Posting number: 202601520
Department: Community Services Department
Job classification: RECREATION LEADER III
Posting type: Open
Categories: Education, Parks
Help educate the local community about the Palo Alto Baylands!
The Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is looking for a Baylands Interpretive Center Weekend Naturalist (Recreation Leader III) to staff public hours at the Baylands Nature Interpretive Center, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. each day. Each weekend, the Nature Interpretive Center receives approximately 100 - 200 visitors. Some stop in while hiking the beautiful trails of the Baylands for a quick break, while others travel to the Center specifically to learn about the flora, fauna and ecology of this special salt marsh that is home to thousands of migratory birds and permanent avian residents, small mammals, reptiles, arthropods, fish and other water dwellers, and many unique marsh plants. The Center is a particular favorite stopover for birders and nature photographers practicing their craft in the Preserve. The Weekend Naturalist will be expected to answer questions about plant and animal life in the Preserve, the history of the Preserve, and how humans have worked to preserve the Baylands salt marsh and others like it in the region.
Successful applicants will possess a thorough knowledge of the flora, fauna and ecology of the Baylands Preserve, a natural salt marsh. They will be passionate about education and conservation of natural spaces, and they will enjoy interacting with people in an educational setting. They will be available and willing to work from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday (excluding City of Palo Alto holidays). Professional or educational background in the natural sciences is preferred. This is a great job for retired adults looking to spend a few hours each week in a beautiful space and share their love of nature with others.
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Saturdays and Sundays
Limited Hourly Position: This is an unbenefited position that is limited to working no more than 415 hours per fiscal year (July-June).
The Weekend Naturalist will open the building and prepare it for visitors, making sure exhibits (both inside the building and on the surrounding exterior deck) are clean. This position will also keep track of the number of visitors who attend each day. They will answer, as able, visitor questions about plant and animal life in the Preserve, the history of the Preserve, and how humans have worked to preserve the Baylands salt marsh and others like it in the region. As needed, the Weekend Naturalist will help with special programming in the Nature Center during open hours.
Position requires at least 2 years of experience and specialized skills or advanced certifications in a related field including:
Summer Camps
Teen Outreach Leaders
Coaches
Substitute Teachers
Sports Camp Leaders (CPR and First Aid)
Sport Officials (CPR and First Aid)
Pool Manager
Gymnastics/Dance Instructors (Recreation Leader II requirements and Safety Certification and one of the following certifications: Professional Development Program II, Kinder Accreditation for Teachers or Movement Education and Learning Development.)
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The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Palo Alto is known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” and global center of technology and innovation. Many world-class businesses maintained or started offices here, including Amazon, Tesla, Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Rivian, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, SAP Ariba, Houzz, Varian Medical Systems, and VMware. Numerous start-ups are also at home in Palo Alto, arguably making it the startup capital of the world. Home to Stanford University and a top-ranked public school system, Palo Alto also features beautiful and historic residential neighborhoods, vibrant shopping and retail districts. Palo Alto has a highly educated and culturally sophisticated citizenry that is actively engaged in making a difference both locally and globally.
Unique among city organizations, the City of Palo Alto operates a full-array of services including its own gas, electric, water, sewer, refuse and storm drainage provided at very competitive rates for its customers. The City of Palo Alto offers community amenities including 36 parks, 39 playgrounds, five community and youth centers, 41 miles of walking/biking trails and five libraries. The City also manages a regional airport and provides fire, police and emergency services.
City staff is committed to transforming local government by encouraging leadership, ideas, and best practices. An entrepreneurial spirit and energetic vibe makes Palo Alto a great community to live and work. Interested in working for the City of Palo Alto? View all job openings by going here:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/paloaltoca
