The Natural Resource Technician provides operational support to the North Carolina Museum of Natural
Sciences’ (NCMNS) outdoor Prairie Ridge Ecostation. The position is part of the Museum’s Regional Network
Section and is supervised by the Head of Prairie Ridge Ecostation. Prairie Ridge Ecostation is located in West
Raleigh at 1671 Gold Star Drive.
Prairie Ridge consists of more than 40 acres which contain Piedmont Prairie, forest, pond, stream, trails,
Nature PlaySpace, research study sites and educational arboretum. Prairie Ridge serves as a research field
station for NCMNS researchers and local college students. It is a field trip destination for hands-on natural
science programs for students of all ages, and it is open daily to the public for wildlife watching, nature play,
and nature exploration. This position assists the Natural Resources Specialist in a variety of land management
tasks at Prairie Ridge Ecostation. As part of a small team, this position will assist with events, outdoor projects
and other needs as they arise.
This position is classified as part time, temporary for 29 hours per week. The schedule is primarily weekdays
with occasional evening and/or weekends. Exact schedule will vary weekly depending on programs, events,
and candidate’s availability. Position is 11-months, with anticipated opportunity for rehire after a 31-day break
for the 12th month. For more information about Prairie Ridge Ecostation visit:
http://naturalsciences.org/prairie-ridge
Key Job Functions
Care of native wildflower pollinator garden
Lead weekly volunteers in various tasks including gardening, mulching, weeding, removal of invasive
species on Wednesday mornings
Lead volunteer community service groups, occasionally on weekends
Pruning and limbing of trees; removal of saplings; removal of various plants and weeds by hand
Safely apply pesticide to target invasive plants, fire ants and wasps
Assist with preparations for prescribed burns
Co-manage educational arboretum to maintain a variety of North Carolina native tree species
Assist with minor facility maintenance and trail maintenance
Open and close facilities
Support the needs of education, research and citizen science staff; record data as needed
Assist with daily operational tasks including cleaning bathrooms, trash and recycling removal,
answering phones, and other such tasks.
Provide excellent customer service to all visitors.
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent
Ability to identify or learn to identify various species of plants
Understanding and appreciation of local ecosystem including plants and wildlife
Detail oriented and organized with ability to multi-task as well as being adaptable and highly motivated
Must have a strong desire to work with the public in an outdoor setting, be able to hike 2-3 miles on
unpaved trails, work outside in inclement weather, lift 50 pounds and be comfortable working with a
diversity of wildlife.
Demonstrated success in working independently, and as a member of a team and developing effective
working relationships with staff, volunteers, and the general public of all ages. Ability to communicate
effectively with staff, volunteers, and visitors
Ability to adapt quickly and positively to unexpected changes such as inclement weather and wildlife
encounters.
Preferred Qualifications
Earned or working towards a degree with a focus in biology, botany, forestry, agriculture, horticulture,
or other natural science curriculum related to the area of assignment and one year of experience in
one of the following: natural/environmental sciences, forestry, resource/wildlife management,
horticulture, agriculture or landscaping.
Ability to operate a riding lawn mower and tractor with attachments including disking, bush hogging,
front loader, and other land management tools
Experience managing land for native plants and wildlife
Experience with chainsaw preferred but not required
Pesticide and/or herbicide license preferred but not required
Salary and Benefits
$13.00 per hour
Have fun in the outdoors while you work
Contribute to land stewardship to support education and research
Develop natural resource management skills
brian.hahn@naturalsciences.org by May31. 2022.