Swaner Naturalists act as the face of the organization by greeting and assisting guests, orienting visitors to the Preserve and EcoCenter, and helping them to engage in nature. By interpreting the natural world for guests, the ideal candidate will further Swaner’s mission to preserve the land and the human connection to the natural landscape, educate the local and broader communities about the value of nature, and nurture both the ecosystem and the people connected with it. Naturalists engage guests, answer questions, lead Preserve tours, facilitate interpretive nature programs for guests, and attend to the general upkeep and enrichment of the EcoCenter and exhibits. They will also help with traveling exhibits hosted in the space, special events, and youth education as needed.

In addition to defined job duties, naturalists have the opportunity to assist with conservation projects on the Preserve, participate in a Utah Master Naturalist Course, and receive additional naturalist training.

This position is part-time (15-20 hrs/week), will take place predominately on weekends, and reports to the Visitor Experience and Exhibit Manager. If you are interested in this position, please submit an application as soon as possible.

It is preferred that candidates for this position be Spanish/English bilingual in order to assist and interact with both English and Spanish-speaking guests to the EcoCenter.

• Greet and orient visitors to the Preserve & EcoCenter
• Provide a welcoming, fun, and engaging learning experience for visitors
• Lead nature walks
• Facilitate interpretive nature programming
• Open and close EcoCenter, including all register, gift shop, building, and event duties
• Assist in gift shop operations, including sales, inventory, and display appearance
• Assist with interpretive material creation
• Answer general phone calls and direct to other Swaner staff as needed
• Run climbing wall while following all safety measures
• Maintain a clean and organized building and exterior, including sweeping floors and deck, occasional litter pick up, organizing flyers, and other similar duties
• Help with set-up, tear-down, and hosting of special events held at the EcoCenter as needed. This involves engaging guests at a variety of events such as business meetings, fundraising events, and nature tours
• Assist Swaner's staff and volunteers when needed
• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned

Candidate's professional, academic, and lived experience will be taken into consideration during the hiring process. Candidates should support the organization’s ongoing DEI goals and help create a respectful workplace culture where all are welcome.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Interpretation or customer service experience
• Ability to communicate effectively in English
• Works well in a team & comfortable with a flexible list of assignments
• Ability to work weekends and occasional nights
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to pleasantly interact with a wide variety of individuals
• Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check
• Basic computer & math skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish
• Content knowledge in:
  • Environmental studies
  • Natural sciences such as watersheds, ecology, or zoology
  • Sustainability
  • Conservation
• Resource interpretation experience
• Passion for the outdoors and nature

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).  

Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Additionally, indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods of time. The incumbent may also be exposed to loud noises or vibrations from equipment, and conditions that may affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.  

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

* updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov