Naturalist

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in natural resources, outdoor recreation, education or other applicable field. A strong mix of academics and pertinent work experience is preferred.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Develops, plans and delivers environmental education and interpretive in-class and outdoor programs for various groups including school classes, handicapped, at-risk and senior citizens.
• Develops, plans and conducts special events, seminars, workshops, public information programs, and classes for the general public.
  Teaches summer youth programs for pre-school and school-age children.
• Assists teachers in planning and implementing conservation and environmental education activities.
• Maintains the nature center’s live animal exhibits and cares for the animals contained therein which include various amphibians, reptiles, and arachnids. Uses live animals in education programs.
• Designs and creates interpretive and promotional displays for the nature center.
• Assists in developing information brochures, resource materials, exhibits, displays and other educational materials for educators, students and nature center visitors.
• Promotes Des Moines County Conservation and its programs through the mass media, social media, website and other methods.
• Provides training for students, volunteers and other employees assigned to the environmental education program.
• Helps maintain, operate and schedule programs and events at Starr’s Cave Nature Center.
• Regularly works irregular hours including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
• Performs other related work as the need is identified.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

• Considerable knowledge of conservation principles and practices.
• Ability to identify trees, shrubs, flowers, fish, reptiles, birds and other wildlife common to Iowa.
• Extensive working knowledge of wildlife and habitat management goals, objectives and techniques, ecological principles, and species’ life histories and habitat needs.
• Experience with various recreation activities including: canoeing, backpacking, bicycling, hiking, orienteering, archery, firearms safety, hunting, trapping, boating, etc.
• Basic knowledge of farming and proper land management techniques.
• Basic knowledge of park, trail, and conservation area management principles.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret and explain conservation laws, principles and practices.
• Ability to integrate environmental education goals and objectives with current trends in educational methods and curriculum delivery.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Ability to prepare and deliver information to local media outlets including print, radio, television and online sources.
• Knowledge of, and willingness and ability to effectively use technology related to the position including personal computers, laptops, mobile devices and associated software.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Starting annual salary: $39,254 during six-month probationary period; 2% step increase following qualifying performance review at end of probationary period.
• Standard county health and life insurance benefits as well as uniform allowance.Employee at will
  FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
   

Complete position description available at http://www.dmcounty.com/Jobs.aspx.

To apply, submit cover letter and resume with references to:
Kelly Rundell, Environmental Education Manager
Des Moines County Conservation
Starr's Cave Nature Center
11627 Starr's Cave Rd.
Burlington, IA 52601
or via email to conservation@dmcounty.com

Deadline: Applications must be postmarked on or before May 18, 2018.