Naturalist
Back to Job List| Posted | 03/18/2026 |
|---|---|
| County | Clay |
| Location | Spencer, Iowa |
| Salary | $40,500 to $55,000, depending upon qualifications and experience plus standard county benefits. |
| Deadline | 05/31/2026 |
Description
Review of applications will begin on 6/1/26, and continue until the position is filled.
DEFINITION
A full-time position, under the direction of the Executive Director, who organizes, develops and coordinates the public information and environmental education (E.E.) programs on natural resource conservation, outdoor recreation, and conservation education for the Clay County Conservation Board and performs work as required. Basic workweek is 40 hours.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide assistance as a resource person to county schools, service groups, church groups, scout groups and clubs. Leads and assists in the development of environmental education programs for schools that meet Iowa Core Standards, youth and adult groups and the public.
Develop, conduct, and coordinate regular public relations and information programs through displays in businesses and at special events; through a newsletter, social media, brochures and trail guides; and through local public information news media.
Plan, develop and coordinate special events, classes, and nature clubs along with special projects such as AmeriCorps and stimulate public interest.
Coordinate the scheduling of and manage pre and post field trip interactions with schools/teachers.
Responsible for establishing effective working relationships with groups, organizations, public, elected officials, and colleagues. Develop and implement procedures for property integration into the overall E.E. program. Build ongoing relationships with schoolteachers, officials and districts through outreach efforts and education opportunities.
Develop assessment methods, such as surveys, for use by teachers, students and the public served to analyze effectiveness, receptiveness, and value of programs and services offered. Prepare a 5 Year Plan and periodically review the environmental education plan for the county and recommend methodology and follow through and/or changes needed.
Attend meetings to voice Conservation Board views on environmental issues. Work collaboratively with other team members to increase knowledge and understanding of educational programs and deliver exceptional customer service.
Plan and assist in the development of educational facilities at conservation and recreation areas throughout the county.
Prepare progress reports for the Conservation Board once a month by maintaining records of dates, times and numbers of groups served.
Adhere to agency policy in the performance of job-related duties.
Serve as Clay County Conservation Board liaison for Friends of Clay County Conservation Board (Oneota Conservation Foundation).
Maintain a standard of professionalism. Present themselves professionally through cleanliness, politeness and as a good role model for youth and the public. Will wear clothing with CCCB logo of standard colors and functions that the CCCB defines.
Work within the established budget for environmental educational services.
Feed, maintain education animals. Renew and update animal education permits for the state and federal government.
Maintain, clean, and organize education supplies and areas.
Work with the Sundholm Log Cabin Clay County Fair Board to promote environmental education events during the fair. Work with other District 3 Conservation Boards and DNR to provide educational displays for the Log Cabin compound.
Performs other job-related activities as requested by Executive Director.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversee and train seasonal naturalists, volunteers and interns.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
· Knowledge of conservation principles, practices and trends, and the natural science fields.
· Knowledge of the methods of communicating orally, visually and in writing.
· Ability to produce news releases, fliers, brochures and other documents for press or publicity.
· Knowledge of avenues of communication utilizing types of media such as newspapers, radio, television, and the internet.
· Knowledge of conservation/natural resource agency organizations and areas of involvement.
· Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret, and explain conservation laws, principles, and practices.
· Ability to establish and maintain effective rapport and working relationships with the public, co-workers, elected officials, and educational professionals.
· Knowledge of procurement, administration, and accounting of private, state, and federal grant sources.
· Knowledge of educational principles, teaching methods, learning styles and trends.
· Knowledge of school curricula and how to integrate interpretive and environmental programs.
· Ability to handle visitor complaints or emergency situations courteously and responsively and to be tolerant and respectful of differing opinions.
· Knowledge of natural and cultural history with ability to identify native plants and animals and history.
· Knowledge of general outdoor recreation skills such as canoeing, backpacking, orienteering, archery, hunting or hiking.
· Knowledge of management of one or more natural resources including fisheries, wildlife, forestry, agronomy, grasslands, and aquatic ecosystems.
· Ability to collect, identify, and display materials for natural exhibits.
· Skills in operation of power equipment such as automobiles, boat motors and other devices such as nets, water sampling kits, microscopes, etc. or the use of equipment needed to perform duties assigned by the Director.
· Flexibility in scheduling to accommodate evening and weekend hours.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in natural resources, conservation, forestry and park management, environmental education, biology or botany, education, or related field and equivalent of one-year employment in related experience(s) or completion of an associate’s degree with at least two years of related experience(s).
American Red Cross First Aid training or be capable of taking the First Aid Course and being certified.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training (CPR) or to be capable of taking the CPR Course and being certified.
Obtain any certifications from Environmental Education professional trainings.
Possess abilities to obtain Iowa DNR Hunter Safety Instructor certification.
Ability to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, including exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity.
Lift, carry, push and/or pull items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Possess a valid Iowa Driver's license with a good driving record.
Clay County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualifications
Graduation from a four-year college or university and equivalent of one-year employment in related experience(s) or completion of an associate’s degree with at least two years of related experience(s).
To Apply
Send application, resume, cover letter, and 3 references to:
Will Horsley, Director
Clay County Conservation Board
420 10th Ave SE
Spencer, IA 51301
712-262-2187
or
Email to
whorsley@claycounty.iowa.gov
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