Assistant Naturalist Position Available at Highlands Biological Station

Description: Assistant Naturalists help with daily operations of the
Highlands Nature Center. Primary duties include working with the public to
interpret the natural history of the Southern Appalachians and related
Nature Center exhibits, answering questions about local natural areas and
recreational opportunities, actively developing and teaching several
environmentally-based educational programs for both children and adults, and
serving as co-counselor for a series of Nature Day Camps for children ages 4
to 15. Staff will also assist with the implementation of special evening
programs for the public, and with the weekly evening lecture series. Work
also involves the feeding, cleaning, general care, and interpretation of
live animal exhibits (mainly reptiles and amphibians). Other general duties
are also the responsibility of all Nature Center staff and include word
processing; maintaining program schedules; participant registration;
handling money; cleaning and maintaining exhibits, bathrooms, and animal
enclosures on a daily basis; empty trash and recycling bins; care of live
plants; etc. Summer staff may also be occasionally asked to assist other
Station employees in the office, library, or Botanical Garden. These jobs
may include heavy lifting (no more than 50 lbs.). Assistant Naturalists
work a 40-hour week, but the schedule will require flexibility including
some weekend and evening work.

Qualifications: Applicants should be majors (or recent graduates) in
biology, zoology, botany, environmental science, science education, outdoor
recreation, or other related fields. Proficiency in dealing with the public
is a must. Ideal candidates should have experience working with children,
familiarity with (or enthusiasm to learn) a variety of environmental
education activities such as Project WILD, and experience caring for
animals. A basic knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Southern
Appalachians is also desirable. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a
valid driver's license, and must be in good physical condition to lead
hikes. Willingness to work a flexible schedule is a must. Non-smokers are
preferred.

Wage: $8.50/hour, group housing, and possible college internship credit.

Hours: Full-time, temporary (40 hours per week, no overtime available, some
Saturdays and evenings required), position is from mid-May through
mid-August, but specific dates can be somewhat flexible.


To apply: A State of North Carolina job application (PD107) must be
completed. The PD107 application form can be downloaded from our website
www.wcu.edu/hbs and click on "positions." Send application, cover letter,
and a list of 3 references to Patrick Brannon, Highlands Biological Station,
265 N. Sixth Street, Highlands NC 28741, or fax to 828-526-2797.
Applications must be received by May 2nd. For more information, please call
828-526-2623.