Nature Center Aide

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS:  DICKINSON COUNTY   TITLE:  Nature Center Aid                                            FLSA:  Nonexempt   GENERAL

DESCRIPTION 

PURPOSE OF POSITION:   Provide landscaping care for the nature center complex including the disc golf coarse, one room school house, nature center, Maser Monarch Lodge and also assist with visitor services at the nature center.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

•           Maintain landscaping support for the nature center complex and other areas if needed.  This involves mowing, weeding, trimming, painting and general maintenance of the area.

•           Collaborate with staff to support all program promotion

.           Staff visitor services desk at the Dickinson County Nature Center to serve as ambassador of mission by greeting visitors, answering phones, monitoring materials (e.g. brochure rack stocked, equipment check out, such as snowshoes, GPS units), and assisting with gift shop inventory

•           Assume responsibility for completing daily tasks on visitor services checklist when volunteers are not present, including spot cleaning of exhibits and entry area, and monitoring restrooms

•           Assist with programs and animal care as needed

•           Assist with new projects and perform other tasks as assigned by the Conservation Director

•           Perform other duties as assigned or as the situation dictates    

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

.           Knowledge of native plants.

•           Flexibility required as position requires working with the general public as well as volunteers and experiencing variations in work environment

•           Works well independently as well as part of team

•           Excellent oral and written communication skills

•           Ability to communicate tactfully and courteously with others as well as ability to communicate orally and effectively to groups and individuals in both formal and informal situations.

•           Proven organizational, project management and human relations skills

•           Acquire knowledge of and/or ability to learn organizational mission and objectives in order to serve as ambassador of Dickinson County Conservation

•           The nature of this position will require the person to work irregular hours and have a flexible schedule.  This includes working weekends and occasional evenings.

•           Ability to get to and from job site in all types of weather conditions

•           Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions

•           Ability to accurately prepare and maintain basic departmental records and reports

•           Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, various organizations and the general public.  

•           Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, using a calculator, ten-key adding machine or manually.

•           Ability to post numerical data accurately

•           Ability to perform job duties with thoroughness, accuracy and attention to detail     

 ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   Attendance at work is an essential function of this position.  Work is generally performed in the Dickinson County Nature Center; however incumbent may have to assist with outdoor programs, which may require hiking.  Position requires a considerable amount of physical activity while assisting with outdoor programs, including extended periods of sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, stooping and climbing. Duties may require the ability to walk for extended periods of time and the incumbent must have the ability to maneuver over uneven ground. An incumbent must also have the ability to transport themselves to and from various locations throughout the county parks and surrounding jurisdictions.    Duties also require the ability to tolerate an indoor and outdoor work environment that includes contact with dirt, dust and sun exposure.  An incumbent must have the ability to frequently lift, push, pull and/or carry equipment, supplies and other materials weighing up to 10 lbs., and to occasionally lift, push, pull and/or carry equipment, supplies and other materials weighing up to 25 lbs. An incumbent must also possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to use hands and arms to reach, finger, handle, grasp, and feel, and operate the following: vehicles, computers,  and any other pieces of equipment that are used to perform the essential functions of the job.   Work hours may occasionally be required before or after business hours. Vision abilities, correctable to normal ranges, include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Communication abilities include the ability to talk and hear within normal ranges.   Work requires interaction with the general public and may be stressful when dealing with time constraints.   Under supervision of the Conservation Director, performs a range of office and administrative assistant duties to assure flow and continuity in daily operations of all aspects of the Conservation Board.