Naturalist Jobs
Naturalist jobs are open across national parks, wildlife refuges, environmental nonprofits, and outdoor education organizations, from entry-level field technician to senior staff naturalist and program director, with specializations in wildlife interpretation, botanical survey, and environmental education. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Position Summary
The Educator-Naturalist supports National Audubon Society's mission by connecting people with nature through conservation action, community building, and conservation stewardship at the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries.
The Educator-Naturalist is based at the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, and will also regularly support education, stewardship, monitoring, and conservation projects at Audubon's other Hudson Valley Sanctuaries - including Rheinstrom Hill, Buttercup Farm, and RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary.
Working closely with Audubon's education and conservation staff, the Educator-Naturalist plays an active role in advancing conservation action through mission-driven education and community engagement programs.
The position supports classroom-based education, sanctuary field experiences, volunteer programs, and regional initiatives such as the Youth Climate Summit, helping participants connect conservation science with real-world action. Serving both suburban and urban communities throughout the region, the Educator-Naturalist engages students, educators, and community members in topics central to Audubon's mission, including bird conservation, habitat restoration, marsh ecology, forest and grassland health, and the Hudson River watershed.
Through these experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and are empowered to become stewards of birds, wildlife, and the habitats upon which they depend.
The Educator-Naturalist supports the day-to-day operations of the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and serves as an ambassador for Audubon's conservation mission.
Through visitor engagement, educational exhibits, interpretive programming, and public outreach, the Educator-Naturalist helps create meaningful experiences for thousands of annual visitors. By fostering curiosity, appreciation, and a sense of connection to the natural world, the Educator-Naturalist helps inspire visitors to become active participants in conservation. The Educator-Naturalist will contribute to conservation and stewardship efforts across Constitution Marsh and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries, including Rheinstrom Hill, Buttercup Farm, and RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary.
Responsibilities may include habitat restoration, invasive species management, wildlife and vegetation monitoring, ecological research, and volunteer stewardship activities. Through these efforts, the position helps support Audubon's goals of protecting birds, wildlife, and the habitats they depend upon. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of education, conservation action, land stewardship, and community engagement.
The Educator-Naturalist will develop practical skills in conservation education, habitat management, ecological monitoring, restoration, and nonprofit operations while working alongside experienced conservation professionals.
Through meaningful contributions to Audubon's education and conservation programs, the successful candidate will help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, advance on-the-ground conservation efforts, and support healthy habitats for birds, wildlife, and people throughout the Hudson Valley.
Hosting Organization
Audubon New York - Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary (CMACS)
Location
Cold Spring, NY
- This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
- This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
Schedule
January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027
Weekly Schedule
January-March: Monday-Friday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. Mid-April-November: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. Holidays and Occasional evenings will be required for programming. The daily schedule might vary depending on the project
Corps members are expected to serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 10 months.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
45% Education, Public Programming & Outreach
- Deliver mission-driven education programs for schools, community groups, families, and the public.
- Develop and implement classroom lessons, field experiences, and conservation education programs focused on bird conservation, habitat stewardship, marsh ecology, and the Hudson River watershed.
- Support regional initiatives and special events, including the Youth Climate Summit, public canoe trips, guided hikes, and community outreach programs.
- Assist with curriculum development, lesson planning, program preparation, and evaluation.
- Engage a variety of audiences in conservation action through education, stewardship opportunities, and Community Science initiatives.
- Support public outreach through social media, educational materials, and special events. 25% Nature Center Operations & Visitor Services
- Support the daily operations of the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary.
- Create a welcoming and engaging experience for visitors by interpreting the natural and cultural resources of Constitution Marsh and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries.
- Provide information about Audubon's programs, sanctuary network, conservation initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.
- Maintain educational exhibits, program materials, supplies, and equipment.
- Assist with facility organization, housekeeping, and light maintenance to support safe and accessible visitor experiences. 15% Conservation Stewardship, Research & Monitoring
- Assist with habitat restoration, invasive species management, and stewardship projects across Constitution Marsh and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries.
- Participate in wildlife monitoring and ecological research, including bird surveys, vegetation monitoring, and other conservation projects.
- Assist with trail maintenance, grounds upkeep, and habitat management activities that support biodiversity and public access.
- Support volunteer stewardship and Community Science events that contribute to Audubon's conservation goals.
- Develop practical knowledge of wetland ecology, bird conservation, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and nonprofit conservation operations.
- Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partners to advance conservation outcomes for birds, wildlife, and their habitats. Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting. (15%)
Marginal Duties
- Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA's timekeeping system, ADP
- Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided.
- Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members' output report.
Required Qualifications
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member.
To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
- Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States.
- Being at least 18 years or older.
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete.
- Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.
- A personal vehicle is required.
- Must have experience canoeing or kayaking.
Working Conditions
- Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
- Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.
- Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.
- Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
- Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Free housing provided Housing is available on-site at Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and is a 2-bedroom shared apartment.
Compensation
- Compensation: (weekly living allowance): $500/week
- Minimum AmeriCorps Award: Full-Time Award
- AmeriCorps Hours Requirement: 1700 hours
- Education Award amount upon successful completion of program: $7,395
- Healthcare coverage: Eligible for free health insurance
- Childcare coverage: Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
- Student loan forbearance and interest payments (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Driving
Driving an SCA motor vehicle is a requirement for this position.
To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:
- Possess a current and valid driver's license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
- Have a minimum of three years of state permitted and licensed driving experience.
- Be a minimum of 21 years old.
- Complete and pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check upon hire (or re-hire) and annually, thereafter.
- Able to complete and pass SCA's driver training, including both online and behind-the-wheel assessment (commentary) components.
Additional Benefits
Health Insurance
SCA provides the following training opportunities to members:
o Member AmeriCorps and SCA Training: Members will receive an AmeriCorps training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
o SCA Risk Management
o Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
o Mental Health First Aid Training
o Wilderness First Aid & CPR
o Environmental Education Curriculum
o Environmental Leadership Institute
o New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
o Hudson River Ecology
o Leave No Trace Level 1
o Professional Development & Job Readiness
o Service events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.
Position Summary
The Educator-Naturalist supports National Audubon Society's mission by connecting people with nature through conservation action, community building, and conservation stewardship at the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries.
The Educator-Naturalist is based at the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, and will also regularly support education, stewardship, monitoring, and conservation projects at Audubon's other Hudson Valley Sanctuaries - including Rheinstrom Hill, Buttercup Farm, and RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary.
Working closely with Audubon's education and conservation staff, the Educator-Naturalist plays an active role in advancing conservation action through mission-driven education and community engagement programs.
The position supports classroom-based education, sanctuary field experiences, volunteer programs, and regional initiatives such as the Youth Climate Summit, helping participants connect conservation science with real-world action. Serving both suburban and urban communities throughout the region, the Educator-Naturalist engages students, educators, and community members in topics central to Audubon's mission, including bird conservation, habitat restoration, marsh ecology, forest and grassland health, and the Hudson River watershed.
Through these experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and are empowered to become stewards of birds, wildlife, and the habitats upon which they depend.
The Educator-Naturalist supports the day-to-day operations of the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and serves as an ambassador for Audubon's conservation mission.
Through visitor engagement, educational exhibits, interpretive programming, and public outreach, the Educator-Naturalist helps create meaningful experiences for thousands of annual visitors. By fostering curiosity, appreciation, and a sense of connection to the natural world, the Educator-Naturalist helps inspire visitors to become active participants in conservation. The Educator-Naturalist will contribute to conservation and stewardship efforts across Constitution Marsh and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries, including Rheinstrom Hill, Buttercup Farm, and RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary.
Responsibilities may include habitat restoration, invasive species management, wildlife and vegetation monitoring, ecological research, and volunteer stewardship activities. Through these efforts, the position helps support Audubon's goals of protecting birds, wildlife, and the habitats they depend upon. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of education, conservation action, land stewardship, and community engagement.
The Educator-Naturalist will develop practical skills in conservation education, habitat management, ecological monitoring, restoration, and nonprofit operations while working alongside experienced conservation professionals.
Through meaningful contributions to Audubon's education and conservation programs, the successful candidate will help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, advance on-the-ground conservation efforts, and support healthy habitats for birds, wildlife, and people throughout the Hudson Valley.
Hosting Organization
Audubon New York - Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary (CMACS)
Location
Cold Spring, NY
- This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
- This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
Schedule
January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027
Weekly Schedule
January-March: Monday-Friday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. Mid-April-November: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. Holidays and Occasional evenings will be required for programming. The daily schedule might vary depending on the project
Corps members are expected to serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 10 months.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
45% Education, Public Programming & Outreach
- Deliver mission-driven education programs for schools, community groups, families, and the public.
- Develop and implement classroom lessons, field experiences, and conservation education programs focused on bird conservation, habitat stewardship, marsh ecology, and the Hudson River watershed.
- Support regional initiatives and special events, including the Youth Climate Summit, public canoe trips, guided hikes, and community outreach programs.
- Assist with curriculum development, lesson planning, program preparation, and evaluation.
- Engage a variety of audiences in conservation action through education, stewardship opportunities, and Community Science initiatives.
- Support public outreach through social media, educational materials, and special events. 25% Nature Center Operations & Visitor Services
- Support the daily operations of the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary.
- Create a welcoming and engaging experience for visitors by interpreting the natural and cultural resources of Constitution Marsh and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries.
- Provide information about Audubon's programs, sanctuary network, conservation initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.
- Maintain educational exhibits, program materials, supplies, and equipment.
- Assist with facility organization, housekeeping, and light maintenance to support safe and accessible visitor experiences. 15% Conservation Stewardship, Research & Monitoring
- Assist with habitat restoration, invasive species management, and stewardship projects across Constitution Marsh and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries.
- Participate in wildlife monitoring and ecological research, including bird surveys, vegetation monitoring, and other conservation projects.
- Assist with trail maintenance, grounds upkeep, and habitat management activities that support biodiversity and public access.
- Support volunteer stewardship and Community Science events that contribute to Audubon's conservation goals.
- Develop practical knowledge of wetland ecology, bird conservation, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and nonprofit conservation operations.
- Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partners to advance conservation outcomes for birds, wildlife, and their habitats. Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting. (15%)
Marginal Duties
- Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA's timekeeping system, ADP
- Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided.
- Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members' output report.
Required Qualifications
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member.
To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
- Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States.
- Being at least 18 years or older.
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete.
- Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.
- A personal vehicle is required.
- Must have experience canoeing or kayaking.
Working Conditions
- Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
- Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.
- Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.
- Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
- Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Free housing provided Housing is available on-site at Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and is a 2-bedroom shared apartment.
Compensation
- Compensation: (weekly living allowance): $500/week
- Minimum AmeriCorps Award: Full-Time Award
- AmeriCorps Hours Requirement: 1700 hours
- Education Award amount upon successful completion of program: $7,395
- Healthcare coverage: Eligible for free health insurance
- Childcare coverage: Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
- Student loan forbearance and interest payments (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Driving
Driving an SCA motor vehicle is a requirement for this position.
To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:
- Possess a current and valid driver's license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
- Have a minimum of three years of state permitted and licensed driving experience.
- Be a minimum of 21 years old.
- Complete and pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check upon hire (or re-hire) and annually, thereafter.
- Able to complete and pass SCA's driver training, including both online and behind-the-wheel assessment (commentary) components.
Additional Benefits
Health Insurance
SCA provides the following training opportunities to members:
o Member AmeriCorps and SCA Training: Members will receive an AmeriCorps training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
o SCA Risk Management
o Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
o Mental Health First Aid Training
o Wilderness First Aid & CPR
o Environmental Education Curriculum
o Environmental Leadership Institute
o New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
o Hudson River Ecology
o Leave No Trace Level 1
o Professional Development & Job Readiness
o Service events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.
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Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in naturalist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related natural science field
- Demonstrated field identification skills in at least one taxa group such as birds, plants, or mammals
- Experience leading interpretive programs or environmental education for public or youth audiences
- Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certification for backcountry positions
- Proficiency with GPS units, ArcGIS, or iNaturalist for field data collection and species reporting
- Valid driver's license and comfort operating four-wheel-drive vehicles on unpaved terrain
Tips for Your Naturalist Job Search
Tailor your resume for field work
List every species group, habitat type, and survey protocol you've worked with by name. Hiring managers for naturalist roles scan for specifics like point-count bird surveys, vegetation transects, or amphibian monitoring, not generic phrases like 'nature experience.'
Get your certifications listed prominently
Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and any state-specific natural heritage certifications belong near the top of your resume. Many land management agencies and outdoor education employers screen for these before reading anything else about your background.
Target postings by land manager type
Federal land agencies, state fish and wildlife departments, land trusts, and science museums each write naturalist job descriptions differently. Matching your application language to the specific agency type, not just the job title, dramatically improves your callback rate.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists naturalist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Build a field portfolio before interviews
Compile datasheets, species lists, interpretive program outlines, or photo documentation from past fieldwork. Interviewers for naturalist positions often ask you to walk through a past project in detail, and tangible examples make your answers concrete and credible.
Negotiate start dates around field seasons
Many naturalist positions follow seasonal hiring cycles tied to migration, breeding, or program calendars. When you receive an offer, confirm the expected start date aligns with permit windows or seasonal program launches, then negotiate accordingly if your availability differs.
Naturalist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most naturalists?
The most active employers for naturalists right now are South Dakota State Government, Outer Island Excursions, and YMCA of Central Ohio, and the most openings are in South Dakota, Washington, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to concentrate at land management agencies, nature centers, and outdoor education organizations.
How many naturalist jobs are remote?
About 67% of naturalist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on, field-based nature of most roles. The sub-areas with the highest remote share are curriculum development, environmental education program design, and species database management, where core work can be done off-site.
How do you become a naturalist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or environmental science, then build field experience through internships, volunteer surveys, or seasonal technician work with a land trust or wildlife agency. Earning a Wilderness First Responder certification and completing a formal interpretive training program, such as those offered through the National Association for Interpretation, strengthens your candidacy for permanent roles.
How do you get hired as a naturalist with little experience?
Seasonal and AmeriCorps positions at nature centers, state parks, and conservation corps programs are the most accessible entry points when your resume is thin. Focus applications on roles that emphasize public interpretation or youth education over advanced field research, and document every volunteer survey, bioblitz, or citizen-science project you've contributed to as formal experience.
What does the naturalist interview process look like?
Most employers conduct a phone or video screen focused on your field background, followed by an in-person or virtual panel interview that includes scenario questions about leading a public program or handling a wildlife encounter. Some positions, particularly those at residential outdoor schools or land agencies, include a short interpretive demonstration or a half-day paid field trial as the final stage.
Where can I find and apply to naturalist jobs?
You can find and apply to naturalist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to each one.
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