Naturalist

We are searching for a motivated and reliable Naturalist to provide programming at the Catskills Visitor Center (CVC) in Mount Tremper, NY and select NYS Department of Conservation (DEC) locations. The Naturalist creates opportunities for visitors to learn about the region by leading educational programs, creating themed self-guides, and working with partners to train volunteers to protect the environment. Applicants who enjoy working with the public, love the outdoors and would like to help educate visitors about the Catskill Park may be a great fit for this position.

The Naturalist position is a full-time, temporary position with an expected timeline of April 2025 - October 2026, pending program success and funding. This position is funded through two NYSDEC contracts, covering services for visitor education and invasive species spread prevention. This position requires regular weekend and holiday work. This position will be a mix of inside and outside work, but primarily outside from late May - early October.

The Naturalist position will be based at the CVC at 5096 State Rte. 28, Mount Tremper, NY with limited remote work possible.

Job Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the CVC Director, the Naturalist will: ● Welcome and educate visitors about the Catskill Center, CVC and Catskill Park ● Develop and implement an annual calendar of engaging, nature-based educational programs for all ages at the CVC and select DEC campgrounds ● Create new themed Catskill Adventure Challenges to encourage visitation toless-visited outdoor recreation areas, history and cultural sites. ● Create printed and online educational brochures to encourage visitors to explore the Catskills through specic topics such as: food, history, recreation ● Collaborate with Catskill Center invasive species management staff andCornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Invasive Species Action Team (ISAT) to build boot brush stations at DEC trailheads ● Assist with training CCE Master Forest Owners in invasive species identication and spread prevention ● Distribute printed materials to DEC campgrounds and sites throughout the Catskills ● Work with the Communications team to ensure created materials meet our branding guidelines and are designed and printed in a timely manner ● Work with the Development team to ensure all programs include information about membership and help identify any potential volunteers/donors ● Assist with day-to-day operations for the visitor experience throughout the CVC: help visitors, run gift shop register, assist with cleaning and maintenance, help maintain grounds ● Complete other tasks as requested Required Qualifications ● Demonstrated success in planning and implementing programming Knowledge of natural history, ecology, recreational opportunities, and/or communities of the Catskill Park ● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills ● Ability to work with minimal supervision ● Valid driver's license Strong candidates will also have the following qualifications: ● Fluency in Spanish or other foreign language ● Passion for the environment and/or the Catskills Compensation $22-24 per hour.

TO APPLY: Send a complete application package to [email protected], including: 1. Cover letter, please include how you learned about this position 2. Resume 3. Contact information for three professional references Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. The Catskill Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the ground of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or national origin in the hiring, retention, or promotion of employees; nor in determining their rank, or the compensation or fringe benefits paid them.