FW: Seasonal Naturalist - Open Position
Amy Stout
Hello everyone,
I just wanted to share the job opportunity below (and attached). Thanks!
Thanks,
Amy
Amy Stout
Program Director
AmeriCorps Project Conserve
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy
Land Trust Accreditation Commission Accredited
847 Case Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792
phone - 828-697-5777, ext. 217
fax - 828-697-2602
Job Opportunity: Seasonal Naturalist, August-October
One Seasonal Naturalist is needed to create remarkable, personalized nature experiences for the Mountain Air community for the last 2 & ½ months of our 2016 season. Only quick, enthusiastic learners need apply! Mountain Air is a unique, high-elevation, private development in Burnsville, NC. It supports a small nature program for children and adults. Applicants must be comfortable and confident working in a country club environment.
Job Summary: Mountain Air’s nature program is an amenity of the Country Club, like the pool and golf course. The Seasonal Naturalist position is primarily an interpretive outdoor education job with a strong emphasis on local Appalachian flora and fauna. Responsibilities also include wildlife, citizen science, and risk management, extensive hiking, and general outdoor recreation. Program topics vary and include (but definitely are not limited to) nature discovery walks, astronomy, geocaching, wildflower walks, mushroom walks, and picnic hikes on nearby destination mountains. Naturalists also take shifts staffing the Outdoor Discovery Center, an indoor nature and outfitter's center.
Mountain Air is a beautiful 1,000+ acre property at 4,600' elevation, located 40 miles NE of Asheville, in western NC (WNC). The work schedule matches seasonal vacation activity: "when they play, we work." Hours are 40 hrs. /week through October, and include several evenings/month and all weekends and holidays. Part-time, call-in work through our winter “off-season” and first dibs on the 6-month 2017 Seasonal Naturalist position are a strong possibility for the right naturalist. Compensation: $13.25/hr. Shared employee housing is available near Mountain Air at reasonable rental rate.
Qualifications: BA/BS in biology, ecology, or related natural science field. Available to start work immediately. In-depth knowledge of southern Appalachian flora and fauna is a must; additional background in ecology and cultural history are a plus. Above-average level of physical fitness required: ability to hike 5 miles while speaking coherently to a group; ability to lift 50 lbs when needed; must be comfortable in and prepared for weather extremes; must be able to enjoy long hours in the field. Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office suite expected. Childcare/teaching/camp experience, as well as first aid/CPR certification preferred but not required. Wildlife management experience, including hunting/fishing is a plus. Candidate needs to be an energetic, independent teacher and learner, be outgoing, comfortable working in a country club environment, confident when interacting with wildlife (and humans), and be a committed team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
Application Process: Please submit cover letter and resume via email, directly to Kat Dunham, Director of Natural Resources: kdu...@mtnaircc.com. Electronic application materials submissions only. Emails will be followed by a phone conversation, submission of a Mountain Air Employment Application, and an in-person interview. Position is open until filled.