Naturalist Assistant (Variable Hours)

About the role

• JOB LOCATION
• 16002 E Smith Rd Aurora, Colorado 80011-3200
• Cit y of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

The city of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Department's mission is to encourage active lifestyles and create healthy environments for people, nature and community.

The award-winning operation consists of seven divisions (Golf, Open Space and Natural Resources, Parks Operations, Planning, Design and Construction, Recreation, Business Services and Communications) that collectively manage more than 8,000 acres of open space, 100+ parks, 180+ athletic fields, over 100 miles of trails, three nature centers, two reservoirs, five recreation centers, five golf courses, indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities and one of Colorado's largest municipal urban forestry programs.

• Aurora PROS is committed to delivering exceptional public service while being responsible stewards of its diverse system of parks, programs, natural resources and amenities that enhance the daily quality of life for Aurora residents.
• The hiring range for this role is $15.54 - $19.42/hour.
• Salary to be commensurate with experience.

The application deadline is November 22, 2026. Please note that the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing application screenings on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.

The Naturalist Assistant job uniquely combines highly energetic and interactive work with quiet, self-directed project time. This role requires attending busy events, engaging with a wide range of audiences, and motivation to complete assigned relevant research projects.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Leads or assists with Scout programs, nature-themed birthday parties, guided hikes, day camps, preschool programs, and curriculum-based programs for school-aged children in the Aurora and Cherry Creek school districts.
• Staff information desks (answer phones, greet visitors, impromptu center and exhibit tours, etc.).
• Assists full-time naturalists with interpretive programming for pre-k through adult age groups.
• Plans, researches, and presents interpretive programming for a variety of audiences.
• Assists in researching, updating, designing, and installing interpretive exhibits on local plant and animal life.
• Assists with live animal care for a small collection of reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods.
• Performs maintenance and light cleaning such as picking up trash, pulling weeds, vacuuming, dusting, shoveling snow, tidying restrooms, sweeping, and mopping.
• Educates park users regarding park rules and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Additional information

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Qualifications & Working Conditions

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• At least one year of experience (either volunteer or paid) teaching science in formal or informal environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Interpretive Guide certification through the National Association for Interpretation
• Spanish language skills desired, but not required

Knowledge

• Basic knowledge of scientific concepts and principles including adaptation, evolution, biology, and ecology
• Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint

Skills

• Skill in explaining complex topics to a wide range of audiences
• Skill in oral and written communication

Abilities

• Ability to interact positively with people of all ages and abilities
• Well organized and self-motivated
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials

Licenses and Certifications Required

• Excellent driving record

Working Conditions

Essential Personnel

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel

Physical Demands

• Medium level work that involves moving no more than 50 pounds with or without assistance at a time
• Frequent lifting, carrying, walking, and standing
• May require frequent pushing, pulling, bending, and stooping
• Clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents
• Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and residents
• Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard, working with others

Work Environment

• Works primarily in recreation facilities, public buildings, and/or parks. Programming often takes place outdoors so employee may be exposed to varying weather conditions, dust, haze, or other outdoor conditions.

Equipment Used

• Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel
• This job may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment

Additional information

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.

For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:

As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.

Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.

Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.

Notice Regarding Colorado Identification Document Protections

As part of the employment eligibility verification process, the city of Aurora may request government-issued identification documents as permitted by law. Original identification documents will be reviewed only as necessary for employment eligibility verification and will not be retained longer than permitted by law. Applicants will retain possession and control of their original identification documents except for any temporary retention permitted or required by law.