Naturalist ($25.06/hour - $33.81/hour)

Job Details: Level: Experienced, Job Location: Hayward Area Recreation District - Hayward, CA, Position Type: Hourly, Salary Range: $25.06 - $33.81Hourly, Job Category: Nature, Are you passionate about the outdoors and nature? Do you enjoy teaching, leading activities, and working with kids? Inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts by becoming a part of H.A.R.D.’s Nature Program!

About Us

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is an independent special-use district serving over 309,000 residents across a 100-square-mile area. Our communities include the City of Hayward and the unincorporated areas of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview.

We operate two nature centers dedicated to promoting environmental awareness, stewardship, and a deep connection with the natural world. We're currently seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our team as Naturalists.

About the Role

As a Naturalist, you'll help lead nature-based programs that encourage children to explore, discover, and appreciate the environment. We're looking for individuals who are:

Passionate about science education and outdoor learning
Experienced in working with children and animals
Energetic, flexible, and team-oriented
Skilled in planning and implementing nature-focused youth programs

Position Details

Open Positions: 2
Hourly Rate: $25.06/hour - $33.81/hour
Schedule: Part-time, year-round
Hours: Up to 18 hours per week
Typical Work Hours: Between 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with some evenings and weekends
Status: Hourly, non-exempt
Work Locations: Various sites across the district; specific location assigned upon hire
Note: Position not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30)
Start Date: ASAP

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. This posting may close at any time, so early applications are encouraged.

POSITION SUMMARY 

Under general supervision of the Recreation Coordinator II, the Naturalist is primarily responsible for curriculum, and programming development and implementation; and organization and maintenance of the instructional museum and interpretive displays/exhibits. In addition, the Naturalist is responsible for maintaining a clean, organized and safe office and program space as well as provide recommendations for supplies for programs and maintenance for equipment. The Naturalist works with a team of Naturalists, supports the Senior Naturalist and provides direction and coaching to Naturalist Aide, volunteers and docents. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

Incumbents in this class are primarily responsible for interpretive programs at one of two nature sites, community events, outreach programs, and school sites (virtual and in person) throughout the county. The Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center (HSIC) focuses on salt marsh ecology and natural history and the Sulphur Creek Nature Center (SCNC) focuses on native wildlife and natural history. This class can be distinguished from the Naturalist Aide class as this has lead duties over the Naturalist Aide and receives direction by the Senior Naturalist. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Plan, schedule, prepare, market and implement interpretive programs for all ages in large and small group settings 
Develop curriculum and materials that is fun and engaging for interpretive programs and displays 
Organize and maintain a safe and clean program space and resident animal display 
Organize interpretive materials and supplies 
Report any repairs or maintenance needed on any equipment/tools used for programming 
Enforcing safety guidelines, District policies and procedures 
Recruit, train and oversee volunteers and Naturalist Aides 
Create training material and procedures 
Assist with marketing and outreach of programs 
Assists in the design and production of various interpretive media 
Acts as HARD and SCNC representative at public events 
Assists in planning and implementing resource management activities 
Assists in the operation and coordination of the HSIC and major recreation activities 
Performs minor custodial duties related to the maintenance of SCNC facilities and exhibits 
Assist in the implementation of on-going programs funded through grants and associated reporting requirements 
Performs other duties as assigned 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Employees predominantly work outdoors and/or classroom/indoor environment with loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/surface hazards, vibration, chemicals, cleaning agents, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances, odors, and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing safety and departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may be assigned an irregular working schedule including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays and may have to travel between various locations. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Must possess strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work around machines, to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to perform work. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, to operate tools and equipment, or handle animals. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, 

and climb to perform work. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment. 
: MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Ability and Skill to: 

Develop engaging and instructional curriculum, materials and projects 
Self-Motivated, can work independently with minimum supervision or with a team 
Organized and detail oriented 
Proactively plan for maintenance of equipment and programming needs 
Work with and serve a diverse community 
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions 
Maintain professional and effective working relationships with others 
Strong communication skills 
Bi-lingual is desirable 

Knowledge of: 

Design and techniques in environmental education and teaching methods to different abilities and modalities 
Various methods in youth development, behavior management and emotional, and physical safety 
Small office equipment such as computers, copy machines, projectors, and online streaming 
Basic budgeting, cash handling, register, inventory procedures and accounting 

Education/Experience/Training: 

Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, biology, recreation, interpretation or similar field of study 
Proven experience in MS Office programs: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook 
Experience in Active Net, live streaming, social media venues, Photoshop and InDesign desired. Experience in environmental education/interpretive programs including curriculum development. Experience in camp programs preferred 
Experience in coordinating special events and activities 

Special Requirements: 

Strong interest and desire to work with local and/or Bay-estuary wildlife 
Pre-exposure vaccinations for rabies preferred (Sulphur Creek only) 
Must be 18+ years old 
Must be able to work weekends and evenings 
Verification of ID and ability work in the USA 
Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification required 
Provide proof of negative TB Skin Test 
Possession of a valid CA Driver’s License 
Any offer of employment to an adult employee who will have direct contact with minors is conditional upon a satisfactory fingerprint clearance and background check (DOJ)