What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Park Naturalist position at Olmsted County, MN?
Olmsted County has earned the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.
Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience
Individuals will be required to complete a pre-employment and any potential post-accident drug test as these positions are deemed safety sensitive. Regardless of Minnesota statute, marijuana and other drugs will disqualify individuals from initial and continued employment.
Desirable Qualifications:
Experience or training in wildlife biology, ecology or related fields of study.
Nature of Work
Under general supervision of the Oxbow Park Manager and in cooperation with a Park Naturalist, performs specialized work in the operation of the Oxbow Park Zoo. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
Examples of Work
- Assist with zoo and park maintenance, present educational programs to all age groups, assist in design and construction of nature center displays
- Maintains zoo facilities in an acceptable manner to the public; monitoring zoo livestock health conditions; administering medications to livestock as required under the direction of a qualified veterinarian and maintaining animals in health and environmental conditions acceptable to the US Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Act of 1970, as amended
- Conducts tours of the zoo or park environmental areas
- Keeps accurate records of livestock inventory covering acquisition, disposal and treatments of animals
- Designs and assists with construction of animal exhibits with consideration given to effective displays and ease of maintenance
- Participates in other types of maintenance, construction or other Park activities, such as trail maintenance, as directed
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
- Knowledge of wildlife, biology and ecology
- Considerable knowledge of wildlife, park environment habitat, and interpretive materials
- Considerable skill working with animals
- Skill in communication
- Ability to cooperate with co-workers and deal tactfully and effectively with the public
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing
- Ability to keep accurate records of livestock inventory and care
Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.
Physical Demands and Work Environment: In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the Physical and Environmental Demands:
24% or Less
25% - 49%
50%-74%
75% or more
Office environment
X
Outdoors environment
X
Shop environment
X
In vehicle/operating equipment
X
Exposure to needle sticks/sharps exposure
X
Exposure to human blood, pathogens, body fluids
X
Exposure to hazardous materials/chemicals/toxic or caustic chemicals
X
Exposure to atmospheric conditions, extreme heat/cold, wet and/or humid
X
Exposure to weather
X
Exposure to noise, vibration, electrical current
X
Animal handling
X
Standing, walking, stooping, feeling
X
Sitting, reaching, pulling, crouching, kneeling, balancing, crawling, handling
X
Pushing up to 75 pounds
X
Lifting up to 50 pounds
X
Repetitive hand/foot movements, typing/data entry
X
Talking
X
Hearing
X
Operate vehicle and heavy equipment
X
Close and distance vision, depth perception
X
Color vision, accommodation
X
Field of vision
X
Sedentary (exert up to 10 pounds of force)
X
Light effort (exert up to 20 pounds of force)
X
Medium effort (exert up to 50 pounds of force)
X
Heavy effort (exert up to 100 pounds of force)
X
Proximity to moving, mechanical parts
X
Working in high, exposed places
X
Use of weapons
X
An Equal Opportunity Employer
No benefits for positions less than one year duration and less than .50 full-time equivalency (FTE).
