Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator - Parks and Recreation

Eaton County Parks and Recreation, located in Grand Ledge, Michigan, is committed to providing enriching outdoor experiences and educational programs to the community. The department oversees the management and programming of county parks, focusing on natural resource preservation, environmental education, and community engagement. The Parks and Recreation team works collaboratively with local schools, community organizations, and volunteers to enhance public knowledge and appreciation of the outdoors through innovative, well-coordinated events and interpretive programs.

This full-time position offers an annual salary range of $50,710 to $65,956 and involves planning, organizing, and coordinating educational and interpretive programs within the county's parks system. Reporting to the Parks and Recreation Director, the role is central to the development and execution of diverse programming that includes environmental education, outdoor recreation, and volunteer initiatives. The position requires supervising seasonal employees and volunteers, developing special events such as nature walks, bicycle tours, and invasive species management activities, and creating educational resources targeted at various audiences, including schools and community groups.

The role includes responsibilities such as leading guided tours focused on local flora, fauna, geology, and historical aspects, developing informational materials for teachers and students, and maintaining educational displays at the Lincoln Brick Interpretive Center. The program coordination extends to specialized activities conducted in partnership with entities like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Critical to this position is the ability to secure and maintain necessary state licenses to operate children’s and other public programming.

Additionally, the coordinator assists with special events planning, engages with local businesses for sponsorship and donations, and works alongside school administrators to align programs with educational curricula. They also oversee the development and maintenance of interpretive trails, supervise trail maintenance crews, and coordinate public presentations. The role demands proficiency in administrative duties such as budget preparation, maintaining activity and expenditure records, and collaborating with communication and events staff to produce effective promotional materials.

Physical demands of the job include walking over uneven terrain, working outdoors in diverse weather conditions, and occasional lifting. The position also requires flexibility to travel between multiple park locations and strong communication skills for effective public interaction and volunteer management. The candidate must be proficient in MS Office Suite and demonstrate accurate typing skills to maintain program documentation.

This role offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute meaningfully to community environmental education and outdoor recreation, supporting Eaton County’s mission to enhance quality of life through conservation and stewardship. It combines a passion for nature with educational programming, event coordination, and team collaboration within a respected public sector entity.