Naturalist

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Posted 05/19/2025
County O'Brien
Location Peterson, Iowa
Salary $48,000 - $58,000 DOE
Deadline 06/16/2025

Description

Job Description – O’Brien County Conservation Board Naturalist

 

Position Title: O’Brien County Conservation Board Naturalist

Department: O’Brien County Conservation Board

Reports to:  O’Brien County Conservation Board Director

FLSA Designation: Nonexempt Salary

FT/PT Status: Full-time

 

DESCRIPTION

 

This position includes educational programming, display construction, front line customer service, some general office work, and greeting and tour assistance for the O’Brien County Conservation Board.  The naturalist will oversee and expand upon a well-established environmental education program and will be responsible for promoting the Prairie Heritage Center and planning and executing events. This position is non-exempt and will earn compensatory time for any hours worked over 40 hours per week.

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

 

                This position is under the immediate supervision of the Conservation Board Director.  All employees of the Conservation Board are under the general supervision of the Conservation Board members.

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

 

                This position will oversee the work activities of seasonal naturalists and volunteers.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

-             Environmental Education Programming

·            Plan, schedule and implement environmental education operations for schools, public programming and civic organizations.

·            Plan, prepare and implement displays at the Prairie Heritage Center.

·            Assist with scheduling, planning, and providing special events and programming.

·            Coordinate with the other staff on future plans for the Prairie Heritage Center and its displays.

 

-             Publicity

·            Provide press releases and handle interviews for radio, TV and newspapers.

·            Design and create brochures and other documents for press or publicity.

·            Write and publish articles and content.

·            Write and administer grants.

·            Assist with public calls.

·            Attend training and partner meetings as needed.

These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned by the O’Brien County Conservation Board Director.

 

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL TASKS

 

  • Associate’s degree in environmental education, interpretation, outdoor recreations, ecology or related earth or biological science degree
  • At least one year of experience in development and presentation of environmental or interpretive programs
  • Ability to meet the professional standards as described by the Iowa Association of Naturalists or obtain and maintain a Certified Interpretive Guide certification through the National Association for Interpretation

 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

  • Computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite; Facebook, Instagram and other Social Media Platforms
  • Ability to follow written and oral directions.
  • Maintain First Aid/CPR/AED certification
  • Valid Iowa Driver’s License
  • Characteristics: friendly, self-starter, motivated, punctual, team-player, attentive to detail, people-person yet able to work alone, willingness to learn new things, ability to multi-task.
  • Ability to follow written and oral directions.
  • Exercising good judgement in evaluating situations, making decisions, and resolving disputes with diplomacy and tact.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

 

  • Ability to routinely stand, sit, walk, operate office and hand tools, kneel, stoop, balance, and climb; ability to routinely lift 50 pounds.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Pre-employment physical is required

Qualifications

Associate's degree in related field AND 1 year of experience in development and presentation of educational and/or interpretive programs.

To Apply

Send cover letter, resume and 3 references to: Mark Wilson - OCCB Director mwilson@obriencounty.iowa.gov 712-295-7200

More Information

https://prairieheritagecenter.org/about/employment-opportunities/