Naturalist

Job Description:

SUMMARY

Under direction of the Manager of Salomon Farm, Outdoor Recreation and Boating, the incumbent creates and/or presents interpretative naturalist programs at Lindenwood Nature Preserve. Incumbent assists supervisor in land management, research and maintenance. Greets the public and answers questions. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment, independence, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations. All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with the City safety rules and operating regulations, policies and procedures as well as federal, state, and local regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ability to interact with the public, City incumbents, and outside agencies with patience, tact, respect, and professionalism and the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Presents interpretive programs;
• Assists with maintenance and construction projects;
• Assists with research projects and with volunteer training;
• Enforces park rules;
• Opens and closes office facility;
• Cleans office facility;
• Develops content for hikes and programs;
• Leads hikes and programs;
• Assists with day camps as assigned;
• Greets the public and answers questions;
• Performs trail maintenance;
• Assists with Parks special events and performs outreach programs offsite when needed;
• Supervises community service volunteers;
• Maintains staff information booth;
• Attends staff planning monthly meetings;
• Maintain Records such as daily preserve attendance, program attendance, Phenology, and inventory;
• Makes deposits of field trip and program revenue to Outdoor Recreation Supervisor or to main parks administration office within 24hours.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Incumbent has routine supervision of 10 to 24 community service volunteers.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The incumbent is responsible to manage their performance in accordance with this job description and the performance expectations provided to them by management. If at any time the incumbent is unsure of their role or specific responsibilities, it is the incumbent’s responsibility to refer to their job description and ask for clarification from their supervisor. Management will work with the incumbent, as needed, to ensure performance expectations are clearly communicated and performance goals are achieved.

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

• High School Diploma or GED;
• Currently enrolled in college/university studying biology, botany, environmental science, education, or related field;
• Two years of relevant experience;
• Any combination of education or experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ABILITIES

• Possesses ability to hike up to 4 miles per day;
• Possesses knowledge and use of power and hand tools, construction skills, and outdoor skills such as fire building, lashing, cooking, and hiking;
• Possesses ability to read and write;
• Possesses ability to drive department vehicles;
• Ability to understand moderately complex, relatively standardized tasks, processes or operations;
• Ability to apply routine practices, rules, regulations, procedures or techniques that are relevant to assigned tasks.

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. Ability to speak publicly effectively and efficiently. Problems during work causing questions about objectives and boundaries are discussed. Incumbent has contact with persons employed by other agencies, and with the public communicating routine information including the giving and receiving of factual information about work.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Incumbent makes choices and takes action performing a variety of relatively standardized assignments. Errors in decision or work are either readily detected or corrected through supervisory review. Work requires some analysis and judgment but is reviewed by supervisor upon conclusion. Work may involve some spot checking for compliance of procedural requirements.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS – Required for Continued Employment

• Certified in First Aid and CPR by the American Heart Association within two weeks of employment (provided by the City’s Risk Management Department).
• Bloodborne pathogen training;
• Valid Indiana Driver's License if City of Fort Wayne vehicle is used.

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.

Incumbent follows standardized practices and procedures or general work instructions. Incumbent's work may have prolonged or frequent exposure to: heavy labor, poor working conditions, and/or extreme outdoor weather conditions. Incumbent must have the ability to hike up to four miles per day and the ability to lift 50 pounds and carry the weight a minimum of 25 feet. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance 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.