Summer Naturalist

Summary

Two positions will offer opportunities to observe and participate in nature interpretation, environmental education, and outdoor public programming. Naturalists may assume assigned tasks of increased responsibility. These positions will start May 18, 2026, and end approximately August 21, 2026.

• Develop and facilitate nature camps primarily for 4-13 year olds.
• Assist staff with organizing and conducting outdoor recreation and environmental education programs.
• Design educational posters or materials.
• Plan and lead indoor educational programs and outdoor classes for a variety of demographics as assigned.
• Maintain working relationships with other employees, volunteers, and the public.
• Attend mandatory safety training and staff meetings.

• Attend professional workshops as assigned.
• Caring for the educational herpetile collection.
• Perform administrative, supply maintenance, and cleaning tasks as assigned.

Hours will average 40 hours per week and may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

• Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a current, valid driver's license.
• Must have the ability to obtain a Class D chauffeur license within two weeks of start date.
• Preferred: education and/or experience in nature interpretation and environmental education; knowledge of natural resources and basic teaching skills recommended.
• Employees will undergo post‑offer, pre‑employment background checks and drug screening.
• Mandatory safety training scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026.

A cover letter and resume must accompany the online application.

General knowledge of teaching methods and techniques; general knowledge of the techniques and methods used to instruct and educate students; general knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of environmental science; general knowledge of flora and fauna and associated management practices; some knowledge of proper methods of caring for animals; ability to operate standard office equipment and related hardware and software;

ability to maintain related records, reports and files; ability to prepare technical reports; ability to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community officials, associates, volunteers, program participants and the general public.

Story County participates in E‑Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with Story County must complete Section 1 of Form I‑9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity.

Please be prepared to provide required documents on the first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515‑382‑7200 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work frequently standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly;

hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).