Naturalist

Core Duties

• Primary responsibilities include leading wildlife observation tours for the public, developing and facilitating after-school craft-based programs, assisting with the Refuge’s social media account, and staffing the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. Both indoor and outdoor work is required for this position.

• Additional tasks may involve general administrative duties and participation in the biology program as needed.

Visitor Contact, Interpretation, and Environmental education

• Create engaging visitor experiences through roving interpretation, wildlife observation, formal and informal programs, special events, guided walks and tours, static displays, and interpretive writing.
• Integrate and communicate the core missions of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the National Elk Refuge into all educational activities.
• Prepare written plans or outlines for educational programs and activities.
• Offer consistently excellent visitor experiences through an understanding of audiences, resources, and the use of appropriate techniques.
• Continuously evaluate visitor needs and provide effective contact by delivering high quality information and memorable experiences.
• Present a professional image, exhibit professional behavior, and apply strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Operate a variety of audiovisual and other equipment to support interpretive programs.

General Visitor Services & Operations of the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center

• Perform operational procedures at the Visitor Center as assigned. This includes opening and closing the facility, selling America the Beautiful passes, managing the information desk, handling snow removal, and completing other required tasks.
• Maintain ongoing communication with visitor center staff regarding daily operations.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and professional work environment within and around the Visitor Center.

Effective Communication

• Collaborate with colleagues, sleigh ride contractors, interagency partners, and volunteers to promote a positive work environment and ensure the public receives consistent and accurate information.
• Demonstrate proficiency in effective and professional communication through multiple channels, including email, phone, and face-to-face interactions.

Personal and Professional Conduct

• Uphold high standards of honesty, impartiality, character, and conduct to ensure the proper performance of duties.
• Give honest effort in completing assigned tasks and successfully accomplish an appropriate amount of work.
• Protect, conserve, and appropriately use government and non-government property and resources while performing duties.
• Continuously assess personal job performance and take initiative for professional development.
• Demonstrate effective time management to complete routine duties and plan and implement interpretive programs and environmental education activities.
• Exercise independent initiative and judgment to complete routine and recurring tasks.
• Report for duty promptly and adhere to established schedules.

Conditions of Employment

Housing

Government housing is available for this position with no cost to the employee.

Pay Rate

• The employee will receive an hourly wage of $19.52.
• The Visitor Center is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. If the holiday falls during the employee’s regular schedule, they will be granted a paid day off at the regular rate.
• No extra compensation is provided for working Sundays or shifts after 6:00 p.m.

Supervision

• The employee reports directly to the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the National Elk Refuge.
• The supervisor assigns duties, provides guidance for programs and projects, communicates deadlines and constraints, and offers support for new projects or changes in duties, policies, or procedures. Completed work is reviewed for technical quality, appropriateness, and achievement of objectives.

Work Schedule

• The employee will be hired by the Grand Teton Association and must complete all required paperwork before starting work.
• The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, working eight hours per day. The employee will be provided with a weekly schedule that includes program assignments, desk shifts, and other duties.
• Weekend work is rare but may be required.
• The position accrues 36 hours of annual leave and 36 hours of sick leave. Monetary compensation will not be provided for unused leave.
• Annual leave must be approved by the supervisor 2 weeks prior to use.
• Sick leave, whether paid or unpaid, is strictly for legitimate illness or medical appointments and cannot be used as extra annual leave. Improper use of sick leave may result in disciplinary action.
• The employee is guaranteed employment from November 30, 2026, to April 9, 2027, totaling 18 weeks. The season may be extended depending on Refuge needs and employee availability.