Naturalist Apprentice (9 to 12 months)
Agency: Woodlands Natural Station in Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area
Location: Golden Pond, KY
Closing Date: February 28, 2021
Contact: John Pollpeter, jpollpeter@friendsoflbl.org. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of 3 references.
Term/Grade: Internship
Position Summary:
The Naturalist Apprentice is employed by the U.S. Forest Service. The full-time position, lasts 9 months to 1 year, at the Woodlands Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, in Golden Pond, Kentucky. A $250/week allowance (non-taxed) and onsite government housing within LBL is provided.
Apprenticeship positions are designed for college graduates who desire a well rounded experience with interpretive program planning and delivery, animal husbandry, special events, and facility operations at a nature center. The goals of the apprenticeship program are the following: (1) provide quality training and practical experience for individuals in a wide range of disciplines, (2) introduce apprentices to the operational procedures of a federal agency, and (3) provide experiences in environmental education and interpretation for the diverse customers who use Land Between the Lakes (LBL).
Major Duties:
- Developing and delivering interpretive natural history programming for the public
- Providing daily care and husbandry for captive native wildlife
- Conducting curriculum-based programs on-site and off-site for schools and other groups ages pre-K through adult
- Leading (and co-leading) outdoor excursions including nature hikes, canoe/kayak trips, and wildlife-viewing van tours
- Maintaining native plant gardens
- Staffing a seasonal canoe/kayak rental station by scenic Honker Lake
- Interacting with visitors on a daily basis through initiating informal contacts
- Participating in day-to-day facility operations as needed
- Other trainings that may be provided include: Low Ropes Challenge Course Facilitator training and certification; First Aid and CPR; Defensive Driving; Canoeing; and cross-training at other interpretive facilities, including a living history farm, planetarium/observatory, and environmental education camp. Qualifications:
- 4-year college degree (B.A. or B.S.)
- Willingness to work a varied schedule, including weekends, some evenings, and holidays
- Willingness to work with and handle live animals on a daily basis, including raptors and snakes
- Enjoyment of working in a highly people-oriented job, especially including interacting with children
- Participation as a team member with other Nature Station staff, including other naturalists, information clerks, gift shop clerks, and maintenance personnel.
- Previous experience in environmental education or interpretation, teaching, camp counseling, animal husbandry, or outdoor leadership is a plus
- Introductory knowledge of the area’s natural history and willingness to learn more
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Powerpoint preferred
- Ability and/or willingness to learn to drive a 10-passenger van
See the complete announcement and apply here.
