Natural Scientist Assistant

As a Natural Scientist Assistant at Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, your main responsibilities include developing and delivering educational and recreational programs on natural science topics for a diverse audience. You'll lead guided tours, assist with the care of educational animals, maintain and organize paddling equipment, and ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors. You will also create promotional materials and help maintain educational exhibits, showcasing your multitasking skills in a vibrant outdoor setting.

To qualify for the Natural Scientist Assistant position at Fort Worth, you need a high school diploma or GED, along with a valid driver’s license. Preferred qualifications include college credit in natural or physical sciences, such as biology or environmental science, and experience leading educational programs. Any certification in a Natural Sciences field or relevant teaching certificate can be advantageous.

Preferred experience for the Natural Scientist Assistant role includes previous work in educational program development, especially for groups of varying ages. Familiarity with handling and caring for captive wildlife for educational purposes, and a demonstrated ability to provide positive customer service, will significantly enhance your application. Experience conducting guided tours or similar outdoor activities is also a plus!

The work schedule for a Natural Scientist Assistant at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is set for up to a maximum of 16 hours per week primarily on Mondays and Fridays. Flexibility is required, as the position may involve evening work, weekend activities, and additional days outside of the standard schedule to accommodate educational programs and public events.

The working conditions for the Natural Scientist Assistant role in Fort Worth typically involve a lot of physical activity, such as walking, standing, and performing repetitive movements. You will engage with outdoor environments, requiring you to be comfortable with touching, seeing, hearing, and grasping. There's a strong emphasis on customer interaction and safety protocols, ensuring a fun and engaging atmosphere for visitors.

In preparing for this question, focus on specific examples where you've designed or led educational programs. Talk about the objectives, target audiences, and the outcomes of these programs, highlighting your ability to adapt to different age groups and learning styles.

When answering this question, emphasize your customer service skills. Discuss strategies for remaining calm, understanding the visitor's concerns, and resolving the issue while maintaining a positive attitude. Provide an example from past experience if possible.

Identify the natural science topics that excites you the most. Discuss how you would create engaging programs around these topics that would capture the interest of diverse audiences. Use examples of how you've shared this passion in past experiences.

Your answer should note the importance of safety and ethical considerations. Discuss any direct experiences you've had with animal care and education, emphasizing your respect for wildlife and effective communication about animal behavior to visitors.

Demonstrate your understanding of safety protocols. Mention pre-tour briefings, ensuring equipment is in good condition, staying aware of environmental risks, and how you would communicate safety procedures to participants effectively.

Discuss your methods for engaging young people, such as interactive activities, hands-on learning, and leveraging technology. Provide examples of past successes in captivating school groups' attention and enhancing their learning experience.

Highlight the importance of teamwork in educational settings. Provide examples of successful collaborations with colleagues to achieve common goals or organize events, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively within a team.

Discuss creative ideas you would introduce to elevate the visitor experience, such as special programs, events, or hands-on activities. Emphasize your willingness to adapt based on visitor feedback and community needs.

Share your passion for natural sciences, education, and community engagement. Discuss any connections to Fort Worth or the nature center, highlighting how this opportunity aligns with your values and career goals.

Explain your familiarity with tools like Microsoft Office to design promotional materials. Detail your approach to creating clear, attractive materials that communicate essential information effectively to diverse audiences.