Get Involved: Larimer County Open Space - Nature Education Volunteer

Nature Education Volunteer

Description:

Application deadline is March 3, 2025.

Interested in inspiring a passion for the natural world in people of all ages? Love spending time outdoors? Nature Educators connect visitors to Larimer County parks and open spaces through fun and engaging educational programs. They inspire curiosity of the natural world and foster stewardship by leading programs developed by staff. No teaching experience necessary. We'll prepare volunteers with the skills and information needed to interpret the natural world for the public. 

This volunteer role includes three (3) positions: School Group Educator, Stewardship Outreach Educator, and Tiny Trekkers Educator. Volunteers select the position that best suits their availability, interests, and skills.

Time Commitment:

This will vary depending upon the position you choose. All Nature Educators are required to attend Nature Educator Orientation (3 hours) plus the position training. 

School Group Educators are needed Tuesdays - Fridays, year round. Field trips are typically 3-4 hours. School Field Trips occur March – May and September – November. Special Request guided hikes occur. May – September. 

Training is two weekdays in mid-March from 8:30 am - 1:00 pm.

Stewardship Outreach Educators are needed Saturdays & Sundays from April - October. Shifts are typically 2.5 hours. Two shifts are scheduled each day 8:30 am – 11:00 am & 11:00 am – 1:30 pm (shifts may vary slightly depending on the weather).

Training is the second Saturday in April from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. 

Tiny Trekkers Educators are needed for the third Thursday of the month at Lions Open Space and following Saturday at River Bluffs Open Space, 10am-11am, year-round. Plus time to get the Tiny Trekkers supplies to the program or back to storage. Occasional calls for feedback on lesson plans

Training is 1.5 hours on a Saturday in the spring. New volunteers will assist with a Tiny Trekkers program at least once before leading

 

Volunteer Benefits:

• Spend your time outdoors while connecting with and giving back to the community. 
• Be an integral part of promoting LCDNR's mission, enhancing visitor's experiences, and fostering stewardship values. 
• Learn from experienced staff and volunteers. 
• Have access to natural and cultural history resources including a comprehensive library and educational materials (furs, skulls, games, craft supplies & more). 
• Expand your knowledge while sharing your love of the outdoors. 
• Participate in fun volunteer appreciation and social events. 
• Complete 20+ volunteers hours in a calendar year and receive a LCDNR parking pass. 

Documents:

 

Requirements:

• Interested in natural & cultural history and making a connection with people, nature, and place
• Good communication skills both written and verbal
• Passionate about learning and enthusiastic about sharing your knowledge with others
• Comfort with speaking to people of all ages and backgrounds
• Friendly, courteous, respectful, flexible, and a team-player
• Have a good understanding of LCDNR rules. Willingness to talk to visitors and address visitor concerns or rule violations in a friendly manner
• Willingness to work outside in variable temperatures and weather conditions. Some programs require 2-3 miles of hiking
• Pass a criminal background check
• Understanding and acceptance of potential risk for this volunteer position such as inclement weather, dangerous wildlife encounters, and unpleasant interactions with members of the public
• Know LCDNR Emergency Response Procedures and be prepared to contact help if there is an urgent incident while you are volunteering. Training provided
• Abide by all rules, regulations, and safety guidelines while on Larimer County property

General Duties:

• Volunteer at least 8 hours per calendar year
• Lead or assist with nature education programs including but not limited to: school field trips (School Group Educators), trailhead tables (Stewardship Outreach Educators), and preschool programming (Tiny Trekkers Educators).
• Dress appropriately and bring necessary supplies – typically this includes wearing sturdy closed-toed shoes and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), plenty of water, snacks/lunch, clothing layers for variable weather conditions, disposable or work gloves and anything else you need for the day outdoors
• Display appropriate volunteer on-duty parking pass when at a fee site
• Abide by all rules, regulations, and safety guidelines while on Larimer County property

School Group Educator:

Connect youth to nature through pre-developed, fun, engaging field trips. If you enjoy interacting with kids, then this is the role for you. During the school year, enhance what students learn in the classroom by leading an interactive geology or ecology field trip station. During the summer, guide hikes along the trails teaching Leave No Trace principles and observing all that Larimer County has to offer.

• Learn and lead pre-developed programs on selected natural history topics
• Must enjoy working with school-aged children
• Work with staff and other volunteers in a rotational station or guided hike style program
• Prior teaching experience or knowledge helpful but not required

Stewardship Outreach Educator:

Connect visitors to nature and an enjoyable outdoor experience through informal, meaningful conversations at popular trailheads. Volunteers use good communication skills to deliver key messages and encourage responsible recreation behaviors. Play an integral role in ensuring a memorable and safe visitor experience while minimizing impact on valuable natural resources. Facilitate interactive educational activities and share materials to deepen connections to nature and place.

• Act as an enthusiastic and engaged Department ambassador at a variety of locations for a wide variety of audiences.
• Host tables at trailheads, or other park/open space locations to convey pre-developed stewardship messages (such as rattlesnake safety, trail etiquette, bear aware, Leave No Trace)
• Enjoy having informal and meaningful conversations with the public
• Use nature artifacts and props to interpret stewardship messaging
• Host a booth at a festival or public event.

Tiny Trekkers Educator:

Connect preschool-age children (2-5 years) to nature through exploration and play! Tiny Trekker Leaders lead groups of 2-5 year olds and their parents/guardians through a short learning session designed to get children thinking about the natural world and how they connect to it, before going on a group walk to explore nature. If you enjoy guiding our youngest visitors in some of their first experiences with our Open Spaces, this position is for you.

• Learn and lead pre-developed programs on a variety of topics
• Coordinate with staff and other volunteers to pass off Tiny Trekker supplies
• Must enjoy working with 2-5 year olds. If you aren’t sure you would like this, you can also sign up to assist with a program.
• Keep track of attendance (adults and children)
• Collaborate with other Tiny Trekker volunteers
• Prior experience with preschool children helpful but not required