Home > Organizations > Helen Schuler Nature Centre > Program Assistant
Populations Served
- Adults
- Children
- Member Agency Staff
- Young Adults
- Youth
Competencies/Skills
- Communication
- Emotional Intelligence
- Inquiry & Curiosity
- Leadership
- Teamwork
Program Assistant
Suitable for Youth
Program Assistants work closely with Nature Centre staff to deliver compelling, interactive, and memorable programs. Supporting the mission and vision, the Program Assistant represents the Nature Centre in the community by helping Program Leaders in such programs as: Big Bird Little Bird, Junior Naturalists/Trail Blazers, Extreme by Nature, and Day Camps.
Volunteer Duties
Training, Orientation and Supervision:
- After fulfilling Exhibit Rover training, volunteers will be able to receive specialized Program Assistant training with Nature Centre staff.
- Volunteers will learn the basics of program development, preparation, and delivery by working closely with Program Leaders.
- Program Assistants must work closely with their Program Leader to determine roles, responsibilities, and ideal program delivery. This will allow Program Assistants to take a leadership role or more of a participant-observer role.
- Through the delivery of Nature Centre programs volunteers will learn about the history of the Nature Centre and its place in Lethbridge’s River Valley; familiarize themselves with Roving resources including handouts, speaking points, maps, guide books, and library resources
- Reports to: Program Leader, and Volunteer Coordinator.
- Provide assistance to Program Leaders on Nature Centre programs.
Programming Support
- Assist with planning and delivery of programs.
- Maintain cleanliness of Nature Centre workroom.
- Provide general interpretation.
Mentoring
- Act as a role model.
- Answer questions about the Nature Centre.
- Be enthusiastic, respectful, and provoking wonder in the natural world.
- Gain valuable teaching and interpretation experience.
- Interact with participants, parents, and program partners in a professional manner.
Participant Safety and Comfort
- Ensure program participant safety.
- Help staff lead small group activities such as bug hunting, bird watching, pond dipping, orienteering, et cetera.
Requirements
- Age: 16 years old or above
- Dress Code: Outdoor Casual with uniform top provided (light brown t-shirt, dark-brown t-shirt, polo shirt, black vest).
- Security Checks: All Nature Centre volunteers are subject to a criminal record check.
- Location: Program Assistants work both indoors and outdoors at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre located north of the High Level Bridge via Indian Battle Road and 3rd Avenue South.
Qualifications & Personal Traits:
- Experience or interest in working with children in an educational/recreational setting.
- Ability to work with people of all ages, especially children and to provide a positive learning experience for participants of all ages.
- Nature interpretation skills, knowledge of local ecology is an asset.
- Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
- Dedication to and understanding of environmental issues.
- Ability to climb steep slopes and walk rugged terrain.
Schedule
- Assist with at least one program per month. Please be able to make a minimum commitment of six months.
- Approximately 3 hours per program; beginning one hour prior to program start-time and ends one-hour after scheduled program end-time.
Time Commitment
Continuing commitment
Type of Opportunity
Environmental,Tutoring and Mentoring
Application Type
Advanced
Other Opportunities with Helen Schuler Nature Centre
Conservation Outreach Assistants help to conserve the City of Lethbridge’s river valley by monitoring, observing, and reporting activities that are not permitted in natural areas. They also act as the eyes and ears of the Nature Centre by reporting their observations of the natural world and seasonal phenomena.
Supporting the mission and vision, Conservation Outreach Assistants represent the Nature Centre in the community by helping trail users understand and appreciate the parks they are visiting.
Location: Conservation Outreach Assistants specifically target Nature Preservation Area Parks in the City of Lethbridge, including: Lethbridge Nature Reserve, Elizabeth Hall Wetlands, Alexander Wilderness Park, and Cottonwood Park.
Special Events Assistants provide support during busy festivals and offsite events in an effort to raise awareness about the Nature Centre’s programs and services.
Supporting the mission and vision, the Special Event Assistant represents the Nature Centre in the community by helping acting as an ambassador at events like Canada Day at Henderson Lake, Lethbridge Children’s Expo, Spring Nature Fest, Discovery Days, Nature Play Fest, among many others.
Location: Special Events take place at the Nature Centre and at various locations throughout the City of Lethbridge.
Trail Rovers act as the eyes and ears of the Nature Centre – reporting their observations, sightings, and photos from the trail system. Supporting the mission and vision, the Trail Rover represents the Nature Centre in the community by helping trail users understand and appreciate what they are experiencing. Rovers often share their love and knowledge of what can be discovered in Lethbridge’s river valley.
Location: Trail Rovers work in various locations throughout the City of Lethbridge at any park or natural area accessible by the city’s trail system.
Thanks for your interest in this volunteer position!
We'll just need a bit of information so we can pass your application along to Helen Schuler Nature Centre.
Volunteers can sign up for up to 3 continuing commitment opportunities for immediate referrals. If you signed up for more than 3, a Volunteer Lethbridge staff member will connect with you before making new referrals.