Summer Naturalist, Stowe Land Trust (VT)

Job Description

OVERVIEW

Gain valuable on-the-job, career driven work experience with Stowe Land Trust (SLT) as a summer naturalist in Stowe, Vermont.  This position assists with the operation of the conserved Mill Trail property and supports community outreach and management of SLT’s other conserved properties.  The position will focus on:

  • Acting as an ambassador for SLT at the Mill Trail property and within the community
  • Developing and leading interpretive programs and outings for people of all ages
  • Planning and leading volunteer workdays for youth and adults
  • Partnering with youth groups, summer camps, and local schools to offer programming
  • Assisting with other outreach activities and events
  • Assisting with additional SLT events as needed/time allows

The Summer Naturalist will assist with the regular stewardship activities and outreach programs conducted by SLT in the summer season under the supervision of the Conservation Program Manager who oversees stewardship and outreach activities for SLT.

TIME COMMITMENT

Position runs mid-June through September.  The completion date for this position may be flexible.  Position will average 28 hours per week.  Weekend work is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Deliver weekly Saturday open houses and interpretive programming at the Mill Trail property.

  • Answer questions from visitors about SLT, the cabin, and surrounding property.
  • Plan and lead guided walks of the cabin and property.
  • Design and host interpretive programs on natural and cultural history.
  • Perform minor maintenance tasks on and around the cabin as needed.

Develop and lead outings and educational programs on other SLT-conserved lands.

  • Partner with local youth groups and schools to schedule and offer outings and programs for children and teens.
  • Deliver existing programs and develop new curricula.

Coordinate volunteers to assist with stewardship and maintenance of SLT-conserved lands.

  • Recruit volunteers and schedule work days.
  • Supervise groups of volunteers and lead projects from trail maintenance to invasive species control.
  • Follow up with and thank volunteers.

Complete administrative and outreach tasks.

  • Keep careful program records including: program outputs, participant and cooperator contact information, forms and releases, and evaluations.
  • Take photos and maintain a photo library.
  • Assist with social media postings and other outreach activities.
  • Prepare occasional program reports for SLT staff and board.

Act as a representative of Stowe Land Trust within the community by sharing information about the importance of conserved land, SLT events, and ways to become involved with SLT.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Completed at least three years of post-secondary education
  • Has a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  • Has access to private work space
  • Experience working with youth, preferably children and teens
  • Training or field experience in natural sciences, environmental education or a related field
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining excellent communication with supervisor
  • Excellent people skills; outgoing and tactful; positive and collaborative attitude
  • Well organized and capable of multi-tasking
  • Ability to do light trail work and use hand tools
  • Ability to coordinate and direct adult and youth volunteers
  • Capable of designing, leading, and evaluating interpretive programs for adult and youth audiences
  • Familiarity with Vermont flora and fauna; understanding of basic ecology; plant identification skills; stream ecology
  • Computer literate; working knowledge of Microsoft programs, email, and social media.

COMPENSATION

$12 per hour; this position does not offer additional benefits.

TO APPLY

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position is open until filled.  Candidates should email a letter of interest, resume and contact information for three references as one pdf document to:

Kristen Sharpless
Stowe Land Trust
P.O. Box 284
Stowe, Vermont 05672
info@stowelandtrust.org (include “Summer Naturalist” in the subject line.)