Naturalist and Project Coordinator

Spring Island Trust is hiring a Naturalist and Project Coordinator in Okatie, SC. The role involves coordinating educational programs, particularly the Master Naturalist program, and engaging with the community through presentations, field trips, and citizen science initiatives. The ideal candidate should have a degree in biology or education, strong organizational skills, and experience in natural history education. The position is based on Spring Island, which offers diverse habitats.
The Spring Island Trust (SIT) is seeking a broadly trained educator-naturalist with familiarity with the natural history (with an emphasis on botany) of the coastal plain of the southeastern USA, and with experience coordinating educational programming for the general public, to serve as Naturalist and Project Coordinator. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, experience with citizen science initiatives, and will be a gifted educator who is comfortable working with audiences of all ages.
Spring Island is a unique and beautiful place to work! The island is a 3,000 acre sea island located within the Port Royal Sound. It has a diversity of habitats ranging from maritime forests to fire-managed pine savannas, as well as early successional fields, and is surrounded by an additional 3,000 acres of tidal marsh. Within this mix of habitat nestles a low-density residential community currently including approximately 350 homes dispersed throughout the Island. The SIT was established as a non-profit in 1990. The mission of the SIT is to preserve and protect Spring Island’s environment and cultural history, providing education, expertise, and leadership in the conservation of natural resources throughout the Lowcountry. See the Spring Island Trust website for more information.
Position Summary
The Naturalist and Project Coordinator position is responsible for the logistics and implementation of a variety of nature education opportunities. One of SIT’s key outreach efforts is the Master Naturalist program, teaching educators across the community - as well as our island’s residents - about the natural history of the Lowcountry. This position leads all logistical aspects, and is one of the co-instructors for this program. The position also involves communicating natural history information to a variety of audiences, through written contributions, short informational videos, field trips, and presentations. There is a great opportunity to expand citizen science programming for the region as well.
The impact of this position extends across the Lowcountry of South Carolina, and has the potential to impact natural history instruction across the region.
This position has a preferred start date of September 1st, 2022.
Responsibilities

Coordinate all aspects of the Master Naturalist program, including logistics, recruitment of participants, participating as one of the course instructors, and creating educational materials.
Provide programs for island residents, including formal presentations, field trips, and informal teaching opportunities
Coordinate local citizen science projects
Create informative natural history videos and written articles
Serve as liaison to Lowcountry Master Naturalist Association
Maintain the websites of the Spring Island Trust, the LowCountry Institute, and the Native Plants Project
Additional responsibilities may be assigned, and could include assistance in annual fundraising activities

Qualifications

A degree (M.S. preferred) in biology, education, or a related field
Strong knowledge of the natural history of the southeastern USA, including identification, ecology, and conservation. Knowledge of plants and ecosystems is especially valued.
At least 3 (5+ preferred) years of relevant experience, including:
Creating, coordinating, and evaluating educational programs for people of all ages
Demonstrated task-management and teaching capabilities
Ability to work both independently and collaborating with others
Strong communication skills, both oral and written
Experience with citizen science initiatives
Familiarity with the archaeology and history of the southeastern USA, experience working with volunteers, and experience maintaining informative websites is a plus.

Working Conditions

May require extended times in the field, including during hot, humid, buggy summer days
Requires physical dexterity, including walking on uneven terrain off trails, and the ability to lift 50 pounds
Involves some weekend, evening, and holiday commitments

How to apply:
To apply, please send a cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in this position, a resume/CV, and the contact information for three references. Submit your application materials – preferably as a single PDF document – to springislandtrust@gmail.com Review of applications will begin on August 1st.