Natural Scientist Assistant- Education Naturalist

As a Natural Scientist Assistant - Education Naturalist at the City of Fort Worth, your main responsibilities will include assisting in the development and execution of educational programs about natural science for various groups. You'll help run community education initiatives, oversee summer youth camps, and lead nature hikes. Additionally, you'll support paddling activities, care for captive education animals, and maintain educational exhibits, ensuring a rich learning experience for visitors.

To qualify for the Natural Scientist Assistant - Education Naturalist position at the City of Fort Worth, you need a High School Diploma or GED along with at least 16 credit hours in relevant natural or physical sciences like biology or environmental science. While no direct experience is necessary, preference will be given to those who are juniors or seniors in college or recent graduates with a background in wildlife ecology or a related field.

The pay rate for the Natural Scientist Assistant - Education Naturalist position in Fort Worth is set at an appealing $18.00 per hour. This seasonal role is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about nature and education to gain valuable experience in a vibrant city known for its beautiful parks and recreational areas.

Yes! Working as a Natural Scientist Assistant - Education Naturalist at the City of Fort Worth provides excellent opportunities for educational advancement. You'll gain valuable hands-on experience in environmental education and wildlife management, which can be integral in furthering your career in natural sciences or education. Additionally, networking with professionals in the field can open doors for future opportunities.

The working conditions for the Natural Scientist Assistant - Education Naturalist role involve a dynamic and outdoor-focused environment at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. As a seasonal position, you can expect to work up to 40 hours a week, including weekends, evenings, and holidays. This role offers a wonderful opportunity to engage directly with nature while ensuring safety for visitors and wildlife.

In your response, focus on how environmental education helps inspire awareness and appreciation for nature. Highlight its role in fostering responsible behavior towards the environment, and mention any personal experiences you've had in promoting environmental awareness.

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answer. Describe the specific setting, the action you took to lead the program, and the positive impact it had on participants. Emphasize your engagement skills and ability to communicate complex topics simply.

Discuss various interactive and age-appropriate methods, such as hands-on activities, storytelling, or crafts, that can engage children. Stress the importance of safety protocols during these activities, ensuring a fun yet secure learning environment.

Emphasize the importance of honest communication. Explain that it's okay to inform the visitor that you’ll seek out the information and follow up later. Discuss how valuing their inquiry demonstrates your commitment to providing accurate and helpful educational experiences.

Share any relevant experiences regarding animal care or educational programs involving animals. Highlight your comfort level with various species and how you would apply that knowledge to enhance educational experiences for visitors.

Your response should reflect genuine enthusiasm for the mission of the City of Fort Worth. Discuss how the department aligns with your values of community engagement and environmental sustainability, and how excited you are to contribute to these goals.

Discuss your belief in the significance of collaboration, sharing examples of how you’ve worked effectively in teams in the past. Highlight your eagerness to support fellow staff and promote a positive, respectful workplace culture throughout your role.

Acknowledge the various challenges, such as ensuring visitor safety while promoting educational experiences and addressing diverse visitor needs. Illustrate with examples how you would approach and overcome these challenges while maintaining a customer-focused mindset.

Emphasize your openness to receiving feedback as essential for growth and improvement. Share a personal example illustrating how you have successfully used constructive criticism to refine your skills or approach in similar roles.

Reflect on values such as respect, responsibility, and passion for nature. Specifically, discuss how these values shape the way you interact with the environment, visitors, and your coworkers, contributing positively to the team dynamic.