Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Learning and Engagement, the Nature Education Specialist provides leadership for the Clark’s nature-based programming, working with other departments across the institute to realize strategic priorities. This role develops and implements interdisciplinary, inclusive and engaging programs for schools, the public, members, and other groups. The Nature Education Specialist
collaborates closely with colleagues across the institute, as well as with community partners, to deepen the Clark’s commitment to environmental stewardship and foster meaningful outdoor experiences on the museum’s 140-acre campus.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develops and oversees a range of outdoor and nature-based programs, including guided walks, seasonal events, workshops, public seasonal activities (e.g. snowshoeing) and wellness offerings.
- Collaborate with Gallery Education colleagues to develop nature-based school programs that align with state and national standards
- Collaborate with Family and Community Programs colleagues to integrate nature programming into family and community activities
- Work with the Manager of Sustainability to discover opportunities for collaboration and for expanding the Institute’s value of environmentalism.
- Cultivate relationships with local and regional organizations to enhance and expand programming and accessibility to the Clark’s grounds.
- Supervise nature program logistics, including scheduling, working with vendors, compiling reports and statistics, evaluation, and overseeing budget.
- Works with Head of Gallery Education to develop and train a group of docents who want to help lead nature-based programming initiatives for school programs and the public.
- May oversee part-time and seasonal staff and interns supporting nature programs.
- Contribute to grant proposals, reports, and donor communications related to nature initiatives.
- Serve as an ambassador for the Clark’s natural campus, advocating for its thoughtful use and long-term stewardship.
- Collaborates with the Clark’s contracted beekeeper to offer programs for staff and community.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, outdoor education, museum studies, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum 3 years of experience developing and delivering public programs, preferably in a museum, park, or cultural institution.
- Strong background in environmental education, outdoor leadership, or community engagement.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Commitment to equal opportunity, accessibility, and inclusion in program design and audience engagement.
- Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and terrain.
- First aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain preferred.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Physical Demands:
- Must be able to walk long distances on uneven terrain and participate in outdoor activities for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds for setup and breakdown of program materials.
- Comfortable working in varied weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
- May require evening or weekend hours depending on programming needs.
- Some administrative tasks will be performed indoors in an office setting with standard equipment.
- Work Environment: Work will be performed outdoors and in an office environment/museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
