Naturallist/Tech

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

*              Develops lesson plans and related educational materials using existing resource materials and own  experience for use in promoting and presenting environmental education and interpretive programs for schools, youth and adult groups, and the general public to promote positive attitudes toward the environment and to provide basic ecological knowledge; evaluates the attainment of specific programs in reaching desired goals and objectives.

*              Acquires and reads relevant publications, attends conferences and workshops to acquire familiarity with and capability to deliver services and program activities.

*              Creates a variety of printed materials and visual displays including newsletters, news releases, brochures,  handouts and interpretive displays as needed to illustrate specific points and to enhance public appreciation of environmental subjects and program activities.

*              Teaches outdoor and environmentally directed skills to citizens to enhance their participation in environmental issues.

*              Works closely with youth groups, civic organizations and schools to represent the Board and promote awareness of environmental and conservation issues and practices.

*              Acquires necessary licenses and permits to keep live and preserved specimens of animals; preserves             specimens; builds feeders and various displays used in educational programs as needed.

*              Knowledge of and ability to provide proper care of live animals for educational purposes as needed. Ex. Capture of small reptiles for education purposes and then released.

*              Has responsibility of care and maintenance of plantings that are an essential part of the park user experience, which includes the bird observation blind, walking trail prairie, butterfly gardens within the park.  Maintenance includes purchase and planting of plants, weeding, watering and anything necessary

 to ensure healthy plants, display gardens and ecosystems.  

*              Ability to communicate effectively in writing to people of various ages and educational abilities including

              writing for display text, brochures, newsletters, social media posts, website updates, letters, reports, and press releases. 

*              Shall keep the Director informed of all activities being planned and performed.

*              Offering of summer camps, program activities for the campground users are encouraged

 *             Seasonal maintenance duties shall be required; assistance with spring and fall burning is required. Seasonal maintenance shall include, but not limited to, mowing, trimming, brush control, facilities maintenance and other duties as assigned.

USEFUL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS   Certifications in First Aid and CPR; Hunter Education Instructor, Wildlands firefighting and Pesticide applicator should be obtained within a year of hire.