Naturalist

The Naturalist works inside the Parks District’s many parks, educating the public about nature and the plant and animal life found inside Delaware County’s natural areas. They provide learning opportunities to park visitors of all ages through presentations, programs, and events within the parks, at schools, and in the community. The Naturalist also assists in managing the Parks District’s animal ambassador program and aviary, assists in maintaining the Parks District’s gardens, and supervises seasonal and volunteer workers.

Supervisory

Activities:

Develop/Train, Direct, Discipline, Evaluate Performance, Hire, Orient/Onboard, Schedule, Terminate, Approve Timecards/Time Off Requests

• Number of direct reports: 2 (seasonal employees)
• Number of indirect reports: 0

• Plan, develop, and deliver creative and educational natural and cultural history interpretive programs and outdoor experience for the public.
• Evaluate educational programs for effectiveness, and adjust or refresh programs as needed.
• Schedule outreach programs and field trips, and assist in coordinating staffing assignments for such programming.
• Work with Park Operations and Planning on matters relating to educational programming and park projects that have an impact on the natural environment.
• Assist Marketing and Communications Department with promoting education services.
• Provide care for education ambassador animals, including insects, reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey.
• Work with Sr. Naturalist to explore new programming ideas and opportunities and to develop partnerships and identify new outreach opportunities.

• Assist in managing inventory of supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Assist in managing daily visitor center operations, including staffing, visitor services, purchasing, and exhibit creation and care.
• Assist in the preparation of yearly department budget requests.
• Prepare and maintain records and submit weekly, monthly, and annual reports relating to attendance, requisitions, expenditures, etc.

• Direct and manage seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, coaching, counseling, and developing seasonal staff.
• Provide instruction and guidance to assigned volunteers, and assist with volunteer orientation and training.
• Assist with special events and represent the Park District at various park and community events.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative description of the types of duties and responsibilities required for this position. Employees may be asked to perform other job-related duties as assigned.

• Education:
  
  Associates degree in Natural and Historical Interpretation, Natural Resources, Education, or a related field.
• Licensure:
  Valid Ohio driver’s license.
• Certificates, Certifications, or Other Training: CPR/First Aid certification.
• Previous Work-Related
  
  Experience:
  
  3-5 years of prior work-related experience.
• Previous Supervisory
  
  Experience:
  
  None.

• Certificates, Certifications, or Other Training:
  National Association for Interpretation Certification, Financial & Asset Management
• Order supplies, plan events and/or book travel. Yes
• Manage or monitor a budget. Yes
• Create or develop a budget. No

• Position is responsible for maintaining or tracking physical, digital, or inventory assets, typically under $10,000 (e.g., Managing supply orders, signing out laptops, overseeing a small equipment pool).

• None

• Collaborate with coworkers or teams to complete tasks or projects.
• Provide information, guidance, or support to other departments or staff.
• Respond to internal inquiries or resolve service-related issues.
• Advise supervisors, managers, or leadership on operational or strategic matters.
• Facilitate communication or meetings across departments or functions.

• Communicate with vendors, contractors, or external partners.
• Respond to public inquiries, feedback, or complaints.
• Deliver training, presentations, or technical assistance to external audiences.
• Represent the…