Weekend Park Naturalist Aide

Important Notice: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please Note: These positions are primarily for evening and weekend work; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with additional work possible during the week.

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is hiring part-time temporary Park Naturalist Aides to provide nature and history interpretation and center services at the Long Branch and Gulf Branch Nature Centers and Fort C.F. Smith Visitor Center. These sites are the heart of our park system with a mission to increase understanding and love for our parks.

Through operation of nature centers, Fort C.F. Smith historic site, leading and assisting with nature and history programming for a variety of audiences (including birthday parties and special events), this position will promote conservation and stewardship of Arlington’s natural and cultural resources and environment.

Specific duties include:

• Providing customer service and safety and security of the nature and visitor center facilities;
• Researching, designing, presenting, and evaluating interpretive programs and exhibits covering a wide range of natural and cultural history topics for a diverse audience;
• Caring for a live animal collection;
• Coordinating and overseeing the work of volunteers;
• Maintaining native plant gardens;
• Assisting with special community outreach programs that focus on conservation, history and stewardship; and
• Performing administrative tasks and other job-related duties.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High school diploma/equivalent; and
• Some paid or volunteer experience in environmental interpretation, communications, or education.

Substitution: Successful completion of additional college coursework from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the experience requirement.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor’s degree in teaching, environmental or biological sciences, or a related field and experience in one or more of the following:

• Working with children of varying ages;
• Working with and providing care for plants and wildlife common to the mid-Atlantic region;
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Amharic);
• Design and presentation of nature programs; and
• Working in a Summer camp program/role.

Licenses/Certifications: First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A pre-employment background check will be conducted.  It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.      

Employees must have the ability to work outside in all weather conditions, and be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time, including lifting and carrying heavy objects such as: tables, chairs, plants, hoses, etc.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Work Hours: This position has a flexible schedule with primarily weekend hours, including some evenings, holidays, and weekdays.  Total monthly hours vary based on number of programs, but with the minimum requirement being approximately 25 hours a month. Weekend hours are Friday and Saturday from 11:00am to 7:00pm, Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

This is a temporary position. Employee is eligible for sick leave.

Locations: Employee will be working at the Long Branch Nature Center (625 South Carlin Springs Rd.) or Gulf Branch Nature Center (3608 Military Rd.) or Fort C.F. Smith Visitor Center (2411 24th St N) but may also work at other sites throughout the County.

Please complete each section of the application. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.