Naturalist

TYPICAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

-Assists with the development of environmental education (EE) programs for schools, youth and adult groups and the general public.       -Responsible for developing educational materials such as handouts, posters and other educational materials.  

-Attend meetings to voice Conservation Board views on environmental issues when requested by E.E. Coordinator.  

-Develops and maintains educational displays for the Dickinson County Nature Center, including live animal displays.  

-Assists for care of mammals, reptiles, amphibians  and  invertebrate including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining aquarium filters and aquariums. 

-Participates in statewide and national EE organizations to further development of Dickinson County Conservation Board EE program (i.e. Iowa Association of Naturalists, Iowa Conservation Education Coalition, National Association of Interpretation, etc.)  

-Assist with scheduling of activities and events occurring in/on EE buildings and grounds.  

-Assists with fundraising activities for EE projects.  

-Assist with management, maintenance, and visitor services duties of EE buildings and grounds.  

-Performs other job related activities as requested by EE Coordinator.    

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  -Knowledge of natural history with ability to identify native plants and animals.   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.  

-Familiarity with conservation laws, principals and practices.

 -Ability of prepare news releases, fliers, bulletin boards and other basic publicity.  

-Ability to operate computers, audiovisual, photographic and other equipment necessary for program delivery.    

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS  

Graduation from an accredited four year college with a bachelor’s degree in natural science or related field with three months of experience in development and presentation of environmental education or interpretive programs.  

PHYSICAL ABILITIES  

-Lift, carry, push and/or pull items weighing up to 50 pounds.  

-Hear and speak to exchange information in person and on the telephone.  

-See to read a variety of materials.  

-Possess dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate tools and materials as needed to accomplish assigned tasks.  

-Sitting for extended periods of time.

-  Climb a stepstool/ladder to reach above shoulders for placement of materials weighing up to 20 pounds.    

WORKING CONDITIONS  

A variety of work in indoor and outdoor settings, including exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity.