Environmental Protection Interpretive Naturalist (35 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Madison, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, State Parks and Public Outreach Division, has an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Protection Interpretive Naturalist at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison! The Meigs Point Nature Center Interpretive Naturalist at Hammonasset Beach State Park provides year-round educational programming and operational tasks while meeting public service demands. Hammonasset is Connecticut’s most visited state park, hosting over 3 million visitors annually, and the Nature Center serves as a core public education facility for the Department with approximately 50K program participants annually. This position is responsible for independently performing a full range of tasks related to developing, implementing, and presenting environmental, natural science, and interpretive education programs based on Connecticut’s history and natural history, especially centered around Long Island Sound. Facilities management is also a function of this position.

Requirements

Five (5) years of experience in the field of environmental science, natural resources or environmental, interpretative or science education.
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in the development and implementation of environmental science or interpretive programs and related exhibits, displays and educational material.
Considerable knowledge of the bio-physical environment.
Knowledge of the principles of botany, ecology, evolution, natural resource conservation, zoology, geology and paleontology.
Knowledge of educational and interpretive techniques.
Knowledge of environmental problems, issues and solutions.
Considerable interpersonal skills.
Oral and written communication skills.
Ability to plan, design, develop and implement environmental and interpretive programs, related materials, displays and exhibits.
Ability to identify and discuss the ecology and natural history of local flora and fauna.
Ability to utilize computer software.

Nice To Haves

Experience implementing knowledge of Connecticut's natural world and conservation into developmentally appropriate, interactive and educational programs, displays, brochures, and digital and printed materials.
Experience managing nature center operations, including facility maintenance, geothermal systems, and the technical equipment required for captive animal aquaria.
Experience leading seasonal staff and coordinating volunteers, including interviewing, training, scheduling shifts, and daily assignments.
Experience implementing local, state, and federal laws on animal captivity in a nature center, including providing proper nutritional, medical care, housing standards and associated record-keeping.
Experience in developing and implementing environmental education programs and interpretive history that align to educational standards of both formal and nonformal education.
Experience utilizing interpersonal and communication skills to create and deliver educational programs and interpretive materials that connect natural and cultural history with lifelong learners.

Responsibilities

Provides year-round educational programming and operational tasks while meeting public service demands.
Independently performs a full range of tasks related to developing, implementing, and presenting environmental, natural science, and interpretive education programs based on Connecticut’s history and natural history, especially centered around Long Island Sound.
Ensures adequate staffing, training, and management of seasonal staff and volunteers.
Responsible for the programmatic and operational needs of a coastal nature center, including offsite programming.
Assists with statewide historical interpretation and environmental education training and support within the Park system.
Assists in the development of and plans and implements environmental, natural science and interpretive education programs and services, including school programs, adult and continuing education, teacher in-service workshops, field trips, tours, lecture/slide presentations and special events.
Assists in the design, preparation and maintenance of displays and exhibits.
Prepares educational materials, brochures, pamphlets and audio-visual materials.
Researches, collects, documents, prepares, catalogs and maintains specimens for exhibits and collections.
Assists in the daily operation and maintenance of facilities and equipment.
Prepares letters, reports and other material.
Acts as liaison to local, state and federal conservation agencies and other organizations.