Role Description
Spend your time enjoying the beauty of Stanley Park and share your passion for ecology with others. Nature House Hosts provide critical interpretation and education on the local ecology of the Park to visitors at Stanley Park Ecology’s Nature House. Volunteer alongside Educators to answer questions about Stanley Park’s wildlife, plants and natural history, and develop your skills in interpretation and public engagement.
The Nature House
The Nature House is an education station located on Lost Lagoon. It features displays, books, and games that invite visitors to learn more about the local wildlife. The Nature House welcomes everyone, whether they are people who have lived nearby for decades and know lots about the birds or trees, or tourists who have never been to Stanley Park before. We have a map that helps people plan their routes through the Park and many books to look up the answers to visitors’ questions.
Duties
- Welcome visitors to the Nature House and share information about Stanley Park’s ecology and natural and cultural history in a friendly and engaging way;
- Engage visitors with educational displays in the Nature House;
- Provide directions and answer questions from park visitors;
- Promote programming (such as walks, talks, events and memberships) as well as volunteering opportunities;
- Support staff to organize resource materials, including books, photos and articles;
- Assist in Nature House opening and closing procedures;
- Light cleaning or tidying duties as occasionally required;
Time Commitment
The Nature House has seasonal hours, operating on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from September – June, and from Tuesday to Sunday each week from July to September. Volunteer shifts are 3 hours long, with morning (10am-1pm) and afternoon (1-4pm) shifts available.
Prospective volunteers should be able to commit to two 3-hour shifts each month at a minimum, for at least two months.
Training
Stanley Park Ecology staff will provide thorough training on topics such as the ecology and natural history of Stanley Park, as well as interpretation techniques and more. All volunteers will receive ongoing mentoring at the Nature House, along with opportunities to learn by attending webinars and supporting educational tours and bird counts.
Requirements
- Have a passion for ecology;
- Be interested in public outreach and enjoy meeting and interacting with people in an engaging way;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Have a passionate, enthusiastic, and confident nature;
- High commitment level and reliable team player;
- Have a keen interest in nature and Stanley Park – you do not need to know everything, just be willing to learn!
- Willingness to be active outdoors, in all weather conditions;
- 16 years of age or older.
Benefits
- Gain valuable hands-on experience in public outreach, nature interpretation and environmental education skills;
- Learn about the ecology of Stanley Park;
- Support members of the public to connect with nature;
- Spend the summer in Stanley Park, volunteering with like-minded people in a fun environment;
- Reference letter available after 25 hours of volunteer service;
- Attend the seasonal volunteer appreciation event;
- Access the benefits available to all SPE volunteers including discounted memberships.
Application procedure
To apply, please fill out this application form to help us learn a bit more about you: Nature House Host – Application Form Fall 2026 – Fill out form
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Harper, Volunteer Coordinator, at vols@stanleyparkecology.ca.