Naturalist Intern

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:
The individual in this position will perform duties for Des Moines County Conservation, as set out in this document, under the direct supervision of the Environmental Education Coordinator. The individual plans, develops, and presents environmental education, interpretation, conservation education, and outdoor recreation programs for youth summer camps; plans and presents programs to school groups and the public as necessary; develops written, audiovisual, and display materials. This individual assists in directing the operations and programs of Starr’s Cave Nature Center. This individual performs related work as the need is identified. The purpose of this internship is to help individuals gain experience in the field of environmental education and interpretation, and to fulfill any obligation set forth from that individual’s college requirement.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
The individual in this position should, at a minimum, have completed two years in a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in general education, environmental education, interpretation, natural sciences, natural resources, outdoor education, or a related field.

Special requirements:

• Experience in public speaking
• First Aid and CPR certification is preferred but not mandatory
• A valid driver’s license and insurable under Des Moines County’s insurance program
• A willingness to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and irregular hours
• A willingness to wear prescribed uniforms

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES

• Plan, develop, and teach summer camps for ages 3 – 14
• Assist with the operations and programs of Starr’s Cave Nature Center
• Assist with the development and designing of interpretive and promotional displays for the nature center
• Assist with the promotional activities to stimulate public interest in the use of parks, including taking photos, brochure development, and speaking to the public
• Attend appropriate training sessions as assigned by the Environmental Education Coordinator
• Plan, develop, and teach at least one public program
• Complete one major project (e.g. design a brochure, build an interpretive trail, create a new exhibit, develop curriculum for a school program)

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, and SKILLS

• Knowledge of natural and cultural history and recreation:
  • Basic field identification and natural history of local flora and fauna
  • Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret, and explain conservation laws, principles, and practices
• Program Development and Educational Skills
  • Ability to plan and evaluate programs appropriate for the developmental ability and needs of the audience
• Communication Skills
  • Ability to communicate orally and effectively to groups and individuals in both formal and non-formal situations in one or more of the following areas: indoor and outdoor presentations, camp fires, trailside talks, classroom presentations, public meetings, and storytelling
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing to people with a variety of age and educational abilities

BENEFITS

• Uniform shirts provided
• Access to county vehicle for work-related travel
• $9.00 - $11.00/hour starting wage

Housing is available for interns in this program. Des Moines County Conservation, in partnership with the Leopold Landscape Alliance, has the opportunity to possibly house interns in the historic boyhood home of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold. Also available are the student dorms at Southeastern Community College. Details on housing arrangements will be discussed during the job interview, if applicable. ?

WORK SCHEDULE
Performs duties on an average of 40 hours per week for approximately a 13-week period. The employment period begins the latter part of May and lasts through mid-August (specific starting and ending dates somewhat flexible, depending on school schedule of applicant).

TO APPLY:
To be considered for employment, applicant must submit a resume, cover letter and two references to:

Kent Rector
Starr’s Cave Nature Center
11627 Starr’s Cave Rd
Burlington, IA 52601

Applications may also be submitted electronically by sending an e-mail with “Naturalist Intern Application” as the subject line to: rectork@dmcounty.com.

For more information call: (319) 753-5808 or e-mail the address above. You may also visit www.dmcconservation.com to find out more about our organization.