Naturalist-Sioux County Conservation

Position Summary: This position plans, develops, coordinates, and presents environmental education and interpretive programs for schools, youth and adult groups and the general public; develops written, audiovisual, and display materials; provides care for captive live animals; and performs related duties as required to provide outdoor learning. This position also helps staff, clean, and lead groups at the Prairie Woods Nature Center.

TO APPLY: Application form can be found at https://siouxcountyia.gov/ or siouxcountyparks.org. Send or email completed application, resume, cover letter and three references to:

Sunday Ford, Asst Director/EE Coordinator, Prairie Woods Nature Center, 1603 Oak Grove Rd, Hawarden, Iowa 51023 or sundayf@siouxcounty.org.

Questions can be directed to Sunday Ford at Office: 712-552-3057 or Cell: 712-551-6780.

Applications will be accepted until March 28, 2025 or until position is filled

Work Hours: Must be able to work days and hours which are necessary with the departmental operating schedules. Basic workweek is 40 hours, but additional hours are needed at times.

Salary: $48,000 - $58,000 depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits: Includes IPERS retirement, very affordable health insurance with a low deductible, employer-paid life insurance, dental & vision insurance, plus a uniform allowance

Job Duties Include:

• Develops lesson plans and related educational materials for use in promoting and presenting environmental education and interpretive programs
• Helps to train and mentor intern staff.; plans and helps coordinate volunteers, registrations, and details for Conservation Board events
• Serves as a resource for teachers, land owners, and the general public on matters such as wildlife management, and knowledge of the outdoors and sustainability
• Writes paperwork such as grants, reports, newsletter articles, and other media needs for the environmental education program
• Assists other staff members in caring for live animals, exhibits, and general maintenance and organization of education supplies

Education / Experience:

• Four year degree from accredited college/university with at least two years of practical job-related experience in areas of expected work; OR
• Associate's degree with at least four years of related job-related experience.
• Major course work in natural resources, conservation, forestry and park management, environmental education, education, biology or botany is required.
• Classroom, public presentation, and outdoor recreation skills are desired.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient in the use of computers, A-V equipment, cameras, and other media-related tools
• Able to use and learn various hand and carpentry tools
• Able to use feet and legs to walk and fingers and hands to grasp various objects
• Position requires creativity, enthusiasm, good judgment, initiative, flexibility, poise, sense of humor, and willingness to grow professionally
• Able to establish and evaluate long and short-term goals; possess advanced knowledge of nature field ID, ecology, conservation principles and practices, outdoor skills, and the environment
• Able to develop curricula using an understanding of teaching methods and learning styles
• Able to relate to and speak effectively to all age groups and target audiences
• Able to write using proper format, punctuation, grammar, and spelling
• Able to apply problem-solving skills to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw conclusions
• Must possess a valid driver's license
• Must establish residency in Sioux County unless otherwise approved by the Conservation Board

All applications and/or resumes will be open to public inspection unless requested in writing to be kept confidential.

Sioux County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Sioux County is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $48,000 - $58,000