NATURALIST

DUBUQUE COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD                     SUBJECT:  JOB DESCRIPTION                                          NATURALIST

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK: The Naturalist is a full-time permanent position with the Dubuque County Conservation Board.  The person in this position, under the general supervision of the Executive Director will function as Naturalist; developing, administering, and conducting public information programs on natural resource conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental education.  Primary duties will be carried out at the Swiss Valley Nature Center and Preserve.  This position requires a flexible, non-standard schedule that will include weekend and evening hours.  The Naturalist will also provide light maintenance according to his/her skills as directed.

TYPICAL TASKS: Examples of various types of work to be performed include, but are not limited to: ·      

• Assist with the development, organization and presentation of environmental education programs for the general public, civic and conservation groups, youth groups and schools. ·    
• Assist with the supervision of activities of volunteers, interns and students at the Swiss Valley Nature Center and other county managed areas as assigned. ·        
• Assist in the development, installation, and maintenance of all exhibits/displays in the Swiss Valley Nature Center. ·     
• Develop news releases and other correspondences related to environmental education. ·        
• Care and maintenance of materials and equipment used for environmental programming. ·     
• Assist in developing grant proposals related to the environmental education program. ·    
• Assist in the general cleaning of the Swiss Valley Nature Center, including but not limited to restroom cleaning, vacuuming, window cleaning and dusting. ·      
• Assist in the care and maintenance of the landscaping and grounds associated with the Swiss Valley Nature Center. ·    
• Assist in opening and closing the Swiss Valley Nature Center for events and programs held during off business hours. ·      
• Provide information to the public concerning outdoor related activities including hunting and fishing regulations, camping and outdoor activities and other public interest questions. ·     
• Recognize and relay any problems or concerns with the Swiss Valley Nature Center including but not limited to the heating/cooling system, phone system, plumbing system, elevator, electrical/lighting system, audio system, or any other area of concern. ·     
• Recognize and relay any problems or concerns on any Dubuque County Conservation Department management area. ·       
• Assist with special natural resource management projects such as prairie burns, trail management, habitat inventories, water quality sampling, landscape work or trash removal. ·        
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: ·  

• Knowledge of the principals and ability in the practices of interpretation of natural and cultural resources. ·    
• Basic knowledge of materials, methods, and techniques used in environmental education. ·     
• Basic knowledge of program presentation, equipment use, and maintenance and minor repairs of such equipment. ·    
• Excellent written and verbal skills. ·   
• Ability to communicate with the public and provide information in a courteous manner. ·    
• Ability to understand and follow directions. · 
• Ability to self-start and find work projects when not directed to do so. ·     
• Ability to work with all ages in large and small group settings.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: ·     

• Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in ecology, natural resources, biology, environmental education, or related course work. ·  
• Flexibility in working with youth, adults, groups with special needs and large groups. ·     
• Knowledge of basic ecology, field identification and natural history. ·     
• Knowledge of environmental issues, outdoor skills and recreation programs. ·       
• Experience with computers, desktop publishing (Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint) and familiarity with Social Media. ·     
• Certification in Fish Iowa, Project WILD, Growing Up Wild, and Citizen Science or the ability to obtain certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: ·        

• Satisfactory driving record and possession of a valid Iowa Driver’s License. ·  
• Basic First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain certification. ·     
• S 130, S 190 Wildland Fire Training or ability to obtain certification. ·      
• Ability to successfully complete all pre-employment requirements.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This is a physically demanding position requiring the ability to lift at least 50 pounds on a frequent basis and to use considerable force frequently to move objects; work requires digital dexterity, fingering, grasping and repetitive motions; vocal communication required to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of tools and equipment, determining accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; worker will be exposed to adverse and extreme environmental conditions.