Interpretive Naturalist

MARSHALL COUNTY

Position:  Interpretive Naturalist                                               Supervises: Interns                                    
Department: Conservation                                                       Gives Work Direction To: Summer Naturalist  
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt                                                     Reports To: Executive Director                                                                       

POSITION SUMMARY - At will position appointed by and reporting to the Executive Director. Plans, develops, coordinates, and presents environmental education and interpretive programs for schools, other youth groups, adults, and the public to create more environmentally aware citizens.  

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES - Develops lesson plans, curriculum, and related educational materials to educate the public and target groups about nature, conservation, and natural resource management. Target groups include, but are not limited to, schools, youth groups, civic clubs, volunteer organizations, senior citizens, camps, and the public.  Schedules programs and events for permanent and seasonal staff.  Maintains program records, including topics, dates, times, and groups served.  Educates teachers, other educators, and youth leaders in areas related to nature, conservation practices, and the environment. Presents at and hosts educator workshops.  Writes environmental education program goals and objectives. Consistently evaluates the attainment of goals and objectives and adjusts appropriately. Reports growth related to goals and objectives to the Executive Director and responds to feedback.  Maintains professional development by attending conferences and workshops, keeping up to date on relevant research, programs, and interpretive educational trainings.  Develops promotional and educational materials for newsletters, displays, articles, news releases, brochures, videos, self-guided trails, My County Parks, website, and social media posts.   Knowledgeable on the basic husbandry of educational animals and maintains live animal exhibits.  Assist with budgeting for environmental education programs and supplies.  Fundraises through donation requests, collaborations, and grant writing to help support the environmental education program.  Enlists, coordinates, trains, and supervises interns and volunteers.  Assists other staff members in implementing habitat management and general maintenance.  

INCIDENTAL JOB DUTIES - Any other duties as assigned or required by the Executive Director.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED - Proficient in using computers and other digital media-related tools.  Ability to demonstrate outdoor skills such as canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking, etc.  Familiar with arts relevant to nature interpretation, with a certain degree of proficiency in arts and crafts.  Capacity to use various hand and carpentry tools.  Requires creativity, enthusiasm, good judgment, initiative, flexibility, sense of humor, and willingness to grow professionally.  Advanced knowledge of nature field ID, ecology, conservation principles and practices, outdoor skills, and Iowa’s Natural History.  Ability to understand and interpret conservation laws, principles, and practices verbally and in writing.  Ability to develop curriculum based on current education standards in Iowa, including Iowa CORE and Next Generation Science Standards. All while utilizing diverse and hands-on teaching styles in Marshall County Conservation recreational areas.  Ability to relate to and speak effectively to all age groups and target audiences with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct grammar.  Ability to write using the proper format, punctuation, grammar, and spelling.  Ability to apply problem-solving skills to defined problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, draw conclusions, and find solutions to problems.  

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS - Education/Training: Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in environmental education, natural resources, biology, education, or a related field and two years of relative experience working with the public; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities. Work Experience: Emphasis given to past work experience as an interpretive naturalist, school teacher, or within a similar capacity with a minimum of successful completion of an accredited internship.   Required licenses, registrations, and certifications: Possession of a valid State of Iowa Chauffeur’s license and CPR/First Aid/AED. Wilderness First Aid, Canoe, Archery, DNR Hunter Safety, Wild Lands Fire Training, and Kayaking trainings are a plus. Ability to maintain professional development as defined by the Iowa Association of Naturalists.  

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.  

Residency requirement: None.  

Other testing required: None.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT - This position is based out of the Grimes Farm Conservation Center at 2349 233rd Street, Marshalltown, Iowa. Work will be completed at this location and various parks, wildlife areas, schools, or businesses.   Work is performed indoors and outdoors and requires a considerable amount of physical activity, including walking, standing, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, stooping, and climbing, as well as outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, and backpacking. The incumbent will also be required to maneuver rough terrain on foot and is subject to work in hot, cold, wet, dirty, noisy conditions or atmospheres. One may be in contact with dust, dirt, chemicals, noise, and severe weather conditions. Exposure to outdoor elements such as mosquitoes, ticks, plants, pollens, and fungi. Work requires extensive interaction with the public and governmental agencies and may be stressful when meeting deadlines and making abrupt changes in priorities.   HOURS OF WORK Generally, 40 hours per week during a seven (7) day period. May be required to work additional hours or to change hours with minimal notice because of operational needs.