Park Naturalist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Did you know the County of Arlington is highly diverse, with over 100 languages spoken in the County? Do you want to work within Arlington’s diverse communities? Are you passionate about the environment, conservation, and teaching? 

The Parks and Natural Resources Division in the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking a Park Naturalist. The successful candidate will be a part of the team at Gulf Branch Nature Center. This position will plan, schedule, and run programs and festivals and volunteer events throughout the County for diverse audiences to promote environmental conservation and stewardship.

Specific duties include:

• Providing guidance to other professionals on professional technical issues, including managing the work of volunteers and temporary/seasonal staff;

• Researching, designing, presenting and evaluating interpretive programs covering a wide range of natural history topics for a diverse group of audiences, such as urban youth, young adults and children under the age of five;

• Preparing educational brochures and other written material, coordinating conservation projects;

• Promoting community relations by developing special community outreach programs that focus on conservation and stewardship;

• Designing and constructing interpretive exhibits, maintaining a live animal collection;

• Providing for the safety and security of the facilities, and assisting in the care of injured wildlife;

• Finding or creating funding sources to enhance programming and other nature center needs;

• Maintaining native plant garden, assisting in the performance of biotic inventories and related resource management activities; and

• Performing administrative tasks such as scheduling programs, group tours, and public use of the facility.

• Bachelor's Degree in natural resource management, park management and interpretation, botany, zoology, or related field; and
• Some experience in park programming, natural resource management, natural history research, and exhibit construction and design.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience can be substituted for the educational requirement.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following: 

• Design and presentation of nature programs for diverse audiences;
• Working at a nature center, environmental education center, wildlife center, or park visitor center; 
• Course work or experience with plants, gardening native plants, or wildlife common to the Mid-Atlantic region;
• Marketing and using social media; 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish);
• Wildlife rehabilitation certification or animal care experience.

Special Requirements: 

• A complete application will include an attached resume which highlights how your background and experience align with the qualifications for this position.

• Must possess First Aid, CPR, and AED Certifications or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.

• A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. 

• Must possess a valid driver license, or the applicant must have the ability to perform duties at locations other than the primary worksite. If the applicant has a license, they must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Physical Requirements

• Walk for extended periods, including while leading hikes.
• Perform manual tasks, including lifting and moving tables, boxes, equipment, and other materials.
• Frequently stoop, bend, kneel, dig, and perform other physical activities associated with gardening, outdoor work, and caring for our animal collection.
• Work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.

Additional Information:

Work Schedule:  Primary hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday. During the winter months (November through March), the Friday and Saturday schedule shifts to 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. 

Employees will be assigned to the Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, but will also work at other sites throughout the County.

As an Employer of Choice, Arlington County offers a generous benefits package.  For more information, click here.  

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Click here to learn more about our commitment. 
Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.

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