Posted by sharon luker on April 1, 2005

Q: I am a 4th grade teacher and have taught for 23 years. I have recently earned my naturalist certificate from Morton Arboretum, IL. I plan to retire next year, after which I would like to work in a park district or forest preserve educating children about the environment. Because I am 60 years "young" I do not have the luxury of spending 20 years working toward a career. I would simply enjoy working on a parttime basis, perhaps in a nature center or on school field trips. How would you suggest I start looking for such employment? I would appreciate any helpful hints and information you can give me. I found your website just by chance and it is wonderful! I plan to use it in my classroom. Sharon Luker

A: Sharon,

Boy, oh boy would a nature center like to have you on staff! Your experience as an educator is extremely appropriate for a nature center, museum or zoo. Obviously, they'll want to be sure you know the subject you'd be teaching but having someone with your experience is invaluable.

Furthermore, once you decide where you might want to work, be sure to let a potential employer know that you'd like to be helpful coordinating that particular organization's programs with the needs of students and school curricula in your area. Nature centers and zoos often do not have a good sense of what they should be teaching to address the needs of school children and you could provide that information - very big asset. You're especially employable so good luck to you. Feel free to email me directly at jrw@enaturalist.org if you want to discuss this further.

My very best to you,

John Wiessinger

John Wiessinger ( April 1, 2005)

A: Sharon, I've worked in the nonprofit nature center field for most of my career. Often, the staff I hired were first volunteers.

Starting out as a volunteer with a regional nature center, zoo, natural history museum, or arboretum may be the best way to go. You gain experience and the staff gets to know you.

You also get a feel for the job market in your area as you interact with those closest to "inside information." You can't beat word-of-mouth for the latest scoop on a job!

A park district or other governmental related organizations often have rules about posting position openings. Contact their headquarters and find out about their hiring policies. Good Luck! Jim Berry

Jim Berry ( April 5, 2005)