Job Details

Naturalist

Position Number: 6965504
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Agriculture - Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry

Naturalist

Job Summary

The University of Utah Taft-Nicholson Center for Environmental Humanities Education in Centennial Valley, Montana, seeks a Program Specialist for the spring/summer/fall season (April-October on site in Montana and 2 months working remotely, preferably in the Salt Lake Valley). The Program Specialist reports directly to the Program Manager.

Program Specialists at the Taft-Nicholson Center are supervised by the Program Manager and are responsible for facilitating learning experiences for a variety of college and continuing education courses. Candidates should be prepared to immerse into the local flora and fauna, guide a range of educational experiences, including hikes, birdwatching tours, wildflower walks, canoe trips, field-based service projects, and driving tours, as well as on-campus events such as guided star-gazing and interpretive talks.

Health and safety are paramount at the Center, particularly because of its long distance from hospitals, its high elevation, and a local population of grizzly bears. Education staff are expected to get certified in Wilderness First Aid and attend bear safety training (trainings provided for employees).

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities
Commitment from April 1-October 31 for a minimum of 7 months (with 2 months working remotely, preferably in the Salt Lake Valley)

Ability to reside in a rural setting with a small community of people (private bedroom and meals when groups are in session are provided)
Wilderness First Aid Certification (or willingness to be certified; class provided on-site)
Driver's license (will be required to take University of Utah safe driver training)
Ability to travel under own power (frequent traversing of 3+ miles on uneven terrain and up/down hills)
Ability to tolerate high-altitude living (~7000 miles above sea level), extreme temperatures, and encounters with wildlife

Beyond educational facilitation and safety tasks, duties include:

Facilitating orientations for visiting groups (presenting natural and cultural histories and safety trainings)
Engagement with local community events
Assuring the health and safety of learners in the field
Development of interpretive and educational materials (guides, lectures, etc.)
Event and facilities management duties as needed (hosting community lectures and other events, helping with dormitory turnover between groups, etc.)
Optional involvement in noxious weed control and other facilities and campus management
Coordinating the Center's social media campaigns

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Program Specialists, III: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

M.A. or M.S. degree in applicable subject
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Experience in education, particularly in environmental contexts
Experience in interpretation and/or naturalist work
Collaborative leadership style
Community-oriented
Interest in and ability to learn and teach about local flora and fauna in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN44326B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 01733 - TAFT-NICHOLSON CENTER
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $50,000 - $52,200
Close Date: 3/15/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/197099