become a
naturalist

Learn how you can become part of the Sheldrake team of naturalists!

Collage of Sheldrake naturalists in different scenes, including working with children of different ages, working in the classroom, and at community events.

What is a naturalist?

A naturalist is any person who studies the natural world and helps connect others to it. A naturalist is also commonly known as an environmental educator.

Sheldrake naturalist by the water with group of older children.

Who are the Sheldrake naturalists?

Our naturalists come from different backgrounds, including science, art, education, law, and healthcare. What unites them is a passion for the natural world and the desire to share their enthusiasm for nature with others. 

What does a Sheldrake naturalist do?

Sheldrake naturalists teach the community about the natural world. Most programs take place at the Larchmont Reservoir, our 60-acre nature preserve, the Sheldrake River Trails, and Dog Beach.

Naturalists can pick and choose which of the various Sheldrake programs they prefer to lead, based on their availability and interests. These could include school field trips, Scout visits, seasonal walks, weekly classes, weeklong mini-camps, weekend special events, and more.

The majority of our programs are tailored to children or families, while others are targeted to adults. Some naturalists deliver nature education at other locations, such as area preschools, camps, and STEM fairs.

Sheldrake naturalists work part-time, flexible hours.

Why is it great to be a Sheldrake naturalist?

You get the opportunity to open people’s minds and hearts to the natural world all around them, (re)connecting them to nature, and, ultimately, helping to foster caring and stewardship of the earth.

As a giant perk for you, you also become part of a community of nature enthusiasts who enjoy teaching together, being in nature together, sharing their knowledge with each other, and growing as a community.

Our flexible scheduling allows Sheldrake naturalists to balance their teaching with other commitments. Some build their schedule around their childcare responsibilities; some are looking for a part-time position in retirement; others have multiple jobs. The majority of our programs take place during the school year, allowing considerable time off in the summer.

Sheldrake Become a Naturalist - Naturalists posing with bigfoot

What does naturalist training involve?

Our training is primarily experiential and hands-on. You’ll start by observing our naturalists in action. This will give you a chance to understand what it really means to be a naturalist here.

After this observation period, we add book and classroom learning, as well as supervised teaching.

Sheldrake Naturalists in training session out in the woods.
Sheldrake naturalist inside working with older children using micropscopes.

What are your obligations after training?

After training, you are expected to commit to a teaching schedule that helps meet Sheldrake’s commitments to the community. While our options are varied, we do need a solid commitment from our trainees.

Are Sheldrake naturalists paid for their work?

Yes! Naturalists are paid for each program they teach.
Sheldrake Naturalist surrounded by group of young children exploring nature.

How do you get started?

Please complete this form to express interest. You’ll then hear back from our Director of Education, Jocelyn Kleinman.

BECOME A NATURALIST!

Special thanks to Con Edison for supporting our Environmental Education programs.