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Seasonal Naturalists and Volunteers

SEASONAL NATURALISTS

Real world experience...
A Seasonal Naturalist at Francis Beidler Forest will find out that they have become a part of something important. By accepting a seasonal position at Beidler Forest, you will also be accepting the responsibility of joining the staff here in their mission to protect this pristine habitat and to help educate and inform the public about the importance and significance of protecting our wetlands in America. Seasonal Naturalists are an important part of Beidler Forest...and it takes a special type of person to fill the role. But in the end the experience gained by working with the public and the connections made here will help you on your way to being a true conservationist.

What Would I Do?
Seasonal Naturalist responsibilities will include...

• In the spring, lead at least one canoe trip each week into the swamp's interior (trips last either 2 or 4 hours).
• Lead at least one Night Walk each month along the boardwalk for groups of adults.
• In the summer, assist with the "GET SWAMPED" summer day camps!
• Leading groups of all ages (with emphasis on school children) on interpretive boardwalk tours
• Helping to run the Visitor Center on weekends and other days as needed. This includes staffing the reception desk, greeting visitors and informal interpretation. This includes Center "housekeeping"!
• Assist with ongoing projects and programs. For example: Water Chemistry and Benthic Organism Survey, Water Level Monitoring, Breeding Bird Survey, Big-eared Bat Project (some years), Earth Day Weekend, misc. fund raising and others!!
• Completion of a special, independent project that blends the needs of the sanctuary with the skills/interest of the Seasonal Naturalist. To be decided after arrival.
• Assist with general maintenance of building, boardwalk and grounds.
• Worship the ground your boss walks on!

Why a Seasonal Position with Beidler Forest?

• "Hands On" experience with most phases of nature center/sanctuary work. This should not only increase personal experience, but will be an asset on the resume of those in search for full time work in this field.
• College credit can be arranged, subject to individual institutional requirements.
• Association with the National Audubon Society name! Audubon is a highly respected and well known conservation organization.

Pay, Housing and Other Small Details!

• Seasonal positions last three months.
• Seasonal positions are offered in the Spring, in the Fall and the Summer.
• Seasonal Naturalists will receive a weekly stipend of $235.00.
• Seasonal Naturalists will be housed in a modern 3 bedroom/2 bath house located in a remote, secluded and beautiful site on sanctuary property. Utilities will be provided.

Who Should Apply?

Applicants should be enrolled in or have recently completed a degree program in some area of the Natural Sciences.

Applicants should express some interest in pursuing a career in Environmental Education, Naturalist-Interpretive Work, Nature Center/Wildlife Sanctuary operations or related careers.

Skills that are not required but would be helpful include canoeing/kayaking skills, handiness with tools, research/data collection experience, previous experience in public speaking or leading groups, and computer skills.

How To Apply

• Send a resume, a list of three references and a letter of application to Michael Dawson. Faxes will be accepted at (843) 462-2713. E-mail application materials to mdawson@audubon.org.
• All applications for Spring positions should be received by no later than January 1st of each year.
• All applications for Summer positions should be received by no later than April 1st of each year.
• All applications for Fall positions should be received by no later than July 1st of each year.

The Seasonal Naturalist Program at Francis Beidler Forest is generously sponsored by Giant Cement Company, Giant Resource Recovery Company, Martin Marietta and Holnam, Inc.

VOLUNTEERS

An Experience You'll Treasure...
As the largest remaining virgin stand of cypress-tupelo swamp in the world, the Beidler Forest is truly a unique experience for any who venture to the sanctuary. The staff and friends of Francis Beidler Forest are dedicated to the preservation of this wonderful natural treasure. But simply owning the land occupied by the swamp is not enough.

The mission of the National Audubon Society and the staff at Beidler Forest is not only to protect this precious wetland habitat. Our mission is also to involve the public in conserving our natural world and to educate the public about the wonderful and mysterious workings of our environment. People will protect what they value most and our goal to educate as many people as possible about the value of the last wild places on Earth.

Volunteers are important to the mission of Audubon and to Francis Beidler Forest. The hours and services selflessly donated by caring people to the goals of the Sanctuary are invaluable. And in the end volunteers at Francis Beidler Forest usually find that while they gave much of themselves, they received much as well...

What you would do:

Volunteers have the option of being involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Working in the visitor center and Swamp Shop
• Maintenance of the Boardwalk and other areas of the Sanctuary
• Working as a Naturalist, assisting with group tours
• Leading with canoe trips in the Spring and Summer
• Providing office assistance
• Working at special events
• School appearances on behalf of Beidler Forest

What's in it for me?

• Being a participant in Beidler Forest's work towards education and conservation
• Free admission to the Sanctuary
• Swamp Shop discounts
• Invaluable experience working with public
• Being a part of the Beidler Forest Family
• Once/year use of on-site log cabin
• Receive a Reciprocal Pass that will allow free admission into most Charleston-area tourist attractions (museums, gardens, historic sites, parks, etc.)

If you are interested in volunteering at the Center and Sanctuary at Francis Beidler Forest please contact Michael Dawson, Sanctuary Manager, at (843) 462-2150 or at mdawson@audubon.org.