What are the responsibilities and job description for the PARK NATURALIST (TEMP/PT/RETIREMENT ONLY) position at Harford County?
This position performs a variety of Park Naturalist related duties associated with a nature center focused on the Chesapeake Bay/watershed ecology at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center and the Piedmont Plateau at the Eden Mill Nature Center.
Work includes conducting interpretive and environmental education programs, caring for live animals, operating watercraft, opening and closing the Center and handling visitor inquiries, etc. Other duties include maintaining a safe and clean workplace, answering telephone calls, responding to written correspondence, greeting, assisting and directing the public, keeping the Center organized and inviting to the public, etc.
The schedule of the work week will vary and will include weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THIS POSITION IS NOT CURRENTLY ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS (MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, ETC.)
PLEASE BE ADVISED THIS POSITION IS NOT CURRENTLY ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS (MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, ETC.)
(The following examples illustrate the work performed by this position. Position may require some or all of these examples depending on the season, and demand for programs and research projects. The list is not inclusive. This position may require related duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work at the Center.)
- Conducts interpretive and education programs for the public and school groups which may involve being on the water with canoes, kayaks, or a pontoon boat.
- Keeps buildings and premises in neat and safe condition.
- Answers telephone inquiries; provides information, assists public with concerns or refers them to appropriate individuals or takes messages; monitors, greets, and directs the public throughout the facility.
- Directs and supervises volunteers working at the Center, including teenagers and adults.
- Cares for the Center wildlife which may include various types of fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Opens and secures buildings/grounds; notifies police when necessary.
- Instructs users on the proper utilization of the facility.
- The job may require the use of power tools and driving a truck with a canoe or kayak trailer.
- Works in all types of weather and seasons with exposure to the outdoors and possibly live animals, animal waste, aquarium chemicals, etc.
- May conduct research and monitoring and record and analyze data, or oversee research interns and manage research data.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of local natural history, particularly the Chesapeake Bay/watershed area and the Piedmont Plateau; canoe and kayak;
- Ability to safely use power tools and equipment;
- Ability to deal with the public cooperatively and courteously;
- Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with other paid staff and volunteers; able to create and conduct public nature programs;
- Ability to create and conduct school programs; to understand and follow instructions;
- Ability to lift, bend, stoop, climb and reach;
- Ability to work independently;
- Ability to keep simple records.
EDUCATION:
Possession of a high school or vocational-technical school diploma or a GED certificate. Two years of college course work preferred in the natural sciences i.e. Earth Science, Biology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Education, Oceanography, Wildlife or Fisheries Biology, or Natural Resources Management.
- One (1) year of experience in wildlife, park/recreational, or educational settings may be substituted for each year of college coursework.
- Maryland Master Naturalist certification may be substituted for one year of college coursework
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of experience working with people of all ages, in wildlife, park/recreational, or educational setting.
One (1) year of canoeing and/or kayaking experience preferred.SAFETY:
Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.
The assigned location will be at Anita C. Leight Estuary Center OR Eden Mill Nature Center
Salary : $15
