Seasonal Naturalist

Overview

We respect and embrace the experiences, knowledge and contributions of our team members. We strive for a culture of belonging and balance by upholding our values: stewardship, integrity, collaboration, respect and innovation. We are passionate about Missouri, our role to preserve, protect and enhance our environment and we are committed to serving its citizens. We believe our mission and vision serves a greater purpose and will be felt for generations to come.

Location: Meramec State Park, 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080

Position type: Temporary seasonal labor position to assist staff in the daily operations of the park.

Duration: May through October 2026, with work on weekends and holidays.

• Guide Fisher Cave Tours.
• Present evening nature programs.
• Create flyers to promote evening programs.
• Collect cans from recycle bins on a weekly basis.
• Perform trail maintenance and stewardship activities around the park.
• Possibility of assisting with tasks at Onondaga State Park.
• Other duties as assigned.

To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following skills:

• Interpretation (Resources):
  Ability to coordinate, manage and direct interpretive or educational programming related to natural or cultural resources in a way that conveys significance to visitors; connecting them to personal relevance, shared learning, meeting specific learning objectives (i.e. educator or community needs), informing public about compliance and safety, supporting management of natural or cultural resources representative of national heritage, and enhancing mutual understanding for individual and social benefit.
• Flexibility:
  Open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
• Oral Communication:
  Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
• Respect:
  Empowers diverse perspectives; embraces experiences, knowledge and contributions to create a sense of belonging for all.
• Teamwork:
  Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

• Stewardship (Resources):
  Basic knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of natural and cultural features along with special ecological stewardship requirements; capable of gaining experience in performing stewardship tasks required for strenuous outdoor work; ability to appear before the public, makes clear and convincing oral presentations; give out general information, conduct interpretive educational programs and conduct tours about natural and cultural history in an effective way;
  
  assist in supervising, recruiting, training and evaluating seasonal and volunteer staff.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and walk over uneven terrain for long periods of time.
• Experience with power equipment (e.g. brush cutter, chainsaw, backpack sprayers); trainings will be provided as needed.
• Attending (or attended) a college or university with at least freshman standing and majoring in any of the natural sciences, history, cultural resource management, outdoor recreation, or interpretive services.
• Ability to speak audibly to the public and provide information to a wide audience.
• Ability to hike 2+ miles a day in the 57-degree cave environment.
• Ability to work into the fall, preferably into October.
• Ability to keep busy when not on tours with cleaning and various other tasks that arise.

• Trail maintenance and best natural resource management practices.
• Experience in researching, preparing, and presenting nature programs to a variety of audiences.
• Hands-on knowledge with methods used to promote natural stewardship, including identifying and treating invasive species.
• Ability to work a job with diverse duties.
• Opportunities to create your own projects within the park.

Katie Leonard, , Kathryn.leonard.gov

Or

Sally Namassy, Recruiter ruiter.gov