Join explore.org’s team as a writer!

Explore.org is hiring a writer-editor naturalist. We seek applicants who have an insatiable curiosity for nature and an unending enthusiasm to create meaningful wildlife watching experiences for people around the world. As an explore.org writer you can join a philanthropic mission-based organization, become part of a committed and creative team, and help bridge barriers between nature and people, no matter where they live. This is a unique opportunity.

About Explore.org

Explore.org is the world’s leading live nature cam network. Our mission is to champion the selfless acts of others, create a portal into the soul of humanity, and inspire lifelong learning. We host nearly 200 live webcams on six continents. Cameras are available to watch free of charge anywhere with an internet connection.

Every year, tens of millions of people visit explore.org. More than 40 of our live cams focus on fish, oceans, and marine mammals. About 70 cameras focus on birds and bird life. We also partner with a wide variety of organizations to showcase service animal training centers, animal rescue and rehab sanctuaries, African wildlife, northern lights, bears, bison, gorillas, bats, and landscapes among others. Our most popular webcams showcase brown bears in Katmai National Park, Alaska; kittens at a Los Angeles rescue center; nesting bald eagles; and wildlife in South Africa.

Audiences engage with the webcams and explore.org’s partners through live events, chat boards, social media, YouTube videos, and community science efforts. The webcams are also an important tool for partner organizations to fulfill their outreach and fundraising efforts.

About the Job

• Writer-Editor: This position works to support the interpretive, editorial, and social media teams at explore.org. Resumes from applicants should highlight experience with:
  
  
  •  Interpretation, science communication, and public engagement as it relates to writing original nature-themed essays and social media content. 
    
    
• The position works collaboratively with the resident naturalist, Mike Fitz, to develop live programs and other interpretive content. 
  
  
• This position works remotely. 
  
  
• The starting salary is $35 per hour. This is a contract position, which does not offer retirement, paid leave, or health care benefits. 
  
  
• Internet requirements: Reliable internet is necessary to perform online work and attend meetings.
  
  
• Expectations and Job Duties: You work to support and empower explore.org’s partner organizations in their interpretation and education efforts. Job duties include:
  
  
  • Experimenting with different media and formats to expand explore.org’s reach and engage new/different audiences
    
    
  • Developing social media content and writing content such as blog posts and video scripts. 
    
    
  • Evening and weekend work may be required, as directed.
    
    
  • Other related duties as assigned.
    
    
• Time commitment:  Work time is flexible. Applicants might expect 20-30 hours a week although work load will vary greatly depending on the seasonal activity of the cams. Applicants are expected to participate in weekly team meetings. Evening and weekend work may be necessary. This is a year-round position
  
  

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or at least 4 years of experience related to writing, interpretation, and science communication. Certifications in a Naturalist Program or similar are a plus.
  
  
• Experience using modern media platforms and software (Zoom, Google Docs, Slack, etc.) to collaborate with coworkers and develop interpretive content for the public.
  
  
• Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills is acceptable.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Characteristics 

• Self-motivated, patient, collaborative, curious, and detail-oriented.
  
  
• Ability to empathize with the needs and emotions of webcam audiences and non-human animals.
  
  
• Demonstrated writing skills. The ability to speak a second language such as Spanish is a bonus.
  
  
• Background in biology, conservation, or ecology as it relates to explore.org’s collection of webcams.
  
  
• Ability to incorporate current scientific research and multiple perspectives into writing projects. 
  
  
• Familiarity and knowledge of science communication, interpretation, and environmental education to provide webcam audiences with meaningful experiences.
  
  

Work Environment and Physical Demands

While carrying out the essential duties, the Writer works in a home or remote office environment and performs primarily sedentary work. In this role, the Writer will be regularly required to see, speak, hear, sit, reach, use hands to manipulate objects or tools like keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment, and view computer screens. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.