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JOB OPENING - Naturalist

  • Writer: David Clayman
    David Clayman
  • Jan 16
  • 3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Ashtabula County Metroparks

Position Description 


POSITION TITLE: Part Time - Naturalist

SUPERVISOR: Executive Director

FSLA STATUS: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $15 to $17 Hourly. 28 to 30 hrs. a week


THE NATURALIST POSITION SUMMARY: Research, plans, develops, coordinates, and presents environmental education, recreation, and interpretive programs throughout the Metroparks. Types of programs conducted include formal presentations, mobile programs, school groups, scout groups, outreach and off-site events, for a variety of audiences and age groups, and indoor and outdoor settings. Coordinates, develops, implements, and facilitate environmental education programs to include, but not limited to, workshops, seminars, and environmental problem-solving activities. Examples of program types include but are not limited to guided walks/hikes, recreation programs, audio-visual presentations, tours, children’s programs, scout programs and senior programs. Coordinates, maintains and grows the volunteer program. 


EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree and/or prior experience delivering natural sciences, environmental education, interpretation, or related field, or equivalent experience preferred.

  • Broad, basic understanding of dendrology, botany, ecology, geology, entomology, ornithology and other related fields.

  • Knowledge and understanding of methods and principles of interpretation. Interpretive guide, planner or heritage interpreter certification not required but preferred.

  • Ability to conduct both formal presentations and mobile programs to groups.

  • Knowledge of developmentally appropriate activities and ability to design age-appropriate education curricula and activities.

  • Ability to interact with and manage children and adults outdoors. Must possess visual and auditory abilities to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to visitor activity.

  • In depth oral, written and visual communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work with a wide variety of personalities; ability to deal with the public and staff with tact, courtesy and diplomacy.

  • Computer skills, including proficiency Word Processing Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and audio-visual equipment. 


KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

  • Commitment to Ashtabula Metroparks mission and values and is an ambassador of the Metroparks.

  • Develops and maintains brochures, interpretive signage, materials, displays and exhibits for use in educational programs and nature/visitor center.

  • May be responsible for daily care of live animals used in programs; complying with state and federal housing and care requirements.

  • Acts as coordinator for scout groups, schools and clubs with park projects.

  • May prepare grant proposals relating to education programs: purchases equipment and material and conduct inventory; tracks attendance for grant purposes.

  • Stays current and maintains knowledge of natural, environmental, and historical subjects.

  • Prepares and submits reports assigned.

  • Assists with the planning/coordination of special events.

  • Assists in maintaining trails .

  • Positively represents the Metroparks to the public, volunteers, partners and vendors.

  • Performs other duties as assigned. 


UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk (often on uneven terrain), talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, also exposed to extreme outdoor weather conditions.

  • Physical agility to perform assigned tasks; ability to hike several miles.

  • Work in day and night conditions.

  • Works outside exposed to weather, handling reptiles, infectious animal bites or scratches and unpleasant odors.

  • Must be flexible to work up to 28-30 hours per week, including weekends, weekdays, evenings and holidays, as required. 


POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Metropark’s liability policy. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, often under varying weather conditions.

  • Excellent communication, presentation, writing, and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to hike and lead programs on uneven terrain and in all weather conditions.

  • Supervises volunteers assisting with departmental programs and activities.

  • Assist with the training of volunteers, supervise assigned volunteer groups and monitor volunteer performance.

  • Provides outstanding customer service and visitor engagement for participants and guests. Pre-employment background check required.


BENEFITS:

  • OPERS membership (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System)

  • Accrued sick time 



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