Naturalist educator

TITLE: Naturalist Educator
CATEGORY: Part Time
SALARY RANGE: $16-18 per hour

BENEFITS: Visit for a full listing of benefits for this position.

SUMMARY: The Naturalist Educator is responsible for delivering instruction, assisting in the development and organization of nature-based curriculum, and providing periodic animal care. This part-time position offers a flexible schedule but requires non-traditional hours based on program needs, facility demands, and staff availability. Weekend and evening hours are required. The position will average 12-18 hours per week.

QUALIFICATIONS: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in education, biology, environmental science, or like field from accredited college or university preferred. The Naturalist Educator should have at least one year’s experience in a nature education or recreational program position. A high level of comfort with animals, including reptiles and invertebrates, is essential. Ability to be flexible, team-oriented, and work independently is crucial. The Naturalist Educator must have experience working with Microsoft computer programs. Reliable transportation necessary. Experience working with individuals with disabilities in a recreation, community agency, or school setting is preferred but not required. Current CPR/AED certification required or able to obtain within three months.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: The Naturalist Educator is under the supervision of the Nature Center Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Lead or assist with nature classes offered in the Park District brochure.
2. Lead or assist with scout programs, nature-themed birthday parties, family programs, day camps, preschool programs, curriculum-based programs for school age children, and offsite outreach programs.
3. Supervise volunteer groups, managing the projects assigned.
4. Plan, research, and present interpretive programming for a variety of audiences.
5. Assist with the development of new programs and teach independently.
6. Assist in the upkeep and care of Nature Center exhibits as assigned.
7. Assist with live animal care for collection of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, and invertebrates.
8. Follow procedures and guidelines for prep time and class schedule requirements.
9. Supervise Nature Center during Open House hours as needed.
10. Attend scheduled Nature Center meetings.
11. Learn and adhere to Park District policies and procedures at all times.
12. Attend District-wide trainings as required.
13. Assist with Park District events as needed.
14. Assist with various other Nature Center and Park District duties as assigned.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAITS:

1. Knowledge of a variety of nature-based topics or the desire to learn.
2. Confidence in public speaking to large and small groups or varied ages and abilities.
3. Ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for young children while maintaining classroom control.
4. Effective and efficient communicator.
5. Excellent customer service skills (internal and external customers).
6. Ability to work independently.
7. Work well with all departments and personalities.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Have a basic knowledge of all programs and special events, or know how and where to obtain the information.
2. Assist all employees of the Park District as needed.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Naturalist Educator may feel added pressure from the needs of multiple areas of focus while teaching. The Naturalist Educator must remain calm and continue to maintain a safe and positive experience. The Naturalist Educator must continually develop creative responses to problems, while complying with the Park District standards.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Naturalist Educator must be able to bend, stoop, lift items weighing up to 40 pounds, turn, sit, stand for short or extended periods of time, and walk distances of up to one mile. The Naturalist Educator may be working with flammable materials for building campfires.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Naturalist Educator may be exposed to elements when performing outdoor functions. The Naturalist Educator must be able to perform duties outside in inclement weather and extreme temperatures.

COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS : The Naturalist Educator must possess good communication and problem-solving abilities and good judgment in keeping with the mission of the Park District. The Naturalist Educator must follow the loss prevention and safety policies of the Park District.

To apply for this opportunity: Email your resume to Kate Johns at [email protected].

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 12 – 18 per week

Work Location: In person