Education Outreach Assistant

Grass River Natural Area, Inc. is a 1,500-acre nature preserve located in Antrim County, featuring 7 miles of scenic trails and boardwalks, as well as an educational center. The area offers year-round programming focused on conservation, education, and community engagement. Known for its natural beauty, Grass River provides visitors with opportunities to explore and learn about diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental stewardship.

The Education Outreach Assistant position supports the message of the GRNA mission through a blend of educational interactions and outreach strategies. This position requires an energetic and creative individual who is comfortable in front of a crowd, on the trail, as well as working at a computer. He/She/They will work alongside the education director to create, implement, and lead educational programming for all-ages, on and off-site.

They will also work with the full GRNA team to oversee and implement program promotion efforts for the organization. The ideal candidate will have a deep desire to support the organization’s mission and make a positive impact on the people they work with. The primary work location is the Grass River Center in Bellaire, Michigan, with some off‑site programming.

• Develop, organize, and present engaging nature-based programming for all-ages both on and off‑site, including some specialized tours like kayak tours
• Assist with school field trip programs and camp programs as needed
• Exhibit excellent customer service to visitors and callers to the GR Center and provide high-quality and accurate information
• Design and maintain displays and educational exhibits.
• Serve as the coordinator of GRNA’s larger public events (Maple Fest, Autumn Fest, Fen Fest, Lighting of the Bridges, 5k races) with assistance from volunteers.
• Perform equipment rentals, bookstore sales, event registration, and general maintenance and up‑keep of the Grass River Center.
• Provide regular reports to administration and the GRNA board of directors on current education and outreach statistics and trends.
• Manage public outreach events by scheduling, coordinating, and attending (if necessary)
• Assist with the communication strategy for organization, including print, radio, television, and social media marketing.
• Assist in developing strategies for promotion of GRNA, Inc. programs, including identifying target audiences and the most effective methods of reaching those.
• Develop publicity materials and write press releases and other promotional copy.
• Maintain and update (weekly) the GRNA website.
• Assist in the creation of the monthly In Otter News for email subscribers. Job

• Commitment to GRNA’s mission
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or a minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar environment or role
• Interest and knowledge in the natural sciences and/or education field
• Experience working with adults and children in an outdoor educational setting
• Comfortable being outdoors in all conditions
• Some experience paddling a kayak is preferred
• Excellent verbal, written, time management and organizational skills
• Deadline and detail oriented
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Technically proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with desire to learn new software as required
• Experience with Adobe, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), and email/marketing platforms (Mail Chimp, Constant Contact, etc.)
• Cooperative attitude, willingness to learn, team-approach
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including weekends and some evenings, with a primary work week of Tuesday through Saturday

Full-time (35/hrs week), non-exempt position with an hourly rate of $17-$18/hr commensurate with background and experience. Other benefits include the option to participate in a Simple IRA plan with a 3% employer match, generous paid time off, a flexible working schedule, and employee discounts on programs and at the gift shop.

to manage the Grass River Natural Area, conserve and protect its watershed and provide opportunities that increase knowledge, appreciation, and community-wide stewardship of the natural environment.

• Cover letter & resume
• List of three professional references: name, address, affiliation, title, phone number & email address.

To apply:

Email the following documents to James Dake, Education Director James