What are the responsibilities and job description for the Naturalist Internship position at Cerro Gordo County?
NATURALIST INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
POSITION: An extended seasonal naturalist internship opportunity at the Lime Creek Nature Center in Mason City, Iowa.
EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: 3-6 months, flexible starting date in May of 2025 (specific starting and ending dates can vary, depending on schedule of applicant). 40hrs./week (non-routine week, Sun-Sat).
SALARY: $17.00/hour with no benefits.
DESCRIPTION: Intern will assist Conservation Education Manager in carrying out environmental education/interpretive programming for the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board and Lime Creek Nature Center. Major duties include learning and facilitating established programs and field trips for a variety of audiences; designing new program opportunities for the community; caring for captive education herptiles; designing signage and other interpretive media; writing articles for print and radio; assist in maintaining Facebook page; and maintaining nature center displays. Other special projects may include resource management activities and professional workshop opportunities. Interns will receive valuable practical experience in program design and facilitation along with continuing education in interpretive techniques and natural resource knowledge during employment.
QUALIFICATIONS: Be enrolled in or have a degree in one of the following or similar fields: natural resources, environmental education/interpretation, biology, ecology, or environmental studies.
REQUIREMENTS: The ability to effectively apply knowledge and common sense to solve problems and/or achieve work objectives; ability to routinely stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, balance, climb; ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and be exposed to dust, fumes and loud noises; ability to routinely lift 50 lbs.; ability to follow written and oral instructions; possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record. Cerro Gordo County is a pre-employment physical and drug screening employer.
TO APPLY: Applications can be completed online by visiting our website at: www.cerrogordo.gov under the CAREERS tab. For more information, call (641) 423-5309 or email mermer@cerrogordo.gov.
DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until filled with first review of applications on Friday, January 31, 2025.
JOB DESCRIPTION FOR NATURALIST INTERN
DESCRIPTION OF WORK ACTIVITIES:
Assisting the Conservation Education Manager with the performance of all phases of routine environmental education programming for the County Conservation Board and the LimeCreekNatureCenter. The intern works under the direct supervision of the Conservation Education Manager and the Director. The work week is limited to no more than 40hrs/week, with some non-routine (i.e. some weekend & evening) assignments.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with and provide public and school programming on natural resources, outdoor recreation and related topics.
- Perform skilled and unskilled maintenance/management tasks associated with the operation of the nature center.
- Maintenance of animal aquariums and bird feeders.
- Assist in care of live education animals.
- Assist other staff with special projects at county managed areas.
- Assist with routine trail (hard surfaced & natural surfaced) management & maintenance activities.
- Assist with and lead local on-site & off-site field trips.
- Create new and make improvements to existing displays and traditional and electronic bulletin boards in the nature center.
- Draft resource related articles and press releases for local & social media.
- Complete special projects as assigned by supervisory staff.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Be enrolled in or have a degree in one of the following or similar fields: natural resources, environmental education/interpretation, biology, ecology, or environmental studies.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- The ability to follow oral & written instructions.
- The ability to work without direct supervision.
- The ability to establish and maintain effective rapport with co-workers and the public.
- The ability to work at satellite areas within the county as needed.
- The ability to effectively apply common sense to solve problems or achieve work objectives.
- The ability to maintain accurate work & equipment records.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
- The ability to lift 50lb. objects and carry up to 15 yards.
- The ability to work out-of-doors in extreme hot, cold, snowy, rainy, and windy weather conditions.
- The ability to routinely stand for one hour, walk up to 4 miles, sit, kneel, stoop, balance, climb, and climb a 6-foot step ladder for up to 15 minutes.
- The ability to work with power tools, around moving parts/equipment and be exposed to dust, fumes and loud noises.
- Cerro Gordo is a pre-employment physical & drug-screening employer.
- The requirements and duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
EMPLOYMENT PERIOD:
3-6 months, flexible starting date in May of 2025 (specific starting and ending dates can vary, depending on schedule of applicant). 40 hours/week (non-routine week; Sun – Sat).
SALARY: $17.00/hour with no benefits.
Salary : $17
