Nature Interpreter

Located at the head of Lake Ontario and within the municipalities of Burlington and Hamilton, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the largest botanical garden in Canada and one of the nation’s earliest nature sanctuaries. RBG dedicates its expertise in horticulture, conservation, science and education to connect people, plants and place for the purpose of nurturing and preserving healthy growing life on our planet.

We are seeking enthusiastic and knowledgeable individuals to join our team as Environmental Education Interpreters. This role is ideal for those who are passionate about nature, education, and engaging with the public in dynamic indoor and outdoor settings.

This is a seasonal position commencing September 8, 2026 and concluding June 30, 2027.

Number of Positions: up to 22 (Weekday daytime availability)
Number of Positions: up to 15 (Weekday afternoons/evenings and Weekend availability)

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver engaging environmental education programs that inspire curiosity and foster a deeper connection to nature for audiences of all ages, in both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Facilitate interactive interpretive experiences that align with RBG’s mission and themes, using storytelling, hands-on activities, and live animal demonstrations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, inclusive, and high-quality program delivery, while contributing feedback to enhance future programming.
• Actively engage with program participants to create memorable learning experiences, adapting content and approach to suit diverse audiences and learning styles.
• Maintain clear and timely communication with participants and RBG educational staff to support seamless program coordination.
• Ensure the care and organization of program materials, and complete administrative tasks such as attendance tracking, program evaluations, and summary reports.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver engaging curriculum-based programs.
• Knowledge and interest in nature, plants, gardening, and environmental science, supported by formal or informal education and/or experience.
• Experience in delivering interpretive or educational programs in relevant fields such as environmental science, education, museum studies, or horticulture.
• Comfortable handling live animals, including turtles, snakes, spiders, and insects.
• Valid Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR (required upon hiring, at the candidate’s expense).
• Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) required (at the candidate’s expense).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between RBG properties.

Working Conditions 

• Part-time casual contract with the number of hours based on program bookings and your availability.
• Shifts are available weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Position is mostly outdoors with some indoor work in all seasons in all types of weather.
• Indoor work involves ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.
• Must be able to walk 2–4 km over hilly, uneven terrain in all seasons and weather conditions.