image of yellow and black bird on a branch. Text reads "Bellevue Naturalist"
  • Training schedule: We are currently accepting applications for the Class of Spring 2025.
  • Training site: Some virtual instruction paired with outdoor in-person trainings
  • Length of commitment: Approximately five hours per month, up to 100 hours of service after training is completed. 100 hours not to exceed two-year period.
  • Reports to: Bellevue Park Rangers
  • Work environment: Outdoors and indoors
  • Background check required: Yearly
  • Age: Must be 18 or older

Primary Responsibilities

Bellevue Naturalists (formerly master naturalists) learn about our area’s ecology, geology, wildlife, plant life, cultural history, wetlands, forests and streams from professors, local professionals, scientists and park rangers. Participants focus on restoration and conservation efforts, and will help share their passion by working with and educating their community.

Duties:

  • Lead (or assist with) educational programs, activities, hikes, canoe tours, etc.
  • Help lead Stewardship Saturday and mid-week volunteer projects
  • Conduct environmental restoration at sites across Bellevue
  • Maintain restoration sites and monitor species survival at former restoration sites
  • Assist with special events such as Bellevue Arbor Day and MLK Jr. Day of Service
  • Steward the Bellevue trail system

Training

Over the course of this training program, volunteers will meet with experts in virtual, 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 425-452-4195 or email Parks_Stewardship@Bellevuewa.gov.

Desired Qualifications

  • City of Bellevue resident. Residents of other cities will be considered if space allows.
  • 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 2025, please complete and submit the application below by November 30, 2024. 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

A training for the Bellevue Naturalist Program is hosted annually during the winter/spring. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays (times vary). Training is a mix of weekday evening Zoom classes and in-person (mostly 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 accommodation requests please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-4195 (voice) or email Parks_Stewardship@BellevueWA.gov. For complaints regarding accommodations, contact City of Bellevue ADA/Title VI Administrator at 425-452-6168 (voice) or email ADATitleVI@BellevueWA.gov. If you are deaf or hard of hearing dial 711. All meetings are wheelchair accessible.

Preferred 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?
Home Address
Preferred phone number
Secondary phone number
Email

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.

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