Wynn Naturalist Educator
Impart curiosity, knowledge, and a sense of stewardship with visitors and groups from around the world as they visit the Wynn Nature Center (WNC), a 145-acre boreal forest preserve. The Wynn Naturalist Educator will design and lead ecology education programs for youth and visitors. They will lead interpretive natural history hikes and activities for small but varied groups of visitors, and engage with visitors in our visitor center and interpretive cabin.
This person will work alongside the IRP Coordinator, Stewardship Director, CACS Program Director, and other naturalist educators to learn together about best practices in experiential, place-based interpretation and education, and gain knowledge of Alaskan ecology. The Wynn Nature Center features 3.5 miles of trails through the boreal forest, wildflower meadows, and willow-edge habitat, as well as access to peatlands (bog/muskeg), a community garden, the Daisy Lee Bitter Outdoor Learning Space, and the Carl E. Wynn Visitor Center.
This position reports to the Wynn Nature Center Coordinator.
Position runs from May 26 – September 1, 2026 (end date negotiable). May include some weekend/evening work.
Pay is $19/hour with shared housing provided ($22/hour without housing)
Core Duties:
Prepare and lead educational programs for a variety of kids groups and programs, including an emphasis on science, nature observation, wildlife, stories, art, and crafts. Develop and ensure a safe, fun, and positive environment for all youth participants. Work cooperatively with parents/guardians and other CACS staff and volunteers to provide high-quality experiences for participants. Administer basic first aid.
Collaborate with other camp staff to provide modifications to summer camp activities, as needed, to allow all campers to participate in the day. Assist with documentation of camper support/behavior and family communication.
Perform front-facing customer service duties including but not limited to: Collecting program fees, answering questions and orienting visitors to the facility and trails, performing basic administrative tasks, and selling promotional items. Represent Coastal Studies to the public in a professional and friendly manner.
Plan and lead engaging and informative guided forest walks for visitors of all ages. Adjust each guided walk to fit the interests, needs, and abilities of the group and the day’s weather.
Additional Duties:
Create and update interpretive materials for use across the Wynn Nature Center’s facilities and trails. Preference for those with experience or particular interest in interpretive development.
Provide photos, stories, and participant testimonials for advertising and grant reporting. Opportunity to help develop social media posts and marketing materials.
Conduct participant evaluations of programs as needed.
Maintain CACS program supplies and perform daily/weekly maintenance and upkeep of the trail system and facilities (including the Visitor Center and interpretive cabin).
We are a staff that works as a team and adapts to our communities’ needs; therefore this position may work on additional programs and duties as mutually agreed upon.
Training & Mentorship:
Required participation in paid naturalist training at the Peterson Bay Field Station and Homer at the start of the summer, which will include training on natural sciences, interpretation, and the cultures of Kachemak Bay. Additional opportunities offered throughout the summer for paid professional development in specific areas related to your work.
Qualifications:
First Aid/CPR Certification required. Youth Mental Health First Aid or comparable training (or willingness to obtain one prior to start date) required.
Experience or demonstrated desire to work with youth and adults in outdoor settings.
Commitment to facilitating experiential, place-based, and inclusive learning experiences for youth, families, and adults.
Knowledge of—or strong interest in learning about—forest ecology, botany, wildlife habitats, and history and culture of the Homer area.
Willingness to learn on the job and adapt to changing circumstances (such as weather, group needs, etc.)
Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and concise directions, communicate complex science concepts, and make people feel welcome.
Commitment to CACS’s work towards justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in our programs. Dedication to our vision of healthy ecosystems, engaged and connected communities, and inspired environmental stewards.
Demonstrated good judgment and risk management experience in dynamic outdoor settings.
We’ve left our list of desired qualifications flexible in recognition of the many forms of knowledge and experience that can exist both within and outside of typical employment or academic pathways. If you are passionate about the work and think you could do it well, please apply!
Our application form will ask for a 1-page résumé, a 1-page cover letter describing your desire to work with Coastal Studies as an organization, and a short-answer question asking you to describe your interest in the specific position. If you have questions about our application process, please navigate back to our Employment page and explore the FAQ.
