Bellevue Naturalist

Training schedule: Jan. 26-Apr. 29, 2027, with a required information night during January for applicants. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:30 p.m. We are currently accepting applications for the Class of Spring 2027.
Training site: In-person evening classes, with multiple Saturday field trips.
Length of commitment: Bellevue Naturalists agree to perform 100 hours of service with the Parks & Community Services Department's Natural Resource Division. Most volunteers complete their commitment within two years and many choose to continue volunteering.
Reports to: Bellevue Park Rangers
Work environment: Outdoors and indoors
Background check required: Yearly
Age: Must be 18 or older

Primary Responsibilities

Bellevue Naturalists learn about our area’s ecology, habitats, geology, wildlife and environmental education from local experts. Participants focus on restoration and conservation efforts and will help share their passion by working with and educating their community.

Duties:

Assist with ranger-led educational programs, activities, hikes, canoe tours, etc.
Attend and display leadership at Stewardship Saturday and weekday volunteer projects
Conduct environmental restoration at park sites across Bellevue
Maintain restoration sites and monitor species survival at former restoration sites
Assist with special events such as Bellevue Arbor Day, Earth Day and the MLK Jr. Day of Service
Steward the Bellevue trail system
Participate in continuing education opportunities

Training

Over the course of this training program, volunteers will meet with experts in classroom, workshop and fieldtrip settings to cover various ecological topics. This program is free with a volunteer commitment of 100 hours of service to Bellevue’s Parks Department. For more information, please call 425-452-7225 or email LHarper@bellevuewa.gov.

Desired Qualifications

City of Bellevue resident. Residents of other cities will be considered if space allows.
Interest in native plants, horticulture, conservation, environmental education, restoration, ecology and wildlife.
Understanding or interest in botany, horticulture, native plants, resource management, noxious weeds, restoration ecology or wildlife habitats.
Desire to work outdoors in varied weather and site conditions.
Experience in landscaping or grounds maintenance.
Experience in interpretation and environmental education.
Experience in volunteering and working as a team.

To Apply

To be considered for the Class of 2027, please complete and submit the application below by Nov. 30, 2026. Make sure to click “submit” at the end.

The City of Bellevue provides volunteer opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual preference and/or disability. If you need an ADA modification to participate in this program because of a disability, please contact us at Parks_Stewardship@BellevueWA.gov or 425-452-4195 (voice).

Bellevue Naturalist Program Application

Training for the Bellevue Naturalist Program is hosted annually during the winter/spring. Classes are held most Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturdays (times vary). Training is a mix of weekday evening classes and Saturday field trips. Attendance is mandatory, with two absences excused. Once training is complete, you must give 100 hours of volunteer service before becoming a Bellevue Naturalist.

Please complete this form to apply to the Bellevue Naturalist Program. Once you complete the form, click the Submit button at the bottom.

For alternate formats, interpreters, or reasonable modification requests please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-4195 (voice) or email Parks_Stewardship@BellevueWA.gov. For complaints regarding modifications, contact the City of Bellevue ADA, Title VI, and Equal Opportunity Officer at ADATitleVI@BellevueWA.gov.

First Name

Last Name

City of Bellevue residents are prioritized during the selection process, though residents of other cities will be considered if space allows. Do you reside within the city limits of Bellevue, Washington?

Yes

Address

Address 2

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Preferred phone number

Secondary phone number

What interests you about this program, and what do you hope to take from the experience?

Briefly describe past or current volunteer experiences, including approximately how long you volunteered for each organization.

Briefly describe any specialized training/education that you’ve received relating to the natural resource field or environmental conservation.

Briefly describe any current or past professional experience relating to the natural resource field or environmental conservation.

How did you learn about this program?

I understand that attendance is mandatory at trainings, with up to two absences excused. Within two years of finishing training, I will complete and report at least 100 hours of approved volunteer service. By selecting this checkbox, I understand and agree to the volunteer terms.

Bellevue Naturalist Program volunteers assist with habitat enhancement projects, citizen science, environmental education, and special events. Many of these volunteer opportunities occur on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. By selecting this checkbox, I am indicating this will work with my schedule.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY/PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
In consideration of myself and/or my child(ren) being allowed to use City of Bellevue Parks & Community Services facilities and/or participate in the City-sponsored activity(ies) identified herein, I ASSUME ANY AND ALL RISKS, INCLUDING RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH, associated with my or my child(ren)’s use of said facilities and/or participation in said activities. I further agree on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, assigns, and personal representatives, to waive and RELEASE any and all rights and claims for damages, including attorney fees, I now, or may hereafter have, whether known or unknown, against the City of Bellevue and its officials, employees, and agents for any injuries suffered by me or my child(ren) in connection with the use of City facilities or participation in the City-sponsored activity(ies) identified herein. I acknowledge that I have carefully read this WAIVER OF LIABILITY and fully understand that I am waiving any right that I may have to bring a legal action or to assert a claim against the City of Bellevue in connection with the use of City facilities or participation in the City-sponsored activity stated below.

PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE: I give my permission to have photos and/or video and audio recordings taken of me or my child(ren) during City of Bellevue activities and authorize the City of Bellevue to copyright, use, and publish the same. I understand I am waiving any right of privacy, compensation, copyright or other ownership right connected to the photo or recording. If you do not give permission to have photos and/or video and audio taken of you or your child(ren), please contact the main office at 425-452-6885 or Parksweb@bellevuewa.gov.

By selecting this checkbox, I agree to the Volunteer Waiver and Liability Release.

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