Naturalist
Back to Job List| Posted | 06/02/2026 |
|---|---|
| County | Harrison |
| Location | Woodbine, Iowa |
| Salary | $48,000-$55,000 depending on experience |
| Deadline | 07/05/2026 |
Description
POSITION DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT TITLE: Naturalist
REPORTS TO: Director
SUPERVISES: Seasonal Interns
FSLA STATUS: Non - Exempt
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Responsible for the development of lesson plans and other related educational materials for use in educating the public and targeted groups about nature, conservation and the environment. Target groups to include, but not limited to: public schools, home school groups, civic clubs, community organizations, senior citizens & nursing homes, disability groups and the general public.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Develops, implements and updates the comprehensive conservation education plan with goals and objectives to meet the HCCB’s mission.
· Educates teachers and other educators and youth leaders in the area pertaining to nature, conservation and the environment through workshops or presentations.
· Schedules programs and maintains attendance records to prepare an annual report of the conservation education program.
· Enlists, coordinates and supervises interns and volunteers; coordinates the use of paid/contracted speakers.
· Care for and maintain records of live educational animals. Develop, coordinate and care of exhibits and taxidermy specimens in the nature center.
· Maintain required permits and reports for various programs and entities.
· Development of interpretive trail signage in cooperation with other staff members.
· Writes grants and submits reports.
· Coordinates the HCCB recycling program.
· Coordinates with other government and non-government entities to provide conservation education programs in Harrison County.
· Coordinates public relations efforts; serves on various program committees within the department’s mission.
· Attends regional and statewide meetings; represents the Board at public meetings.
· Develops, implements and updates the communication and marketing plan with goals and objectives to meet the HCCB’s mission and vision.
· Create, edit and publish – print and digital media: newsletters, brochures, flyers, photos, videos and other material as needed.
· Build and maintain web content and social media campaigns within HarrisonCountyParks.org, MyCountyParks.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others.
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Education: Graduation from a two-year college with major coursework in natural resource/science, ecology, environmental education or a related field.
· Experience: Experience in environmental education, interpretation, natural resources, parks and recreation, outdoor programming, or related fields preferred. Relevant internships, seasonal employment, volunteer experience, or practical field experience may be considered.
USEFUL CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING:
· Iowa Drivers License
· First Aid/CPR certification
· Hunter Safety Instructor
· Fur Harvester and Bow Hunter Education
Or Able to Obtain within One (1) Year of Offer of Employment
MINUMUM PHYSICAL & MENTAL ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:
• Administrative duties require the use of personal computers and programs – Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher; office Communications systems (email, phone, voicemail, text); ability to use basic math; accounting practices; ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time; ability to interact with a variety of people in a variety of circumstances; proficient writing and proof reading; creative, detail orientated and organized; development of curricula with the understanding of current and meeting standards; multi-tasking.
• Field work requires the ability to demonstrate outdoor skills such as kayaking/canoeing, hiking, fishing and camping; knowledge and ability to provide care for live animals for educational purposes; advanced knowledge of nature field identification, ecology, conservation principals and practices, outdoor skills and the environment; basic use of power tools; lifting and carrying objects 50 lbs or more; ability to work in variety of weather patterns associated with Iowa.
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, irregular or special event hours, if necessary.
Will be subject to pre-employment background check, driving record, physical and drug screening.
Qualifications
Education: Graduation from a two-year college with major coursework in natural resource/science, ecology, environmental education or a related field. Experience: Experience in environmental education, interpretation, natural resources, parks and rec
To Apply
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and completed employment application (see More Info. Link) to: Harrison County Conservation,
Attn. Thad Pothast, 2725 Easton Trail, Woodbine, IA 51579 or email to tpothast@harrisoncountyparks.org
More Information
https://www.harrisoncountyparks.org/documents/EmploymentApplicationFillable.pdf
