Interpretive Naturalist

Overview:

Under the direct supervision of the Nature Center Manager the Interpretive Naturalist assists with the operation of the Knoch Knolls Nature Center and the system wide delivery of the Districts environmental programming.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide an exceptional customer service experience and promote District services and facilities by assisting customers on the phone and in person.
2. Successfully process point of sale items. Successfully balance receipts reconcile transactions and prepare weekend bank deposits.
3. Ensure confidential use of customer information including credit card transactions.
4. Develop and evaluate environmental education curriculum prepare materials and supplies instruct youth camp school scout and adult programs and plan and support special events.
5. Lead interpretive programs and create exhibits at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center and other District facilities.
6. Communicate effectively with participants guardians and staff regarding rule infractions questions or concerns.
7. Provide care for live animals including feeding and tank cleaning.
8. Work closely with related staff to achieve the goals and objectives of the environmental education programs.
9. Build and maintain working relationships with the Conservation Foundation forest preserve districts schools and other community groups.
10. Maintain and organize inventory of program equipment and supplies. Report inventory in need of replacement to the Nature Center Manager.
11. Maintain on-going open communication and notify the supervisor of situations regarding the operation of the program such as broken equipment equipment shortages and facility damage.
12. Record and communicate any difficult situations or behaviors to the Nature Center Manager.
13. Provide guidance and direction to Nature Center Assistant and/or volunteers assisting with projects or programs.
14. Monitor weather conditions before during and after programs to ensure the safety of participants and staff.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond to all customer comments and inquiries in a timely fashion.
• Work in conjunction with staff to complete referrals to WDSRA and work with WDSRA staff to develop program plans for participants with special needs.
• Ensure that program areas are left neat and clean after each use and that materials and equipment are returned.
• Seek interpret and act upon input from residents and the public.
• Distribute written communication as necessary or requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge and experience pertaining to wildlife natural history and local flora and fauna.
• Ability to create innovative nature programs for audiences of all ages.
• Ability to share natural and cultural history information in a relevant manner with an audience or individual.
• Demonstrated ability to care for live animals and comfortable with live animals including snakes turtles fish salamanders and insects.
• Ability to work independently in day-to-day operations with general direction from supervisor.
• Ability to display professionalism with patrons.
• Ability to address complaints and resolve concerns.
• Working knowledge of basic computer software including Microsoft platform.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Interpretation Environmental Education Natural Sciences or related field.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience developing and presenting environmental education or nature programming or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of or ability to obtain First Aid CPR and AED certification within two (2) months of hire.

Special Considerations:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Subject to office and outside environmental conditions.
• Subject to modified/flexible work schedules including weekends and evenings.
• Ability to lift carry and/or move objects weighing 30 lbs. on a weekly basis. Lifting assistance is required when lifting > 30 lbs.
• Regular onsite attendance is an essential function of this position.

Benefits

Hiring Rate: $19.00/hr

To be considered for this position interested individuals must complete the online application accessible at
Materials submitted through mail email or fax will not be considered