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.

Cultural History opportunities

Bellevue Naturalist Volunteer Program