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.
Other 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
Exhibit Rovers interact with our visitors, providing an interpretive experience that connects them to nature through our exhibit program. Supporting the mission and vision, the Exhibit Rover represents the Nature Centre to visitors during normal operating hours (between 10am and 6pm).
Location: Exhibit Rovers work in the exhibit rooms – primarily the front lobby, main gallery, and exhibit gallery at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, located north of the High Level Bridge via Indian Battle Road and 3rd Avenue South.
Our nature centre developed with a foundation of volunteer support. Volunteer Naturalists take part in all aspects of the Centre’s operations. They share their time, a valuable resource that is necessary for us to meet the needs of our community.
Most volunteers begin as Exhibit Rovers. In this role they help greet visitors as they arrive to the Centre and help them make the most of their visit.
After learning the basics as an Exhibit Rover, volunteers often help in other ways. They help as Program Assistants, Trail Rovers, or behind the scenes. Volunteer Naturalists commit to a term of at least six months and help out on a regular basis.
There are abundant opportunities at the Nature Centre and so many ways that you can get involved. No experience necessary! We provide the training and ongoing support.
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.