Join the FNPA Team
Available Positions
Seasonal Institute Naturalist
Position Highlights
- Position: Naturalist
- Location: Homestead, Florida
- Reports To: Director of Education
- Status: Part-time, up to 40 hrs a week dependent on bookings and weather conditions. Seasonal November 4th – April 30th
- Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour
Summary Description
The Florida National Park Association (FNPA) is the official cooperating association and nonprofit partner to Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve. Our Institutes partner with our National Parks to enhance visitor experience by providing educational and interpretive opportunities.
FNPA is seeking multiple part-time, Seasonal Naturalist for its Institutes. Naturalists are part of a dedicated staff committed to connecting the public to the Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park through the delivery of exceptional educational and interpretive experiences. They are knowledgeable about these parks and are experienced outdoor leaders who provide a fun, educational, and safe program.
Primary Responsibilities
- Prepare and deliver engaging and organized programs to a diverse range of learners with the goal of connecting them to Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.
- Work alongside National Park Service Rangers in the visitor center welcoming and orienting the visitors of Everglades National Park and selling Institute programs.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Articulate the FNPA and National Park Service mission and represent it accurately and positively; encourage participation in the organization through education and philanthropy.
- Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of Everglades and Biscayne National Park to include (but not limited to) their natural, cultural, and geologic histories, their wildlife, and their management issues.
- Understand and follow FNPA policies and procedures and National Park Service regulations by emphasizing the protection of park resources and adherence to FNPA employee handbook.
- Perform field-based risk management duties during programs by anticipating and managing potential hazards or group issues that might arise.
- Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment with all FNPA employees, contract instructors, volunteers, board members, and partners.
- Assist in coordinating educational programs, to include answering phone calls and emails, booking programs, and developing program outlines and itineraries.
- Assist with creating teaching material and equipment management.
- Travel throughout the Everglades and Biscayne National Park areas, as required.
- Other tasks as assigned by the Institute Program Coordinator, or other designated leadership.
Basic Qualifications
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
- Applicants cannot have any moving violations on their driver’s license within the last 5 years. They must also possess a Florida Driver’s License.
- Applicants must have at least 2 years of outdoor guiding experience.
- Strong commitment to education and the mission of Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.
- Demonstrates outdoor leadership skills.
- Exceptional customer service skills.
- Knowledge of biology, ecology, geology, and natural and cultural history.
- Current CPR and First Aid certifications, or willingness to attain and maintain these certifications.
- A satisfactory criminal and driving record background check is a condition of employment.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Willingness to travel to our various locations listed below.
- Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, walk, hike, bike, and paddle a canoe and kayak up to 10 miles, and work outdoors in all climate conditions common to the region.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
- Must be comfortable on a boat.
- A collaborative attitude with demonstrated ability to work effectively, and professionally as a part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s in Biology, Environmental Science, or any other related science majors and/or experience and knowledge in working in any of these fields for 2 or more years.
- Experience working in a non-profit environment.
- Experience working with both youth and adult learners.
Location
- This position will be mainly stationed at the FNPA main office at 10 parachute Key lot #51 Homestead, FL 33034.
- Shark Valley Entrance of Everglades National Park at 36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
- Biscayne National Park Institute at Coconut Grove at 3400 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133
Seasonal Staff Requirements
- Seasonal staff are expected to start working no later than November 4th and are expected to stay through April 30th.
- No holiday requests off allowed.
- Will be scheduled up to 40 hours per week, but hours are not guaranteed due to booking availability or weather-related cancellations.
- Requests for days off are limited to one additional day off during the scheduled weekend. No more than three consecutive days off are permitted.
Schedule
- This position is part-time that does not to exceed, 40 hours a week depending on bookings and weather conditions.
- Must have holidays and weekends available.
Apply
Apply by submitting a resume to Jobs@EvergladesAssociation.Org with the subject: “Naturalist-Everglades Institute”.
Information Specialist - Call Center
Position Highlights
- Position: Information Specialist
- Location: Homestead, Florida
- Reports To: Director of Education
- Status: Part-time
- Pay: $13.75
Summary Description
Florida National Parks Association (FNPA) is a non-profit organization that works to support all four South Florida National Park units in research, experiential education, and preservation through retail sales and fee-based educational programming.
FNPA is now accepting applications for Institute Information Specialist. Candidates for this position should be detailed oriented and have customer service experience with strong communication, critical thinking, and computer skills. Information Specialists act as the first point of contact between guests and FNPA. They must uphold the culture of FNPA at all times while making visitors feel valued.
Information Specialists answer inquiries in our call center and act as a concierge in the retail stores of Biscayne and Everglades National Parks.
This is a 20-hour, year-round position with the possibility to increase up to 32 not to exceed 40 hours and candidates are expected to be available to work weekends and holidays.
Primary Responsibilities
Our employees serve as ambassadors for the Florida National Parks Association (FNPA) and will promote FNPA’s mission. FNPA provides quality educational experiences to national park visitors through our park stores, interpretive services, and custom publications. FNPA employees will educate visitors about our partnership with the National Park Service.
- Inform visitors about South Florida National Parks and Institute programs offered by FNPA in-person, over the phone, email, or instant messaging.
- Sell Institute programs offered by FNPA to visitors in-person, over the phone, email, or instant messaging.
- Answer questions about the South Florida National Parks and Institute programs offered by FNPA in-person, over the phone, email, and instant messaging.
- Manage reservations including making reservations, rebooking reservations, and cancelling reservations.
- Follow and implement all FNPA policies and represent FNPA in a courteous and professional manner.
- Solicit memberships and donations from visitors as they complete bookings.
- When working in the retail stores, complete the check-in process and direct visitors participating in Institute programs.
- When working in the retail stores, assist store associates with the completion of store merchandise sales.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Employee Qualities
- Experience with providing excellent customer service and managing stressful situations with professionalism.
- Detailed-oriented with the ability to multitask and work well individually in a fast-paced working environment.
- Highly skilled at communicating a lot of information in an efficient and effective manner in person, over the phone, via email, and via instant messaging.
- Comfortable taking payment for Institute programs over the phone and soliciting memberships and donations.
- A satisfactory criminal background check is a condition of employment.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
*This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.*
Requirement
- Must have reliable transportation. Job sites are far from public transportation.
- Valid U.S. Driver’s License.
- Criminal background check is required.
- Able to work weekends and holidays.
- Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools, or controls.
Apply
Please send resumes to Jobs@evergladesassociations.org with the subject “Information Specialist-Call Center”
For additional questions or inquiries, please call our office.
Retail Associate - Big Cypress National Preserve
Position Highlights
- Position: Retail Associate
- Location: Oasis Visitor Center & Nathaniel Reed Visitor Center in Big Cypress National Preserve
- 52105 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
- Reports To: Director of Retail
- Status: Part-time
- Pay: $15.00 per hour
- Housing: Not included, but RV trailer pads are available. Inquire about site availability with your application
Summary Description
The Florida National Park Association (FNPA) is the official cooperating association and nonprofit partner to Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve.
FNPA is seeking a Retail Associate to work at our park stores located in Big Cypress National Preserve. The Sales Associate is responsible for creating a sense of welcome and hospitality, while also providing excellent customer service for all customer needs and purchases. You will be responsible for selling products, merchandise, and services in a retail setting. This position is a full or part-time job. Candidates must be available to work the day shift (8:15 am to 5:30 pm) weekends and holidays
Primary Responsibilities
Our employees serve as ambassadors for the Florida National Parks Association (FNPA) and will promote FNPA’s mission. FNPA provides quality educational experiences to national park visitors through our park stores, interpretive services, and custom publications. FNPA employees will educate visitors about our partnership with the National Park Service
- Responsible for opening and/or closing the bookstore by following proper procedures at appropriate times indicated.
- Inform visitors in person or over the phone about the Preserve and programs offered along with Preserve information.
- Maintain order of the front desk and welcome center area daily, including stocking brochures, card racks, maps, directions, etc.
- Direct visitors to desired locations in the Big Cypress.
- Be competent in all aspects of the point of sale system and the related equipment including cash registers and printer applications.
- Restock the sales floor while following visual merchandising guidelines and help create visual displays. Keep clothing and merchandise on shelves neat and make sure bookshelves are stocked and books are straightened daily.
- Assist in the receiving and stocking or preparing of all incoming and outgoing shipments.
- Participate in the inventory management process and spot check counts as directed by management.
- Complete change orders and store orders weekly.
- Solicit memberships and donations from visitors as they complete store purchases.
- Maintain knowledge on all procedures and job specific knowledge.
- Solicit memberships and donations from visitors as they complete store purchases.
- Restock merchandise as needed and after each delivery.
- Rotate stock and inform HQ if there are missing, damaged or expired products.
- Maintain knowledgeable on all procedures and job specific knowledge.
Employee Qualities
- Retail or customer service experience
- Cash handling principles and practices
- Greet visitors in a friendly and professional manner
- Have a positive attitude while performing repetitive tasks
- Punctual
- Can handle stressful situations with professionalism
- Multitasking skills
- Comfortable speaking with Park visitors in person or over the phone
- Comfortable in soliciting memberships and donations
- Able to count large amounts of money
- Can work in a team environment
- Capable of using computer equipment, systems and software used in the management of retail operations.
- Maintain a safe and appealing store environment while supporting and following FNPA’s missions and policies.
*This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.*
Requirement
- Must have reliable transportation. Job sites are far from public transportation.
- Valid U.S. Driver’s License.
- Criminal background check required.
- Able to work weekends and holidays.
- Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls.
- Requires mobility and physical exertion; duties involve moving materials weighing 10-20 pounds frequently, 25-35 pounds occasionally.
- Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while operating equipment such as POS, iPad, calculator and similar machines.
Apply
Please send resumes to Jobs@evergladesassociations.org with the subject “Retail Associate – Big Cypress”
For additional questions or inquiries, please call our office.
Send Us Your Resume and Cover Letter
Don’t see an available position but still interested in joining FNPA? We continuously accept resumes. If you would like to submit for a position that is not posted here, please email Jobs@EvergladesAssociation.org your resume and a cover letter and we will keep you on file.
RV Parking Available
RV pads are sometimes available for FNPA employees on a limited basis at Pine Island and Flamingo locations in Everglades National Park and at Oasis in Big Cypress Preserve. If you are interested in more details about the RV pads please include your inquiries when you submit your resume.
