Naturalist II

Woodbury County Naturalist II

Under general supervision, this employee develops, plans, coordinates and presents environmental education, outdoor recreation and conservation programs for schools, youth and adult groups, and the public; develops related written, multi-media and display materials; assists Education Programs Director in all aspects of environmental education programming. This position is under the direct supervision of the County Conservation Education Programs Director. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: The following duties are typical for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Develop, plan, and conduct environmental education (EE), informational, outdoor recreational and interpretive programs for the school, special populations, senior groups, youth groups, civic groups and public.
• Assist with maintenance and construction of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including live animal displays.
• Provide assistance as a resource person to all schools (with special emphasis to county rural school districts), service groups, church groups, youth groups and clubs.
• Develop, organize, coordinate, and conduct programs for public information and environmental education.
• Write and design public information documents such as press releases, brochures, newsletters, informational displays, and social media posts.
• Plan and assist in development of educational facilities at all conservation areas including the nature center.
• Assist in preparation of reports, budgets, and long-range EE plans.
• Assist in developing summer camp program and training of summer naturalist intern staff.
• Recruit, train and assist with supervision of volunteers. Assist in special projects.
• Attendance is required.
• Perform various other County Conservation Department assignments as directed by County Conservation Education Programs Director

Additional Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of trends in conservation and environmental education.
• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of conservation, ecology, interpretation and related subjects including local flora and fauna.
• Ability to integrate environmental education goals and objectives with current trends in educational methods and curriculum delivery.
• Basic knowledge and ability to learn and use popular social media platforms, including but not limited to: Facebook and Instagram and the creation and posting of blog posts for the promotion of conservation and educational programs.
• Ability to write, edit & communicate effectively in a variety of methods including public speak and program delivery. Excellent public speaking skills are required.
• Ability to establish and develop long range goals and objectives.
• Ability to interpret and apply department rules and policies; ability to schedule and implement multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain a variety of small tools and equipment.
• Working knowledge and skill in the use of computers and software programs including Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, Power Point); publishing software such as Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or equivalent.  Ability to learn departmental software programs and related audio-visual technology.
• Ability to work within a budget.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, various organizations, and the public.
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and walk/stand for prolonged periods.

Physical Demands:

This is an active position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to: stand, walk (a minimum distance of one mile on uneven and hilly terrain), sit, climb, push, pull, bend, stop, kneel, twist, reach, with hands and arms and climb stairs.

The individual in this position must be reasonably physically fit and ambulatory. Work responsibilities do require the individual to work outside on a recurrent basis (daily throughout all seasons) in a variety of weather and conditions. Must be able to lift and carry office and educational supplies, materials, and props that weigh up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis.

Typical office environment involving sitting, walking, occasional bending, lifting, and carrying paper and related light objects generally weighing 50-75 pounds or less and negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.  Horizontal and vertical reaching motion is required.  Aptitudes required are those typically associated with clerical operations including clerical, numerical, and forms perceptions, clarity of vision 20” or less to view computer screens and for preparing and analyzing written data and to determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work and observing general surrounds and activities, legal documents, and property descriptions cards; eye/hand/foot coordination, hand and finger dexterity, motor coordination, grasping and repetitive motions, hearing to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and conversation skills for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word in clearly spoken English.  

The employee frequently works in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to adverse environmental conditions including heat and cold temperatures. The noise level in this job is usually moderate. Must have enough vision which safely permits outdoor activities including hiking on uneven terrain. Leadership and instruction of programs requires the individual to be able to hike, canoe, kayak, and conduct other physical outdoor recreational activities. 

Other:

• Must have satisfactory driving record and possession of a valid driver’s license at time of hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment.
• Must successfully obtain Class D Chauffeur’s License, CPR and basic first aid certification within a time frame established by the employer.
• Certifications shall be maintained throughout the course of employment.
• Ability to work a non-standard work week, including evenings, weekends and some holidays.
• Applicants for employment must successfully pass background checks, physical exam and drug screening prior to employment. 

Woodbury County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer. Contact the Woodbury County Human Resources Dept, Room 701 for further information.

To Apply: https://www.woodburycountyiowa.gov/

(Click on Employment)

Deadline: 4:30 p.m., Friday, April 7, 2023, or until position is filled.