Conservation Naturalist II Full-Time

Summary

ENTRY SALARY: $50,730/year  (Plus Benefits)

This employee is responsible for environmental education programs, public information dissemination and educational exhibits for the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center and Woodbury County Conservation Board.  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

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

Non-Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability

Minimum Education and Experience Required to Performing Essential Functions:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental education, interpretation, natural resources or related field; and one year experience in development and presentation of environmental education or interpretive programs.
• 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. 
• 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.
• Candidate for hire must successfully pass a background check, a physical examination, vision, back screen and drug screen prior to employment.

A completed Woodbury County job application form, cover letter and resume are required.