NATURALIST

ORGANIZATION

The Wildlands Conservancy (TWC) is a private nonprofit public benefit organization dedicated to preserving the

beauty and biodiversity of the earth and providing programs so that children may know the wonder and joy of

nature.

LOCATION

Wind Wolves Preserve, a 93,000-acre nature preserve located 30 miles south of Bakersfield, CA.

THE POSITION

Conduct outdoor education programs, teaching youth in multiple grade levels while providing a safe and interactive

learning experience for school groups. Topics include, but are not limited to, environmental science, ecology, zoology,

botany, geology, and cultural history. Responsible for leading interpretive programs and other weekend activities for

visitors, including both children and adults. Also responsible for impromptu visitor interactions, greeting guests,

and providing both Preserve information and natural history interpretation. Requires regular weekend work and

some late shifts.

Weekly hours range from 18-28 per week, with reduced or no scheduled hours during school and program breaks.

Bilingual (English and Spanish) highly desired.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Lead interpretive programs in natural and cultural history via guided hikes, hands-on activity stations, and

spontaneous learning exercises. Requires walking up to seven miles a day on uneven terrain in a variety of weather

conditions while conducting programming.

Conduct weekend, evening, and off-site programs for children and adults. Includes handling tortoises and snakes.

Perform general care for snakes and tortoises, including regular feeding, watering, and terrarium cleaning.

Assist rangers with volunteer and service-learning programs.

Effectively relate TWC’s mission and interact positively with visitors, campers, teachers, students, researchers, and

community groups. Engages visitors to sign up for our Behold the Beauty Association. Informs visitors of preserve

rules, boundaries, and promotes safety.

Assist with regular cleaning and organizing of the Preserve office, in addition to cleaning and stocking trail

restrooms on a regular basis. Perform litter removal, as needed.

Perform clerical duties including, but not limited to, answering phones, checking in campers, and properly collecting

and filing waivers and other Preserve paperwork.

Occasionally assist with special event planning, preparation, and operation.

Report safety hazards or maintenance needs as necessary.

Assist with trail maintenance, invasive eradication, and habitat enhancement/restoration projects, including

participation in staff planting days.

Perform other duties relating to land stewardship, education, and clerical functions as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with multiple age groups and cultures in the natural sciences, environmental education,

• Passionate about the outdoors and have a personal dedication to environmental conservation and education.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle, valid Driver's License, and ability to be insured under TWC’s auto

insurance policy per the Driver Acceptability Standards.

, June 23, 2023

• Pass Live Scan criminal history background check, 5-panel drug screen, and TB clearance (post-offer).
• Current CPR/First Aid training or ability to acquire within ninety days of hire.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) is highly desired.

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Effectively teach interactive outdoor programs to youth and adults.
• Excellent communication.
• Handle difficult student behavior effectively and with discretion.
• Work with minimal direct supervision.
• Positive, upbeat, and enthusiastic about working in a non-profit environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Lead educational hikes up to seven miles per day on uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions.
• Perform other routine walking, standing, sitting, reaching, bending, kneeling, speaking, learning, and

seeing.

• Perform standard office functions such as filing, typing, photocopying, scanning, and speaking on the radio,

• Lift, carry, pull, and push a maximum of 30 pounds.
• Operate a motor vehicle.
• Use hand tools for trail maintenance and restoration, including but not limited to, shovels, loppers,

McCleods, rakes, and post-hole diggers.

COMPENSATION & CLASSIFICATION

Non-exempt, part-time 18-24 hours per week with fluctuations in hours throughout the year.

Starting pay is $17.00-$17.50 per hour based on skills/experience. In accordance with California’s pay transparency

requirements, the pay scale for the position is $17-19 an hour.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Wildlands Conservancy is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying

with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and

regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or

retaliation based on an individual’s race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as

braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national

origin, ancestry, citizenship (including those who hold a drivers license granted under vehicle code 12801.9 ), physical
or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital

status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender (including gender

identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status,

protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California

Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal,

state, or local laws. We are dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment,

including but not limited to recruiting, hiring placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other

compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or

responsibilities that are required of the employee. Employment with The Wildlands Conservancy is for an

unspecified term and is based upon mutual consent and may be terminated at will by either party. Therefore,

employment and compensation may be terminated by TWC or the employee “at-will” at any time, for any or for no

reason, with or without cause or prior notice.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this position email your cover letter expressing why you make the ideal candidate along with

your resume to jobs@wildlandsconservancy.org.

, June 23, 2023