Park Naturalists Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $17.75 Hourly
Location : Fountain Rock Park - Walkersville, MD
Job Type: Part-Time Non-Benefited
Job Number: FY26-00568
Department: Recreation
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
JOB INFORMATION
The Frederick County Division of Parks & Recreation is committed to the highest level of care of our natural and historic resources while making the park facilities and recreational programs available to all. We believe that the benefits of parks & recreation are far reaching and vital to each and every individual, family, and community in Frederick County.
The Recreation Department seeks to enhance the quality of life of county residents by providing innovative activities and programs that meet the recreational needs of Frederick County communities. We encourage participation in a variety of recreational opportunities that foster enjoyment and lifelong learning. http://www.recreater.com/
Non-exempt; part-time; hours vary but up to 20 hours per week; no-benefits
The Assistant Naturalist position is primarily responsible for leading nature/environmental focused activities at Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center. This position provides support to the Park Naturalist and may occasionally serve as a team leader when working with other part time staff at the Nature Center and surrounding park. The Assistant Naturalist will assist with the preparation and implementation of several nature and animal-based activities primarily for school aged youth. Supervision is received from the Park Naturalists and/or Recreation Manager.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with development and implementation of Nature, outdoor education and environmental activities for the public
• Assist with the coordination of volunteer projects (Department events, Master Naturalist, Weed Warriors, etc.)
• May occasionally perform office support, handle cash transactions and record-keeping related to activity and nature center attendance
• Create, implement and lead nature focused recreation activities
• Update Park bulletin boards for promotion of park and nature center activities
• Assist with inventory of activity and exhibit supplies
• Care for resident animals of the nature center and maintain exhibits, as needed
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Minimum 1 year of work experience closely related to Nature Studies or Environmental Education (volunteer experience may be considered)
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or the ability to become certified before the program begins (certification must be maintained throughout employment)

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Ability to effectively access and utilize computerized systems and equipment as well as other office machines
• Ability to work with various groups/ages of people in indoor or outdoor settings
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public, especially youth, and lead various classes
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including accurate writing/proof-reading skills
• Basic knowledge of native Maryland flora and fauna
• Willingness to lead various courses and all trainings/meetings as required by Supervisors

PREFERENCE MAY GIVEN FOR:

• Additional education related to Environmental Studies or Outdoor Education
• Experience working in areas of nature and outdoor/natural world education
• Having certifications in programs such as: Master Naturalist, Master Gardener Project Wild, Aquatic Wild, Growing up Wild, Project Learning Tree, or similar
• Scout Counselor for nature related badges such as Environmental Science, Birds, and Nature Study, etc.
• Wilderness First Aid certification

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Ability and willingness to participate in planning and training sessions

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1. An evaluation of training and experience
2. One or more interviews
3. A pre-employment background investigation

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov
Position is not eligible to receive benefits with exception to the 457 Plan as listed below.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement now and pay taxes later by contributing a portion of their salaries pre-tax to the plan. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02
Have you earned a high school diploma or the equivalency?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have additional education related to Environmental Studies or Outdoor Education?

• Yes
• No

04
If you have earned additional education, please provide an explanation in the text box below.
05
Do you have at least 1 year of work experience or volunteer experience closely related to Nature Studies or Environmental Education?

• Yes
• No

06
Please provide details regarding that work/volunteer history in the text area below. The work/volunteer history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
07
Do you possess current Master Naturalist or Master Gardener certification(s)?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you possess current certification in Project Wild, Aquatic Wild, Growing up Wild, or Project Learning Tree?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you have experience as a Scout Counselor for nature related badges such as Environmental Science, Birds, and Nature Study etc.?

• Yes
• No

10
Please provide details regarding that history in the text area below.
11
Are you currently certified in Wilderness First Aid?

• Yes
• No

Required Question