VOLUNTEER WITH US
What is a Volunteer Naturalist?
Volunteer Naturalists provide guided interpretive nature programs, support our field sites, and facilitate environmental education experiences for program participants.
Why
Volunteer?
Volunteers inspire program participants to engage the outdoors, (re)connect with nature, and develop networks with the community around them.
When is the next Volunteer Naturalist Training?
Check out our calendar below for our next Volunteer Training
Requirements to become a volunteer
Volunteer candidates must meet basic requirements prior to admittance to the program and gaining active status. Some assignments may require additional training.
BENEFITS
OF VOLUNTEERING WITH CNC
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Supporting the CNC mission to increase access to the outdoors for communities impacted by racial, socio-economic, and disability injustices.
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Quality training and enrichment opportunities that include certificates and certifications offered at a discounted rate or at no cost.
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Mentoring and 1:1 support from full-time staff dedicated to our volunteers.
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Professional development opportunities to enhance your Outdoor/Nature/Environmental resume for future job and academic prospects.
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Knowledge that your work is actively contributing to future generations of naturalists and stewards.
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Hands-on experience supporting and facilitating programs to elementary-aged students and other public audiences.
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Dedicated time spent to building your own relationship with nature and the outdoors, and the opportunity to share/foster your skills with other people.
VOLUNTEER
TRAINING
After a candidate has successfully completed both the Application and Onboarding processes, they will be considered a CNC Volunteer. All new CNC Volunteers are placed in programs according to the training experience.
Volunteers are required to commit 10 hours a month to maintain their active Volunteer status.
Start Your Volunteer Naturalist Training & Apply Today!
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Please check back soon for details on our next Volunteer Orientation.
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Supplemental Volunteer Naturalist training opportunities are offered through the CNC Training Institute.
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Check out the CNC Training Institute calendar for upcoming events!
ONBOARDING
PROCESS
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Complete all required paperwork.
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Take a background check including fingerprinting--this is required since most CNC programs involve youth.
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Must pass Tuberculosis screening.
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Attend all days of the required New Volunteer Naturalist orientation & training.
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Read the Volunteer Naturalist Manual.
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Attend supplemental training as required by the Community Nature Connection Volunteer Management team.
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Obtain a valid Adult/Child/Infant CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.
APPLICATION
PROCESS
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Be at least 16 years of age.
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Submit your Volunteer Application
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Attend a Volunteer Naturalist interview.
AGE
REQUIREMENTS
Volunteer applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
FAQ
WHO CAN BE A VOLUNTEER?
Anyone over 16 years of age who takes the background check including fingerprinting, passes a Tuberculosis screening, and completes all required training.
WHEN DO VOLUNTEER'S VOLUNTEER?
Volunteer programs occur at different times throughout the week:
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Mornings during the week (School Field Trips)
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Evenings (Full Moon hikes)
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Weekends (Public Interpretive Programs)
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Flexible hours if completing video production and virtual content.
WHERE DO THEY VOLUNTEER?
Volunteers provide service in multiple ways: in-person at Vista Hermosa (as a guide or as a Nature Center host), at the Akuutet Learning Nursery (Elyria Canyon), or supporting staff on field trips or with program implementation. Our volunteer opportunities are open to everyone.
TIMELINE FOR VOLUNTEER PROCESS
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Application Process → Onboarding Process → Volunteer Training → Volunteering!
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The timeline for becoming a volunteer is reliant on both the volunteers participation, and the training calendar. Once all requirements are completed, a uniform will be issued, and the volunteer will be ready to start service.
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Volunteer application form
Check out
