ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Nature Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reston Association

Nature Center Specialist

Reston, VA · On-site

$23.85 - $26.88/hr

We are actively seeking a Nature Center Specialist to join our Environmental team! The primary function of this position is to provide exceptional visitor services, coordinate Nature Center ...

Reston Association

Nature Center Specialist

Reston, VA · On-site

$23.85 - $26.88/hr

We are actively seeking a Nature Center Specialist to join our Environmental team! The primary function of this position is to provide exceptional visitor services, coordinate Nature Center ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsNature Center Jobs

Nature Center information

See salary details

$13

$19

$26

How much do nature center jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for nature center in the United States is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by staff working at a nature center, and how can they be addressed?

Staff at nature centers often encounter challenges such as managing large groups of visitors, balancing educational programming with conservation efforts, and adapting to changing weather conditions during outdoor activities. Effective communication, strong teamwork, and flexibility are key to overcoming these challenges. Many nature centers provide ongoing training and encourage collaboration among educators, volunteers, and naturalists to ensure both visitor engagement and environmental stewardship are maintained.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nature Center Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nature Center Director, you need a background in environmental education or biology, experience in program management, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with environmental education software, grant management systems, and facility operations is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, leadership, and a passion for community engagement help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure effective program delivery, successful team leadership, and the ability to foster meaningful connections between the public and the natural environment.

What is a nature center?

A nature center is a facility or institution dedicated to educating the public about the natural environment, local wildlife, and conservation efforts. Nature centers often feature interactive exhibits, educational programs, guided hikes, and trails that allow visitors to explore and learn about nature firsthand. They may be operated by local governments, nonprofits, or educational organizations and serve as community resources for environmental education and outdoor recreation. Nature centers also frequently offer workshops, camps, and volunteer opportunities to engage people of all ages in environmental stewardship.

What is the difference between Nature Center vs Environmental Educator?

AspectNature CenterEnvironmental Educator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in environmental science, biology, or related fieldsOften requires similar degrees and additional teaching certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic visitor centers, outdoor settings, educational facilitiesSchools, nature centers, outdoor programs, community events
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, parks, wildlife agencies, educational institutionsEnvironmental organizations, schools, government agencies
Primary FocusManaging the nature center, visitor engagement, educational programsDeveloping and delivering environmental education programs

While both roles focus on environmental awareness, a Nature Center typically manages the facility and visitor experience, whereas an Environmental Educator primarily develops and conducts educational programs. Both roles often overlap in skills and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

What Are the Qualifications to Work in a Nature Center?

The primary qualifications for a nature center job vary by position. Associate-level roles may include being fit enough to lift up to 100 pounds with assistance, as well as swim, stand, and walk for extended periods. Senior-level roles also require leadership skills and the ability to multi-task. Education requirements also vary, ranging from a high school diploma for associates to a master's degree for senior-level positions. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a nature center job frequently requires a good sense of balance, excellent eyesight with or without corrective lenses, and the ability to hear and smell. Some nature center jobs involve driving specialized company vehicles, so a state driver's license is also helpful.

More about Nature Center jobs
What cities are hiring for Nature Center jobs? Cities with the most Nature Center job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nature Center jobs? The most popular types of Nature Center jobs are:
What states have the most Nature Center jobs? States with the most job openings for Nature Center jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Nature Center jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nature Center jobs are:
Nature Center jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nature Center job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,527 per year, or $20 per hour.

Nature Center Specialist

Reston Association

Reston, VA • On-site

$23.85 - $26.88/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position Location

12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20191 and 11450 Glade Dr, Reston, VA 20191

This is an on-site position requiring a minimum of four days per week at Reston Association Headquarters and Walker Nature Center.

Position Overview

Are you passionate about making a difference in the community? At Reston Association (RA), we’re committed to enhancing the quality of life for Reston residents through outstanding programs, exceptional services, and dedicated stewardship of the community’s natural and recreational resources. As the community's steward, RA is responsible for maintaining the quality of life in Reston, chiefly by caring for and administering the community's most precious asset - its real property.

At RA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are actively seeking a Nature Center Specialist to join our Environmental team! The primary function of this position is to provide exceptional visitor services, coordinate Nature Center operations and facility rentals, while delivering engaging environmental education and interpretive programs that connect the community with the natural resources of Reston.

The Nature Center Specialist will be responsible for providing exceptional visitor services, coordinating facility rentals, and supporting the daily operations of the Walker Nature Center. This role will develop and deliver interpretive and environmental education programs for diverse audiences, assist with special events, maintain administrative and program records, manage social media content, and support natural resource stewardship activities across the Nature Center’s 72-acre property. The Nature Center Specialist will collaborate with staff, volunteers, community members, and program participants to foster meaningful connections with nature while ensuring excellent customer service and efficient facility operations. Maintains basic knowledge of all programs, facilities, and natural resource management initiatives of the Walker Nature Center and Reston Association.

What You’ll Bring

  • Bachelor’s Degree in parks and recreation, natural or life sciences or education plus 1 year of work experience in interpretation, parks & recreation, education or conservation related activities or equivalency.
  • A minimum of 1 year of related work experience in interpretation, parks and recreation, education, conservation, or other related work experience.
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
  • Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and interact professionally with individuals of all ages.
  • Knowledge of native plants, local wildlife and ecology.
  • Knowledge of local environmental issues and conservation practices.
  • CPR and First Aid certified (preferred).
  • Knowledge of RecTrac software (preferred).
  • Certification in environmental education or interpretation (preferred).
  • Advanced degree or coursework in outdoor education, interpretation or natural sciences (preferred).
  • Ability to work effectively in both office and outdoor environments.
  • Comfortable working in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
  • Ability to perform physically active work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and other related activities.
  • Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends to support programs, events, and operational needs.


What You Can Expect From Reston Association

At RA, we are leading the model community where all can Live, Work, Play and Get Involved, and we strive to preserve and enhance the Reston community through outstanding leadership, service and stewardship of our resources. Our Core Values of Service, Collaboration, Stewardship, Innovation and Leadership guide everything we do, and we are proud to provide a workplace in which everyone is treated as an individual with dignity and respect, encourages creativity, and always endeavors to provide an atmosphere that exceeds member expectations and engages collaboration and communication.

If you are passionate about a workplace that is dedicated to the preservation of natural resources and advancing community while at the same time creating a collaborative workplace, we want to hear from you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or state as an individual with a disability.

Compensation

In addition to a competitive hourly wage, we offer several benefits designed to enhance your experience at RA.

Our offerings include:

  • Free recreation passes for seasonal employees and their dependents
  • One Free Season Long Guest Pass
  • Discounted fees for all Recreation Programs and Camp Programs
  • Discounts in the RA Tennis and Pickleball Pro Shop
  • One free pavilion reservation per year
  • Half price reservations at Community Buildings
  • Four complimentary boat rental passes
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Staff events
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Free electric car charging on-site

We are dedicated to promoting a welcoming and rewarding workplace where all employees can thrive and feel valued. Your growth and success are important to us, and we strive to provide the resources and support necessary for you to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Reston Association is committed to maintaining a secure and transparent recruitment experience. As part of our standard hiring practices, all communication with applicants is conducted exclusively through official ADP email messages. Reston Association does not use text messaging, social media direct messages, or calls from unidentified numbers to schedule interviews or request personal information. If you receive a message that appears inconsistent with these guidelines, or if you would like to verify the legitimacy of any communication, please contact: Devon Mangual, People and Culture Specialist, dmangual@reston.org