Preserve, the history of the Preserve, and how humans have worked to preserve the Baylands salt marsh and others like it in the region.
 
Desired Qualifications:
Successful applicants will possess a thorough knowledge of the flora, fauna and ecology of the Baylands Preserve, a natural salt marsh. They will be passionate about education and conservation of natural spaces, and they will enjoy interacting with people in an educational setting. They will be available and willing to work from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday (excluding City of Palo Alto holidays). Professional or educational background in the natural sciences is preferred. This is a great job for retired adults looking to spend a few hours each week in a beautiful space and share their love of nature with others.
 
Hours of work:
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Saturdays and Sundays

Limited Hourly Position:  This is an unbenefited position that is limited to working no more than 415 hours per fiscal year (July-June).The Weekend Naturalist will open the building and prepare it for visitors, making sure exhibits (both inside the building and on the surrounding exterior deck) are clean. This position will also keep track of the number of visitors who attend each day. They will answer, as able, visitor questions about plant and animal life in the Preserve, the history of the Preserve, and how humans have worked to preserve the Baylands salt marsh and others like it in the region.  As needed, the Weekend Naturalist will help with special programming in the Nature Center during open hours.Position requires at least 2 years of experience and specialized skills or advanced certifications in a related field including:

Summer Camps
Teen Outreach Leaders
Coaches
Substitute Teachers
Sports Camp Leaders (CPR and First Aid)
Sport Officials (CPR and First Aid)
Pool Manager
Gymnastics/Dance Instructors (Recreation Leader II requirements and Safety Certification and one of the following certifications:  Professional Development Program II, Kinder Accreditation for Teachers or Movement Education and Learning Development.)

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The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential 

accommodations with the employer.