Department: Museum Programs
Locations: Historic Mill Creek, Mackinaw City
Start/End Date: early May through late September
Pay Rate: Starting at $13/hr
Click here to fill out an application.
Scope of Duties:
This position serves visitors to Mackinac State Historic Parks by working as a uniformed interpretive naturalist at Historic Mill Creek. This full-time seasonal position is responsible for interpreting the natural history of the park and providing nature themed presentations at various locations in the park.
Responsibilities:
- Put our visitors first by treating them with respect, serving their needs and providing an enjoyable and educational experience.
- Present regularly scheduled talks and guided walks on a variety of natural history topics.
- Provide informal interpretation about the natural and cultural history of the Straits area for visitors of all ages and abilities.
- Present environmental education programs (including talks and guided nature hikes) to groups of students visiting the park in May and June.
- Help monitor and protect the park’s fragile natural features from negative human impact.
- Help improve and maintain the park’s trail system.
- Maintain the wildlife observation area and native species plantings near the Visitor’s Center.
- Participate in other interpretive presentations or park duties as required.
Position Requirements:
- Must be out-going, enthusiastic and have strong public contact and speaking skills
- Applicants that have or are working towards a degree in natural resources management; biological, earth or environmental science; recreation; communication; education; interpretation or related field preferred.
- Applicants with a practical knowledge of forest and stream ecology and able to identify common plants and animals found in northern Michigan are preferred.
- Applicants preferred who are available to work the entire season (16 weeks, starting in early May and working to Labor Day).
Work Location and Schedule:
The workstation for this position is Historic Mill Creek, located 4 miles east of Mackinaw City, although the employee may occasionally be required to work at other MSHP sites as dictated by park needs. Work schedules are posted in advance and are subject to change depending on park operational needs. A normal work schedule is 40 hours per week, although hours and weeks worked may vary. The employee may be required to work evenings, holidays, and/or weekends as park needs dictate.
Physical Requirements:
This position will involve extensive walking – including walking up and down steps and on uneven terrain. Stretching and bending are moves commonly made throughout the day by employees in this position. The employee must have the ability to do the following activities, with or without reasonable accommodation: Frequent lifting, carrying, transporting, loading and unloading of up to 35 lbs., walking long distances and up steep inclines in all weather conditions, frequent twisting, bending, stooping, reaching and grasping, sitting and/or standing for long periods of time, and the ability to utilize ferry boat transportation to and from Mackinac Island.
Dress Code:
The park maintains a dress and appearance code for employees in public service. The Seasonal Naturalist will be required to wear a park-provided uniform while on duty.
Supervision:
The Seasonal Naturalist is supervised by the Park Naturalist. This position does not supervise any other positions.
General Position Information:
This is a temporary seasonal at-will position which serves at the will of the employer and does not include recall rights or benefits (other than those mandated by governmental laws). This position will expire at the time employment is ended for the season and the employee does not have recall rights to this or any other MSHP position in the future. Specifically, the park is under no obligation to hire the individual in subsequent seasons. The number of weeks and hours worked may vary as park needs dictate. Additional information will be provided upon employment.
Click here to fill out an application.
Questions or cannot apply online?
Please contact:
Employment
P.O. Box 873
Mackinaw City, MI 49701
231-436-4100 x111