Larimer County Parks & Open Lands Job Expectations
Volunteer Naturalist

Department: Larimer County Parks and Open Lands
Program: Open Lands
Location: Horsetooth Mountain Park, Devil's Backbone Open Space, Ramsay-Shockey Open Space, Rimrock Open Space, and additional properties as they open up to the public.

Trained Volunteer Naturalists lead fun, educational hikes for the public along trails of their choice. Volunteers can serve in several interpretative capacities such as leading day and/or moonlight hikes, staff special events, perform campfire storytelling, help with public tours, and prepare and present slide shows.

• Research, develop and lead your own hike either during the day or at night
• Provide excellent customer service to visitors and staff while sharing your enthusiasm and knowledge of the natural and cultural resources in the Parks and Open Lands
• Remain professionally neutral in areas of public policy, politics, religion, etc. when "on duty" as a naturalist
• Be prepared and arrive on time
• Make safety your first priority
• Assist with special events and community festivals as needed
• Assist collect or create props for naturalists to use to enhance their hikes
• Lead or assist with public tours on Open Lands, which may include operating a county vehicle
• Prepare and present slide shows

• Be enthusiastic, helpful, if you don't know an answer offer to put them in touch with someone who does
• Be friendly, courteous and professional when dealing with staff and visitors
• Enjoy interacting with the public and answering their questions & concerns; communicate clearly with them
• Ability to assess your audience and communicate on their level
• Posses a basic knowledge of natural science and an interest in the outdoors as well as a willingness to learn
• Complete a general volunteer orientation and a FREE basic training course provided by the department and successfully perform certification activities
• Good physical condition (ability to hike 2-3 miles)
• Involve the group you are working with to provide them with an enriching educational experience
• Agree to a background check
• Provide your own reliable transportation
• Abide by Parks and Open Lands regulations and safety guidelines
• Commit to leading or participating in a specific number of public events over time (hikes, festivals, tours, etc.)
• Naturalists must be 18 years of age or older (unless obtaining prior approval)

• Prepare and train volunteers to carry out naturalist duties
• Match naturalists with the kinds of groups that complement their personality and comfort levels.
• Organize and schedule volunteers in an efficient and timely manner
• Provide necessary equipment and supplies (as budget allows)
• Provide training enhancements to meet the interests of continuing Volunteer Naturalists
• Provide resource information and have them available for check out
• Evaluate training and performance of volunteers
• Recognize and reward volunteers as valued staff members

• Be knowledgeable and prepared for Naturalist assignments
• Successfully complete certification before leading public groups
• Communicate your preferences for kinds of groups and assignments with the Education Coordinator
• Provide excellent customer service to staff and visitors
• Be responsible to find your own replacement, if unable to meet your scheduled obligations
• Provide own transportation and "creature comforts" as needed - water, raingear, sunglasses, sunscreen...
• Be on time

• Possible heat exhaustion from too little water
• Rattlesnakes in summer
• Weather related risks such as lightning, cold, heat, etc.
• Hoarseness due to projecting your voice above the wind
• People that say they will hike but never show
• Visitors that may become confrontational while you are guiding them

The Larimer County Parks & Open Lands department is not obligated to provide a placement, nor are you obligated to accept the position offered. From time to time photos may be taken of you while you are on-duty. These photos may be used for publications such as the Open Lands Annual Report or the Open Lands Calendar or other public outreach materials. Opportunities for volunteers are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex or age. Larimer County is committed to equality of opportunity.