Community Naturalist

About Seattle Parks and Recreation

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens, and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well‑being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment, and a vibrant community. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments and growth opportunities, and benefiting partner strategies. We acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices that often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, and access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities.

The Recreation Division eliminates barriers through responsive, exceptional recreation services. We operate over 50 recreation facilities and provide opportunities for people to play, learn, and lead healthy, active lives. Our programs include fitness, athletics, licensed childcare, preschool, swimming, boating, youth development, job preparation, academic enrichment, and grants and partnership programs designed with immigrant and refugee communities.

As a Seattle Parks and Recreation Naturalist you will develop, coordinate, and implement engaging, culturally relevant natural science and urban environmental education programs, classes, and activities for diverse populations throughout Seattle. The position will report to the Environmental Education Program Supervisor and serve as one of three community liaisons bringing urban environmental education to City‑wide equity identified neighborhoods. The role works closely with communities in North and Central Seattle and serves as the City‑wide Environment Education team liaison with Seattle’s Indigenous community groups.

• Build and maintain partnerships with program providers, community organizations, and schools in Citywide Equity Zones.
• Provide environmental education programming, experiences, and stewardship opportunities to the communities in those zones.
• Develop culturally inclusive education materials and publications, including curriculum, booklets, guides, and multimedia visual programs.
• Develop and lead training for staff, volunteers, and interns involved in program implementation and delivery.
• Coordinate volunteers, program support staff, and interns, including recruiting, training, and evaluating.
• Write, edit, coordinate, and distribute program promotional materials such as brochures, flyers, and posters.
• Maintain program records and prepare reports, including program budgets and evaluations.
• Help manage educational equipment and supplies, including maintaining and procuring new equipment and training volunteers or new staff about equipment.
• Assist in the development and delivery of special events and custom programs as needed.
• Employ established principles, practices, and techniques used in developing and evaluating public education programs.
• Take on special job duties and small projects assigned.

Requires a minimum of two years of experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, park, or a similar facility performing, preparing, and/or coordinating interpretive educational programs and a baccalaureate degree in natural sciences, natural resource management, education, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• 6 months experience developing community‑based curriculum for urban environmental programs.
• Relevant experience working with diverse age groups, from youth to adult.
• Knowledge of Pacific NW forest ecology, local flora and fauna, and their interrelationships and impacts from humans on the natural environment.
• Ability to connect the urban and natural environment and make current critical environmental issues relevant to diverse audiences.
• Experienc…