Naturalist Aide | Meadowside Nature Center | Rockville

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What is a Naturalist Aide?

Naturalist Aides are volunteers who assist with either/or the preparation or execution of education programs, events, camps, and classes. Volunteering as a Naturalist Aide is a great way to gain experience in public engagement, work with a diverse range of audiences, and try out informal education techniques, all while learning about our local nature!

What does the Naturalist Aide position look like?

Naturalist Aides can pick and choose tasks based on their availability, abilities, and interest. Volunteers either assist with the preparation of education materials or with the facilitation of education experiences or do a bit of both.

Naturalist Aide Tasks

Preparation: Naturalist Aides can come to the nature center during office hours or take on special projects, as needed by the nature center, that can be done on one''s own time. Such projects may involve

• Arts and crafts to create samples of activity, décor, or prepare arts and crafts materials for program activities;
• Literature research to compile information for program content design.
• Writing projects to produce education materials for program content or education volunteer training;
• Inventory of supplies for upcoming education programs, camps, and classes.

Facilitation: Naturalist Aides can assist in the execution of education programs. Opportunities to do so are posted on a calendar, allowing volunteers the flexibility to pick and choose shifts based on their availability. Tasks typically involve

• Set up and/or break down of event and/or program materials (tables, chairs, distribution of supplies);
• Welcoming guests and checking them into the program or event;
• Running a station or booth demonstrating how to complete an activity;
• Assisting with safety measures for guests, such as serving as a sweep for hikes on trails.

A Naturalist Aide is someone who...

• Can work independently, as a team, and under staff direction.
• Is curious about nature and enjoys talking to people.
• (If signing up for program facilitation) is comfortable with outdoor conditions (heat, cold, wet conditions, mud, uneven trails).

Volunteers that speak another language (ASL, Spanish, Amharic, a Chinese dialect, French, Korean, etc.) are strongly encouraged to apply!

Feeling excited? Here are your next steps:

• All interested volunteers MUST apply directly through Montgomery Parks here! Volunteers are prompted to authorize a background check application to pursue this opportunity.
• The Volunteer Coordinator will invite you to schedule an 30-min interview.
• Complete an online course and an in-person tour of the facility.

Minimum age: 18