NATURALIST I

An exciting opportunity to work for the Forest Preserves of Cook County in the department of Conservation & Experiential Programming (CEP) to fulfill the department’s mission to connect people to nature through experiences that build lifelong relationships with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the natural world. The Naturalist I works at one of the six nature centers across the District and reports to the assigned Nature Center Director. The Naturalist I engages the public through programming in the Forest Preserves. A Naturalist I works with their team to develop, implement, and evaluate public and school engagement plans, programs, and engagement strategies. A Naturalist I supports the operations and delivers engagement activities at numerous locations around the District including nature centers, program facilities, outdoor classrooms, and campgrounds. Although assigned to one team, the Naturalist I may be asked to work with other teams. The Naturalist I supports operations, including but not limited to daily visitor engagement; community engagement; animal care; youth development; basic up-keep of exhibits and grounds, buildings, gardens, trails; and other duties as assigned. The Naturalist I supports the Ambassador Animal Program staff with ambassador animal programming, animal husbandry, training, record-keeping, and enrichment. The Forest Preserves is a seven day a week operation. The Naturalist I must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings. The Naturalist I also provides programming to schools and must pass school’s background processes. CEP employees are Illinois Department of Child and Family Services Mandated Reporters for Child Abuse and Neglect.

Typical Duties

Supports the mission of the District and the Conservation and Experiential Programming Department.

Prepares and delivers nature-based, interpretive, and environmental education programs at nature centers, in schools, virtually and at other District and off-site locations.

Supports Nature Centers, Zone Teams, Campground and Outreach Teams at many Forest Preserve sites and off site in the community such as at schools, community agencies and parks.

Assists team members with all aspects of the operations of specific team where assigned – Nature Center, Zone, Campground, Outreach or Teams.

Assists with all aspects of assigned teams’ planning, implementation and evaluation of activities and programs.

Represents the District to professional, community, and interest groups, and at workshops.

Provides support for youth development and job training programs run by the District.

Answers questions, informs, and advises the public in person and by telephone, email, and other communication methods, on a variety of nature topics pertaining to the District such as plants, wildlife, the environment, and other concerns.

Cares for live animals, and exhibit and education materials

Oversees and coordinates volunteer projects.

Serves on committees and teams departmentally and District-wide for special programming, projects, trainings, and other activities

Assists with custodial upkeep of nature center buildings

Maintains grounds and trails for safety and information for the public.

Maintains, prepares, and inventories equipment and supplies for programs and activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess an associate degree or higher in natural or environmental sciences, education, outdoor recreation or a substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least 2 years of work experience in nature based, outdoor adventure or environmental education programming; OR a high school diploma or GED AND at least 5 years of work experience in nature-based, outdoor adventure or environmental education programming.

Must possess valid driver’s license and enter the information in the license field provided on the online application.

Must obtain certification of Mandated Reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect through the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services within 60 days of date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to communicate in Spanish or Polish; OR possess 1 season of work experience as a Seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador; OR at least 1 season of work with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC); OR at least 1 season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member; OR at least 1 season of work experience with partners such as the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Student Conservation Association, Cook County, the City of Chicago, or the Chicago Park District.

Requirements For Applicants

Must upload a PDF document containing an example of a program plan or outline for an interpretive program on a Forest Preserves related topic as an attachment to your online application.

Must be prepared to provide a presentation that lasts up to 10 minutes during the interview based on the program plan or outline that you upload as part of the application process.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Knowledge of current conservation practices as applied to forests, woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and/or District resources.

Familiarity with the geographical area covered by the District as it pertains to forest, wetland, and prairie ecology.

Knowledge of the care, management and preservation of indigenous plants and animal species as it pertains to the District’s needs and operations.

Ability to identify local birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, herbaceous and woody plants.

Knowledge of environmental education, nature-based education and interpretation of the natural world trends, new concepts, and industry standards.

Ability to interact with community groups and members of the public to keep program components responsive to community needs.

Ability to lead environmental and nature-based, hands-on activities, interpretive programs, and events for a variety of participant groups, in a variety of settings that actively engages the audience and uses inquiry-based and experiential teaching and learning methods.

Knowledge and interest in outdoor recreation trends, specifically, new concepts related to outdoor and adventure recreation, the arts, especially process-oriented art making and creative reuse, and nature play activities.

Knowledge of basic outdoor skills, i.e., camping, hiking, biking, paddling & canoe portage techniques, fire starting, birding, stewardship.

Ability to adjust programming on short notice based on the needs of the audience and unexpected changes.

Ability to interact with community groups and members of the public to keep program components responsive to community needs.

Ability to provide excellent customer service and communication and to demonstrate timeliness and professionalism at all times.

Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Ability to work outdoors in all weather and to facilitate a wide range of programs in outdoor settings.

Ability to support the Ambassador Animal Program

Ability to perform various types of physical exertion, including, but not limited to lifting, pulling, pushing, and moving objects of up to at least 50 lbs.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Veteran’s Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

a. Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

b. Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

c. Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

d. Veteran must provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES MUST BE PROVIDED FOR AN INTERVIEW.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each bring to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.