Nature Camp Naturalist
Who You Are
You are passionate about sharing the natural world with children and love spending time exploring urban greenspaces with other nature nerds. You are laser-focused on creating safe, fun, and welcoming experiences for kids and thrive as a part of a small, highly organized team.
About Nature Camp
Nature Camp has been a reliable, safe, nature-based summer day camp option for Seattle-area families since 1982. It is where children who love the outdoors find friendship and fuel a lifelong curiosity about birds and nature.
Who We Are
Founded in 1916, Birds Connect Seattle is one of the oldest environmental nonprofit organizations in the region. Everything we do is to benefit our mission for people and birds.
Locations of Work*
North end locations:
- Kruckeberg Botanic Garden - 20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177
- North Seattle College - 9600 College Way N, Seattle, WA 98103
*Naturalists will be assigned a role at either location, with occasional travel to other sites
Meetings, trainings, and supply pick up may occur at the Birds Connect Seattle office, located in central Seattle.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Teach age-appropriate ecology, cultural, and art education activities to children between the ages of 6-12, in field groups of 10-12 campers. Lead educational lessons, games, and team-building activities with your assigned field groups to foster a fun and respectful camp spirit.
- Supervise campers at all times, conduct regular head counts, and uphold safety measures while out in public places.
- Tailor activities to camper needs to create a fun and engaging camp learning environment.
- Support camper behavior management using principles of Positive Discipline, including family communications and meetings as needed, with the Camp On-Site Coordinator's help.
- Monitor camper safety and comfort; assist with health care and first aid as needed; respond to accidents and emergencies appropriately.
- Act as a mentor to volunteer high school students (Jr. Naturalists) assigned to your group.
- Assist with camp set-up, breakdown, and cleanup.
Required Qualifications and Skills
The ideal candidate will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and prior experience working with children, ideally in an informal education or camp setting. BA/BS in science, education, or related field is great. Bonus skills such as art, storytelling, music, and writing are highly desirable, as is enthusiasm for learning about PNW ecology. Though you don’t have to be a bird or birding expert, you should have a willingness to seek knowledge and share your passion for nature.
Adult and Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification required by start of work
Birds Connect Seattle will provide certifications to those who need them at no cost on Monday, June 16 at the Birds Connect Seattle office.
Commitment
Full time, seasonal: June 15 – August 28, 2026 (includes training/set-up, 10 weeks of camp, and breaking down camp at the end of the summer).
Expected hours from 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Monday through Friday.
All staff are encouraged to take one unpaid week off during the summer, though it is not required.
Other Benefits
Staff discount at the Birds Connect Seattle Nature Shop
A fee waiver for one Birds Connect Seattle class
Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid Certification provided at no cost
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Birds Connect Seattle to administer advertising, selection, employment, compensation, promotion, training, layoff, recall, and benefits at all levels without regard to race, gender, gender identity or gender expression, color, creed, national origin, age, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, physical, mental or sensory disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Birds Connect Seattle strictly prohibits any sexual, racial or other forms of discrimination prohibited by law.
How to apply
Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume as one (1) combined electronic PDF file to jobs@birdsconnectsea.org with Nature Camp Naturalist in the subject line. Paper copies may be accepted. Please reach out via email to arrange drop off of paper applications. No phone calls please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis upon receipt, and the position remains open until filled.