Naturalist
Back to Job List| Posted | 02/28/2025 |
|---|---|
| County | Sioux |
| Location | Hawarden, Iowa |
| Salary | $48,000-$58,000 depending on qualifications. |
| Deadline | 03/28/2025 |
Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The person in this position plans, develops,
coordinates, and presents environmental education and interpretive programs for
schools, youth and adult groups and the general public; develops related
written, audiovisual, and display materials; provides care for captive live
animals, and performs related duties as required to provide outdoor learning. This
person will also help staff, clean, and lead groups at the Prairie Woods Nature
Center. Work is under the direction of the Environmental Education Coordinator
and Executive Director. Ability to work days and hours which are necessary with
the departmental operating schedules. Basic workweek is 40 hours. This is a
Full-time Position.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited four year college or university supported by at least two years of practical job-related experience in areas of expected work, or completion of an associate’s degree with at least four years of relative experience. Major course work in natural resources, conservation, forestry and park management, environmental education, education, biology or botany. Classroom, public presentation, and outdoor recreation skills desired.
SALARY: $48,000- $58,000 Depending on experience and qualifications. Standard county benefits and uniform allowance. Sioux County is an equal opportunity employer.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Teaching and program planning- Develop lesson plans and related educational materials using Science Standards, existing resource materials, and own experience for use in promoting and presenting environmental education and interpretive programs for groups and the general public. Some target groups are and are not limited to schools, youth groups, civic clubs, volunteer organizations, senior citizens, people with disabilities, camps, home school groups, partnering organizations, and the general public. Programs and events should be prioritized and focused in Sioux County or where Sioux County residents are attending or will benefit.
Training – The Naturalist will be required to attend professional workshops and training.
Coordinating- Helps to train and mentor intern staff. Plans and helps coordinate volunteers, registrations, and details for both existing and upcoming events hosted by the Sioux County Conservation Board.
Public Resource- Is available as a resource for teachers, land owners, and the general public on matters such as wildlife, land management, and knowledge of the outdoors and sustainability. If Naturalist is not versed on the topic, is willing to provide helpful contact information.
Level of Professionalism- Maintains a standard of professionalism as outlined by the Iowa Association of Naturalists. Presents themselves professionally through cleanliness, politeness, and a general good role model for youth and the public. Will wear clothing with SCCB logo and standard colors and functions that the SCCB defines. The department has the right to determine appropriate clothing. Represents the Conservation Board with good public relations efforts, and plans and implements fund-raising relative to the environmental education program. Follows through with job duties, assignments, projects, communication with volunteers, and participants.
Records- Will write paperwork such as grants, reports, newsletter articles and other media needs for the environmental education program. Maintains records of dates, times, and groups served.
Other duties- Assists other staff members in caring for live animals, exhibits, and general maintenance and organization of education supplies. Other duties as assigned by Environmental Education Coordinator. Uses time between programs to better the county by working on Environmental Education programs, checking on wildlife areas, picking up litter, and work errands.
Budget- Can work inside a set budget with purchases approved by the EE Coordinator.
INCIDENTAL JOB DUTIES -Any other duties as assigned or required by the Executive Director.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
The
individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be
able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can safely perform the
essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using
some other combination of skill and abilities.
-Proficient in the use of computers, A-V equipment, cameras, and
other media-related tools.
-Capacity to use and learn various hand and carpentry tools.
-Capacity to use feet and legs to walk, fingers and hands to grasp
various objects.
-Requires creativity, enthusiasm, good judgment, initiative,
flexibility, poise, sense of humor, and willingness to grow professionally and
stay current in the field.
-Ability
to establish and evaluate long and short-term goals; advanced knowledge of
nature field ID, ecology, conservation principles and practices, outdoor
skills, and the environment.
-Ability to develop curricula using an
understanding of teaching methods and learning styles.
-Ability to relate to and speak effectively to
all age groups and target audiences.
-Ability to write using proper format,
punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
-Ability to apply problem-solving skills to define problems,
collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
Required licenses, registrations and certifications: Possession
of a valid driver’s license.
Required post-offer physical examinations: Must
meet all requirements as outlined in the employee handbook.
Required drug testing: Drug testing shall be required as allowed by
state law.
Other testing required: Background check.
Residency:
Must find residency in Sioux County unless otherwise approved by Conservation
Board.
Deadline: March 28, 2025 or until position is filled.
To Apply: Send
or email completed application, resume, cover letter, 3 references to:
Sunday Ford, Assistant Director/Environmental Education
Coordinator
Prairie Woods Nature Center
1603 Oak Grove Rd
Hawarden, IA 51023
sundayf@siouxcounty.org
Office: 712-552-3057 or Cell: 712-551-6780
Qualifications
Graduated from a four year accredited college or university supported by at least two years of practical job- related experience in areas of expected work, or completion of an associate's degree with at lest four years of relative experience.
To Apply
Send application, resume, cover letter, 3 references to:
Sunday Ford, Assistant Director/Environmental Education Coordinator
Prairie Woods Nature Center
1603 Oak Grove Rd
Hawarden, IA 51023
sundayf@siouxcounty.org
Office: 712-552-3057
More Information
https://siouxcountyparks.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/
