Split Role Naturalist Apprentice

Apprenticeship positions are designed for college graduates who desire a well-rounded experience with interpretive program planning and delivery, animal husbandry, special events, and facility operations at a nature center. The goals of the apprenticeship program are the following: (1) provide quality training and practical experience for individuals in a wide range of disciplines, (2) introduce apprentices to the operational procedures of a federal agency, and (3) provide experiences in environmental education and interpretation for the diverse customers who use Land Between the Lakes (LBL).

The Split Role Naturalist Apprentice is employed by the U.S. Forest Service. It is a full-time position, lasting 9 months to 1 year, at both the Woodlands Nature Station and the Brandon Spring Group Center within Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. A $250/week allowance (non-taxed) and onsite government housing within LBL will be provided. 

Job duties include:

-Developing and delivering interpretive natural history programming to the public
-Plan and lead curriculum-based environmental education programs in aquatic ecology, orienteering, low ropes, outdoor survival, canoeing, and wildlife ecology for grades K-12. 
-Providing daily care and husbandry for captive native wildlife
-Leading (and co-leading) outdoor excursions including nature hikes, canoe/kayak trips, and wildlife-viewing van tours
-Maintaining native plant gardens
-Staffing a seasonal canoe/kayak rental station by scenic Honker Lake
-Interacting with visitors daily through initiating informal contacts
-Assist in day-to-day facility operations as needed, which may include maintaining gardens, pool maintenance, kitchen operations, and facility inspections.

Qualifications:

• 4-year college degree (B.A. or B.S.)

• Willingness to work a varied schedule, including weekends, some evenings, and holidays

• Willingness to work with and handle live animals on a daily basis, including raptors and snakes

• Enjoyment of working in a highly people-oriented job, especially including interacting with children

• Participation as a team member with other Nature Station and Brandon Spring staff, including other naturalists, information clerks, gift shop clerks, and maintenance personnel.

• Previous experience in environmental education or interpretation, teaching, camp counseling, animal husbandry, or outdoor leadership is a plus

• Introductory knowledge of the area’s natural history and willingness to learn more

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint preferred

• Ability and/or willingness to learn to drive a 10-passenger van

Description of Site: The Woodlands Nature Station serves as the main interpretive nature center for the U.S. Forest Service’s Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a 170,000-acre parcel of mainly bottomlands hardwood forest nestled between two large freshwater lakes in western KY and TN. The primary goals of LBL are high quality environmental education, recreation, customer service, and multiple use management for sustainability. The interpretive activities and programs at the Nature Station and Brandon Spring Group Center focus on regional natural history, natural resource conservation, and outdoor recreation activities. While the Nature Station acts as a nature center, the Brandon Spring Group Center serves as an overnight camp for scouts, schools, corporate retreats, and other groups with natural history classes and programs.

One of Nature Station’s main attractions is live native wildlife, which are mainly rescued and permanently non-releasable animals, including a bald eagle, birds of prey, endangered red wolves, small mammals, reptiles, and more. Another highlight is the demonstration backyard habitat area, featuring native gardens and bird feeding stations. Nature Station offers a variety of interpretive programs and activities, including roving on-site interpretation, special events, live animal programs, hikes, canoe and kayak trips, puppet shows, wildlife[1]viewing tours, school programs, and community outreach programs. Over 50,000 people per year visit the Nature Station.

How to apply:

Preferred Start Date:  February 2023 (negotiable)

Application Deadline:  December 15, 2022

To Apply: Email resume, cover letter, 3 references to the following:

John Pollpeter

Lead Naturalist

100 Van Morgan Drive

Golden Pond, KY 42211-9001

270-924-2294

jpollpeter@friendsoflbl.org