Seasonal (Summer) Naturalist Internship

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Posted	01/06/2025
County	Des Moines
Location	Burlington, Iowa
Salary	$15-17 hourly
Deadline	02/21/2025

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

The individual in this position will perform duties for the Des Moines County Conservation Board, as set out in this document, under the direct supervision of the Environmental Education Manager. 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 the individual gain experience in the field of environmental education and interpretation, and if applicable, to fulfill any obligation set forth from that individual’s college requirement.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate for this position should be pursuing a career in conservation, with a focus on areas such as environmental education, outdoor recreation, sustainability education, or a related field. Preference will be given to individuals with experience in education and behavior management.

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 designated uniform attire

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES

Plan, develop, and teach summer camps for ages 3 – 15
Assist with the operations and programs of Starr’s Cave Nature Center
Assist with the promotional activities to stimulate public interest in the use of parks, including taking photos, promotional material development, and speaking to the public
Attend appropriate training sessions as assigned by the Environmental Education Manager
Plan, develop, and teach at least one public 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

· Ability to write program goals and objectives

· Flexibility with changing environments and programming variables

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, campfires, trailside talks, classroom presentations, public meetings, and storytelling

· Ability to communicate effectively to people with a variety of age and educational abilities

Ability to use behavior management strategies.

· Ability to effectively communicate with staff regarding program needs and support

Administrative Skills

· Ability to work within a budget

· Ability to organize camp registration materials

· Ability to inventory supplies and obtain new supplies as needed

· Ability to track attendance and participant needs

Personal Attributes

· Creativity

· Enthusiasm

· Initiative

· Flexibility

· Team player

· Willingness to learn

· Sense of humor

· Sincere love of the outdoors and desire to communicate it to the public

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS & TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed indoors and outdoors and requires a considerable amount of physical activity including walking, standing, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, stooping and climbing, as well as outdoor activities such as canoeing and backpacking. The incumbent will also be required to maneuver rough terrain on foot, is subject to work in hot, cold, wet, dusty, dirty, noisy, fumy conditions or atmospheres. Incumbent will be in contact with dust, dirt, chemicals, noise and severe weather conditions (extreme hot, cold, snow, ice, wind, rain, and flood) and exposed to outdoor elements such as mosquitoes, ticks, and various plants, pollens, and fungi. Work requires extensive interaction with the public and governmental agencies and may be stressful when meeting deadlines and making abrupt changes in priorities.

An incumbent must have the ability to frequently push, pull, lift and/or carry equipment, supplies and other materials weighing up to 30 lbs., and to occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry equipment, supplies and other materials weighing more. An incumbent must also possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to use hands and arms to reach, handle, grasp and feel, and operate equipment and supplies that are used to perform the essential functions of this job.

Safety equipment will be provided as necessary.

Qualifications

To Apply

Submit a resume, cover letter and two references to: nackm@dmcounty.com Marcus Nack Environmental Education Manager Des Moines County Conservation 11627 Starr’s Cave Rd. Burlington, IA 52601