Naturalist

Job Details:

Job Location:

Peck Farm Park - Geneva, IL 60134, Position Type:
Part Time, Salary Range: $15.00 - $17.00 Hourly,

Summary:

Under the direction of the Manager of Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center, Superintendent of Recreation and the Executive Director, the Naturalist is responsible for camp programs, field trips, scout programming, adult naturalist programs, special events and exhibits. A strong background in curricula writing is a plus. The Naturalist will also help manage the physical properties of the Interpretive Center including maintenance, operations, improvements, and security.

Facilities include the 1869 historic Peck House containing the Nature and History Rooms, the Butterfly House, Orientation Barn, Observation Silo, Picnic Areas, the Amphitheater, and the Nature Playground.

The Naturalist reports to the Manager of Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center, Superintendent of Recreation and the Executive Director.

This full-time position requires 40 hours per week average. May fluctuate with season, program and/or office needs. Due to the nature of the work, evening, weekend and holiday hours are frequently required. Regular hours to be:
Tuesday – Saturday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Camp season hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

• Plan, organize, facilitate and present educational programs and special events at Peck Farm Park with an emphasis in cultural and natural history, environmental education, and recreation for individuals and groups of all ages, including school, scout, and birthday party groups, families, preschoolers, summer camps, and adults.
• Create a warm and welcoming environment for volunteers. Assist with recruiting, training and supervising volunteers.
• Serve as the Camp Director during camp season. Plan, organize and facilitate all details regarding camp. Supervise, train, and direct all camp counselors under the guidance of the Manager.
• Plan, organize, facilitate and present educational programs and special events at Hawks Hallow Nature Playground with an emphasis in cultural and natural history, environmental education, and recreation for individuals and groups of all ages, including school, scout, and birthday party groups, families, preschoolers, summer camps, and adults. Facilitate acquiring the needed supplies to keep the playground fully stocked.
• Answer phones; respond to inquiries for information, and general office duties as required. Greet public as needed in the Peck house or on park grounds.
• Interpret the historical/cultural history, natural history, and recreational resources of Peck Farm Park to all visitors.
• Assist with and maintain the Butterfly Exhibit at Peck Farm Park.
• Assist with developing the yearly budget.
• Follow all purchasing procedures and guidelines as per district policy.
• Create and maintain displays, collections, exhibits and interpretative signs for the Nature Discovery & History Room, formal garden areas, and natural areas.
• Assist with natural areas maintenance as needed, including assisting with seasonal prescribed burns, invasive species removal, seed collection, plantings, etc.
• General maintenance of the Peck House, buildings, and grounds.
• Create and develop marketing information such as brochures and flyers.
• Assist in preparing news releases and other forms of publicity, designing gardens and natural areas of Peck Farm Park, and in pursuing grants for Peck Farm Park.

• Inform the Manager of Natural Areas & Interpretation and Executive Director of all pertinent matters and work schedule.
• Communicate all necessary information to main office staff.

• Responsible for knowing the Park District’s safety procedures and requirements. This includes completion and follow-through…