Naturalist II

POSITION SUMMARY

Naturalist II assists the Manager of Education and Outreach in the management of the Nixon County Park Nature Center and the development of environmental education and public programs (the nature center provided over 200 public programs in 2016 with museum and program attendance of over 86,500 visitors). This position is responsible for providing front line teaching of environmental education lessons and interpretation programs, summer camps and public workshops. This includes new idea development, planning, logistics, student safety and discipline, implementation, and evaluation of programming. Naturalist II recruits, trains and supervises part-time employees, interns and volunteers. This position works to ensure smooth operation of nature center and high quality public program delivery throughout the York County Parks.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Resources or related field or equivalent combination of experience, education and training.
• Some degree of background knowledge in Pennsylvania natural history and/or natural sciences.
• Experience teaching in an outdoor setting and executing formal and informal education techniques.
• Possess good judgment and problem solving skills, & the ability to work independently.
• Ability to express thoughts clearly and simply both verbally and in writing.
• Previous experience in nature center or educational institution preferred, including volunteer experience.
• References are required.
• PA Child Safety Clearances.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Possess a valid PA driver’s license.
• Experience with personal computers and the ability to learn various applications.
• Possess and demonstrate life skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work as a non-formal teacher to maintain a safe, welcoming, and effective learning climate at Nature Center for visitors and visiting school groups. Enforce a positive behavior system including maintenance of student discipline in cooperation with attending schools.
• Develops and effectively teaches diversified environmental education curriculum both indoor and outdoor for environmental education programs linked to PA State Academic standards to K-12 school audience including students of varying abilities and special needs.
• Conduct existing year-round programming. Develop new natural history interpretation, environmental education programs, and workshops for a wide range of audiences and ages.
• Direct the planning, organization, and implementation of special educational and recreational events such as Maple Sugaring Days, Reptile Week, and Nature Discovery Program (Summer Camp).
• Coordinate and oversee all aspects of the “Christmas Magic: A Festival of Lights” 30 day event at Rocky Ridge County Park attracting an annual average of 30,000 visitors. Duties include coordinating responsibilities between other staff, seasonal staff, park maintenance, and park volunteers; work some evenings during the event; work part-time out of Rudy Park during event planning in the fall; make changes and updates to event procedures and layout each year; and recruit event sponsors.
• Consult with Manager of Education and Outreach on creating and developing both interior and exterior interpretative displays within park system.
• Remain current with methods of instruction in classroom, outdoor education, and recreation programming.
• Assist in Nature Center operations, administration, and grounds management.
• Play a primary role along with the Conservation District in organizing the York County Envirothon.
• Provide information on a range of natural history topics to staff, volunteers, and public.
• Assist in solicitation of donations, grants, and in-kind support for various park programs.
• Perform light maintenance and custodial duties as necessary.
• Attract, hire, supervise, and train part-time employees, interns, and volunteers.
• Assist Manager of Education and Outreach with annual budget preparation and tracking.
• Actively promote parks and park events via all media outlets as needed and through social media on a regular basis.
• Prepare reports, memos, and requisitions, as required.
• Serve as a prime example of work place skills, safety, etc., for volunteers and seasonal staff.
• Assist in planning yearly program calendar and writing of parks newsletter.
• Conduct field research/species inventory in the parks.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $45,900.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,900