Visitor Services Weekend Greeter

Opportunity Type: Hourly, Full-time, Seasonal Position March-December (or when available to start/finish). Not to exceed 999 hours.

Location:

Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin, DE

DuPont Environmental Education Center, Wilmington, DE

Organization Description

Delaware Nature Society’s (DelNature) mission is to connect people with the natural world to improve our environment through education, conservation, and advocacy. We envision a healthy and sustainable environment.  Founded in 1964, DelNature, a state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation, is renowned for our educational programming, conservation, and advocacy. We provide the tools for communities to take action and promote the health of the environment through land preservation, wildlife protection, and watershed stewardship.

We manage over 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves, and operates four educational sites: Ashland Nature Center, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, DuPont Environmental Education Center, and Coverdale Farm Preserve. Our organizational priorities are comprised of three pillars of engagement focused on:  Working & Natural Lands, Healthy Waters, and Protecting Habitats and Wildlife.

DelNature aspires to be inclusive multicultural organization that celebrates the rich dimensions of diversity and is committed to understanding and addressing where we fall short. Diversity creates an awareness of and acknowledges respect for differences and translates into understanding and valuing of each other’s perspectives. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all who are qualified to apply.

Job Description

The Weekend Greeters reports to: Ashland Nature Center Office Manager and/or the Site Director at DuPont Environmental Education Center

Visitor Services Greeters ensure a positive experience for visitors to the Ashland Nature Center’s Visitor Center (ANC) and/or DuPont Environmental Education Center (DEEC) and present the Delaware Nature Society in a professional way to the community.    Greeters welcome visitors, answer phones, assist with visitor needs, and support programs and general operations at the site.  Greeters promote membership and involvement with the Delaware Nature Society.  Schedule is weekends and is variable and flexible, with possible weekday opportunities as needed.

Responsibilities

• Open and close the visitor center at designated times
• Greet visitors and interpret the natural and cultural history of the sites
• Provide brochures and information about DelNature and its programming
• Promote the unique “attractions” of each site
• Serve as the point person that attends to site needs and emergencies
• Leads free, simple “drop-in” programs including nature walks and marsh netting programs as trained to do so. Attends appropriate instructor-training workshops
• Collect trail fees from non-members (at Ashland Nature Center)
• Fields phone calls
• Records number of visitors coming into the visitor center
• Promote & support DelNature’s mission, values, goals, activities, and membership to a wide array of program audiences. 

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Self-starter that enjoys interacting with the public 
• Flexibility and adaptability to work a schedule that meets the needs of the site.
• Punctuality, dependability, effective communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to consistently interact in a positive and professional manner.
• Maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification (Training provided)
• Willingness to learn new skills and share knowledge with others.  
• Environmental science knowledge, helpful but not at all necessary.
• Demonstrated ability of problem solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.
• Perform additional duties at the request of supervisor or leadership team member.

Salary and Benefits

Part-time/hourly, non-exempt, or seasonal.

Starting hourly rate – $15 – based on knowledge, certifications, and experience.