Naturalist Aide ($17.22/hour - $23.24/hour)

Join Our Team as a Naturalist Aide!
Do you love the outdoors and nature? Enjoy working with animals, kids, and the community? Join H.A.R.D.'s Nature Program and help connect people with the natural world!

About Us
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is an independent special use district serving over 309,000 residents across a 100-square-mile area, including the City of Hayward and the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview.

H.A.R.D. operates two vibrant nature centers—the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center and the Sulphur Creek Nature Center—that foster environmental awareness, stewardship, and appreciation of our local wildlife and habitats.

About the Role
We’re currently seeking an enthusiastic Naturalist Aide to join our team! As a Naturalist Aide, you'll welcome and engage visitors, assist with daily operations, and support environmental education efforts. This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about nature, education, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet and assist visitors at one or both nature centers

• Share information about local animals, habitats, and natural history

• Present biofacts and other educational materials

• Help guide guests and support center tours

• Assist with special events and occasional evening programs

Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for someone who is:

• Outgoing and energetic

• Flexible and reliable

• A team player with a love for nature and learning
  Note: This is an entry-level position; training will be provided.

Position Details

• Position Title: Naturalist Aide

• Hourly Rate: $17.22/hour - $23.24/hour

• Schedule: Up to 18 hours/week (includes weekdays and one weekend day; some evening work required for special events). This is a seasonal role, set to end on September 5, 2025.

• Typical Hours: Between 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Status: Part-Time, Seasonal, Hourly, Non-Exempt

• Work Location: Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center and/or Sulphur Creek Nature Center

• Maximum Hours: Not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30)

Application Process
Applications are reviewed as they are received. This posting may close at any time—apply early!

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Recreation Coordinator II, the Naturalist Aide assists with administration duties  and in preparation of interpretive programming, outreach and camp programs; assists with program and scheduling, assists with donations, assists with organization of program supplies, equipment and materials necessary for programming and/or events, provides positive public relations, provides accurate information on programs and services in person and over the phone, assists with inventory, files paperwork,  assists with organization and maintenance of the instructional museum as per the position. The position is responsible for welcoming and representing the District during programs and events, maintaining and organizing a clean and safe multiuse space; supporting the district in providing quality programs, services and excellent customer service. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in this class are primarily responsible for assisting with program preparations, reports and general duties to assist with operations, marketing, and special events. This class can be distinguished from the Naturalist class as this is entry level into nature program unit. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with program preparations and/or administration duties
• Assist with marketing and outreach of programs and events
• Assist with organization and monitoring of donations and supplies
• Organize and maintain a safe and clean office and program space
• Report any repairs or maintenance needed on any equipment/tools used for instructional museum/exhibits or storage
• Assist with enforcing safety guidelines, District policies and procedures
• Assist with registration. rental program, and reporting process
• Provide administrative support including file updating and management, returning emails and phone class, and data entry
• Performs other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees predominantly work outdoors and/or an office/classroom environment with loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/surface hazards, vibration, chemicals, cleaning agents, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances, odors, and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing safety and departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may be assigned an irregular working schedule including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays and may have to travel between various locations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work around machines, to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to perform work. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, to operate tools and equipment, or handle animals. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Ability and Skill to:

• Self-motivated, can work independently with minimum supervision and/or a team
• Organized and detail oriented
• Ability to work in and serve a diverse community
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Maintain professional and effective working relationships with others
• Strong communication skills
• Bi-lingual is desirable

Knowledge of:

• Administrative support in an office setting
• Small office equipment such as computers, copy machines, projectors, and streaming
• Basic cash handling and accounting

Education/Experience/Training:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
• Proven experience in MS Office programs: Excel, Word, Access, Outlook
• Experience in Active Net desired
• Experience in photoshop and database programs desired
• Some experience in basic animal care or receptionist duties desired

Special Requirements:

• Strong interest and desire to work with native wildlife and or bay-estuary wildlife
• Must be able to work weekends and evenings
• Must be 16+ years old
• Verification of ID and ability work in the USA
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification required
• Provide proof of negative TB Skin Test
• Possession of a valid CA Driver’s License
• Any offer of employment to an adult employee who will have direct contact with minors is conditional upon a satisfactory fingerprint clearance and background check (DOJ)