The Reserve Connection (TRC) is seeking to hire an Interpretive Naturalist to work on The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo (The Reserve). TRC is responsible for public programming on The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, a growing habitat reserve located in South Orange County, California. Currently, The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo is approximately 7,000 acres in size, but over time is anticipated to grow to approximately 20,000 acres in size.
The Reserve is dedicated to connecting visitors to the land through our community education and stewardship programs. The Interpretive Naturalist will join our team and assist in making these connections by providing school education and interpretive programs for visitors, and by leading stewardship projects, such as invasive plant removal and trail maintenance.
Core Duties:
• Teach educational programs to students grades K-12 in an outdoor setting and virtual platforms
• Lead interpretive hikes, walks, lectures, presentations and programs to the public, volunteers and community groups
• Lead stewardship programs to school and community groups including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration
• Participate in habitat restoration projects including planting and caring for native plants, removing invasive species, monitoring and helping manage restoration sites
• Prepare information for educational and interpretive materials on natural and cultural history
• Plan, prepare and lead summer camp programs
• Handle and care for a variety of animals, including snakes, insects and spiders
• Lead Environmental Science High School Internship program
• Create consistent, meaningful content on all social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and YouTube)
Communication Skills:
• Create and maintain strong cooperative relationships with visitors, coworkers, community agencies, school personnel, volunteers, and professional individuals
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Represent Reserve programs at various partner and community events
• Promote Reserve programs via social media and email marketing
Knowledge and Skills:
• B.S or B.A in ecology, biology, environmental studies, environmental education, recreation or a related field; or equivalent work experience
• Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Minimum of two (2) years prior teaching or interpretive experience
• Basic knowledge of local flora and fauna of Southern California is essential to this position
• Competency in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, or Canva software
Working Conditions/Physical Abilities:
• Comfortable being outside in variable weather and physical conditions
• Ability to move up to thirty (30) pounds, load and unload supplies, set up, and breakdown equipment
• Hike quickly for up to three (3) miles in an emergency situation to obtain assistance
Licenses/Certifications:
• A valid California Driver’s License is required
• CPR/First Aid certification (provided upon employment)
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) or Certified Interpretive Host (CIH) certification from the National Association of Interpretation preferred
$18.00/hour, Full-time with benefits. Must be available to work two weekend days per month.
Interested persons should email a resume to Executive Director, Leeta Latham at llatham@nullrmvreserve.org. Deadline for submissions: 4/11/2021