Naturalist - Part Time; on-site

Job Summary

To lead students, teachers and parents in conservation education programs and activities, conduct programs for students and adults in environmental education and outdoor recreation, and to oversee and care for resident live animals. This is a shared living arrangement where we house hundreds of students, not an individual apartment. As such, no pet facilities are available.

Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.

Serves as a work leader over seasonal staff and volunteers. Elements of direct control include assigning tasks, monitoring progress and work flow, checking the product for timeliness and correctness or soundness, and providing input into supervisor’s actions.

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science, Environmental Education, Recreation, Languages and Indigenous Studies, related field, or equivalent life experience.

First Aid/CPR Certified within six months of hiring. Training provided.

MN Teaching license preferred, but not required.

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check (including FBI fingerprint check).

Must be willing to work flexible hours as assigned, including evenings and some weekends for special events.

Knowledge

• County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
• Curriculum and activities in the above fields, current educational techniques, laws and requirements of student and adult education.

Skill in

• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and guests sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Teaching, public speaking, outdoor activities; administration of first aid/CPR (certified); using audio visual equipment; computers and other office equipment; and care/handling of live specimens.
• Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently.
• Organizing and prioritizing work.

Ability to

• Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat all county staff and guests with respect, honesty, and consideration.
• Lead, instruct and evaluate programs and activities to carry out objectives.
• Deal tactfully but firmly while supervising students.
• Employ positive public relations both on and off the Conservation Center.
• Communicate with co-workers, students and the general public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers, supervisors, students and the general public.
• Create, evaluate, and update curriculum.
• Issue and follow oral and written instructions.
• Endure adverse weather conditions and hazardous and annoying insects.

High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical…