Wetland Naturalist

Seasonal Position: Wetland Naturalist

Employer: Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society (KCDCS)
Location: Creston, BC
Term: May 4 – August 29, 2026
Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week; includes weekends)
Wage: $21.00/hour

Join the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society as a Wetland Naturalist and spend your summer learning, teaching, paddling, exploring, and inspiring others in one of British Columbia’s most remarkable ecosystems. This is an ideal opportunity for post-secondary students interested in environmental science, education, biology, conservation, or outdoor recreation.

As a Wetland Naturalist, you’ll help connect children, youth, and visitors to the natural world through engaging environmental education programs and guided experiences at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA).

About the Location & Organization

Located south of Kootenay Lake in the stunning Kootenay Rockies region, the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is a 17,000-acre internationally recognized Ramsar wetland. The Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society operates the Discovery Centre within the wetland, offering hands-on exhibits, curriculum-based school programs, canoe and walking tours, summer camps, stewardship projects, and community events.

Each season, we train and mentor Wetland Naturalists, providing meaningful, real-world experience in environmental education and interpretation.

Learn more:

• CVWMA: crestonwildlife.ca
• KCDCS: discovery-centre.ca

What You’ll Do

• Lead school and youth environmental education programs
• Deliver guided canoe and walking tours
• Develop and present programs for summer camps and special events
• Interpret wetland ecology, wildlife, and conservation management to diverse audiences
• Engage with visitors in a friendly, professional manner
• Participate in stewardship activities (habitat enhancement, surveys)
• Assist with key holder and light maintenance duties at the Discovery Centre and trails

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic, curious, and excited to learn.

Ideal candidates:

• Are enrolled in (and returning to) a post-secondary program in a related field (asset, not required): environmental or natural sciences, biology, education, resource management, tourism, or recreation
• Enjoy learning about and sharing the natural world
• Are comfortable outdoors and interested in activities like canoeing, hiking, and birding
• Are outgoing, adaptable, and confident speaking with groups
• Can work both independently and as part of a team
• Have experience working with children, youth, and/or the public (formal or informal)

Required:

• Valid Standard First Aid
• Valid Criminal Record Check (Children & Vulnerable Adults)

Professional Development & Learning Opportunities

Your first week includes paid, hands-on training covering:

• Wetland ecology and biodiversity
• Bird identification and marsh management
• CVWMA history and conservation
• Interpretation techniques and educational best practices

As a Wetland Naturalist, you’ll gain hands-on experience in wetland ecology, environmental education, and outdoor leadership while building strong communication, facilitation, and public engagement skills. Ongoing mentorship throughout the season includes job shadowing, team teaching, supported program delivery, and regular feedback, making this a strong learning and professional development experience. You’ll also receive professional training, develop resume-ready skills, earn strong references, and spend the summer working in a world-class wetland—an experience many past Naturalists describe as career-shaping.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining how your skills, experience, and interests make you a great fit for the Wetland Naturalist role.

Send applications to:
Carla Ahern, Executive Director, KCDCS
[email protected]

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls, please.