Join explore.org’s team as a Virtual Naturalist!
Explore.org is hiring a naturalist, focused on ornithology. 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 naturalist 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
- Naturalist: This position serves as explore.org’s bird naturalist. It specializes in the interpretation of birds to our webcam audience. Resumes from applicants should highlight:
- Knowledge of birds as it relates to our collection of bird cams
- Experience with interpretation, science communication, and public engagement.
- 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 high-speed internet is necessary for this position. We recommend an internet connection that supports upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps. A hard-wired (ethernet) connection to a computer or other device and a quiet space where the naturalist can host live events uninterrupted are ideal.
- Expectations and Job Duties: You work to support and empower explore.org’s partner organizations in their interpretation and education efforts. This is an on-camera position. Job duties include:
- Hosting themed live events (on-camera)
- Experimenting with different media and program formats to expand explore.org’s reach and engage new/different audiences
- Developing social media content
- Drafting written content such as blog posts and video scripts
- Helping curate original research and community science initiatives
- Evening and weekend work may be required, as directed
- Other 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 public speaking, 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 public speaking and writing skills. The ability to speak a second language such as Spanish is a bonus.
- Knowledge of birds, bird migration, conservation, and ecology as it relates to explore.org’s collection of webcams.
- Ability to incorporate current scientific research and multiple perspectives into online programming. Experience developing community science initiatives is a bonus.
- 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 Naturalist works in a home or remote office environment and performs primarily sedentary work. In this role, the Naturalist 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, view computer screens, and interact (see, hear, speak) with virtual audiences via video streaming. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
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