Naturalist Assistant

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Develops and presents environmental/outdoor education programs for school groups, organizations, and general park visitors; assists in conducting interpretive hikes and tours; and assists in setting up workshops and special events.  

Assists in development and maintenance of modern, interactive, and educational displays and exhibits; and nature study trails, prairie and wooded areas, and caves.  

Cares for nature center live animal displays, feeding, cleaning and assists in general nature center maintenance.

Attends to the routine administration of the Parks Department including; but not limited to, performing department office and clerical duties; coordinating park activities; performs a variety of accounting/bookkeeping functions; and assists in the general direction of work of the Concessions and Casual Office staff. 

Explains policies, procedures, interpretation of administrative decisions, and instructions in response to telephone or personal inquiries from park visitors, and the public. Assists with compliance of department policies, procedures, county ordinances, and state law. Administers violation notices and follow-up letters. 

May serve as a representative of the nature study program. 

Conducts nature programs at other facilities. 

May assist in the development and maintenance of brochures, department website, promotional materials, and other aides for the Department.  Promotes use of the parks through writing press releases, advertising and other forms of public relations including social media.

Maintains records and correspondence of nature study programs.  Assists in budget accounting and other financial accounting as it relates to nature study programs including, but not limited to collecting fees, banking, and receipting money for fee-required programs.  Maintains Nature Center inventory and ordering supplies, as required.

Assists in cave restoration and maintenance work, including, but not limited to: excavating, micro-blasting, basic masonry, and construction, using a variety of equipment and power tools. 

Assists in enforcing Park Department rules, ordinances, and policies.

It is unlikely an employee will perform all the duties listed on a regular basis, nor is the list exhaustive in the sense it covers all the duties an employee may be required to perform.  The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

This job has no supervisory responsibilities but contributes to the oversight and guidance of seasonal and part-time employees, and volunteers, in accordance with the organization’s policies, procedures and applicable laws. 

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience 

Associate degree in Natural Science, Environmental Interpretation or Education with specialization in Natural Sciences or related field; two to three years experience in the field of natural resources, environmental education, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

Language Skills 

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.    Public speaking skills required. Ability to effectively present information one-on-one and in small or large group situations to persons of various age groups representing diverse backgrounds including visitors, children, employees of the County; and the general public.

Mathematical Skills 

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  

Reasoning Ability 

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.  Ability to carry out special and general assignments requiring organization of material and development of procedures without direct supervision.

Computer Skills 

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing software and internet.  Ability to manage and update County’s website.  Ability to learn business accounting software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicators License.

Other Skills and Abilities 

Good knowledge of the principles of ecology, wildlife, forestry, and speleology.

Ability to work variable days and hours to meet programming requirements.

Desire and ability to perform physical work associated with the implementation of nature study programs and routine maintenance of facilities.

Ability to use tact and diplomacy in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with the public of various age groups, volunteers, and other County employees.  

Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in the application and interpretation of departmental policies and safety regulations.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet, muddy, and/or humid conditions, small spaces, a variety of temperatures, and outside weather conditions. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.