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Nature House Host - Stanley Park Ecology Society

Vancouver, British Columbia

Role Description

Spend your time enjoying beautiful Stanley Park and share your passion for ecology with others. Nature House Hosts provide important interpretation and education on the local ecology of the Park to visitors at Stanley Park Ecology’s Nature House. Volunteer alongside Educators to answer questions about Stanley Park’s wildlife, plants and natural history, and develop your skills in interpretation and public engagement.

The Nature House

The Nature House is an education station located on Lost Lagoon. It has displays, books and games that invite visitors to learn more about the wildlife in the area. The Nature House welcomes everyone, whether they are people that have lived nearby for decades and know lots about the birds or trees, or tourists that have never been to Stanley Park before. We have a map that helps people plan their routes through the Park and many books to look up the answers to visitors’ questions.

Duties

  • Welcome visitors to the Nature House and share information about Stanley Park’s ecology and natural and cultural history in a friendly and engaging way;  
  • Engage visitors with educational displays in the Nature House;  
  • Provide directions and answer questions from park visitors; 
  • Promote programming (such as walks, talks, events and memberships) as well as volunteering opportunities;
  • Support staff to organize resource materials including books, photos and articles;
  • Assist in Nature House opening and closing procedures;
  • Light cleaning or tidying duties as occasionally required;

Time Commitment

Prospective volunteers must be able to commit to a 3 hour shift each week at minimum. Volunteers must be able to commit to at least two months of volunteering.

The Nature House has seasonal hours, and operates on Saturday and Sunday from 10-4 during the fall, winter and spring, and from Tuesday to Sunday each week from July to September.

Training

Stanley Park Ecology staff will provide thorough training on topics such as the ecology and natural history of Stanley Park, interpretation techniques and more.

Volunteers will receive an initial orientation with staff. Volunteers continuing throughout the summer season will need to be available for full days of ongoing in-person training on Sunday June 15th, Saturday July 19th, and Saturday August 9th.

All volunteers will receive ongoing mentoring at the Nature House, along with opportunities to learn by attending webinars and supporting educational tours and bird counts.

Requirements

  • Have a passion for ecology; 
  • Be interested in public outreach and enjoy meeting and interacting with people in an engaging way; 
  • Excellent communication skills and a passionate, enthusiastic, and confident nature; 
  • High commitment level and reliable team player;
  • Have a keen interest in nature and Stanley Park – you do not need to know everything, just be willing to learn! 
  • Willingness to be active outdoors;
  • 16 years of age or older. 

Benefits

  • Gain valuable hands-on experience in public outreach, nature interpretation and environmental education skills; 
  • Learn about the ecology of Stanley Park; 
  • Support members of the public to connect with nature;
  • Spend the time in Stanley Park, volunteering with like-minded people in a fun environment;
  • Reference letter available after 25 hours of volunteer service; 
  • Attend twice-yearly volunteer appreciation event;
  • Access the benefits available to all volunteers including discounted memberships.
Stanley Park Ecology Society