Interpretive Naturalist

Naperville Park District•Naperville, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Nature Center Manager, the Interpretive Naturalist assists with the operation of the Knoch Knolls Nature Center and the system wide delivery of the District's environmental programming. This role involves providing exceptional customer service, processing sales, balancing receipts, and ensuring the confidentiality of customer information. The Naturalist will develop and evaluate environmental education curriculum, prepare materials, instruct various age groups, and plan special events. They will lead interpretive programs, create exhibits, care for live animals, and collaborate with staff and community groups to achieve program goals. Maintaining inventory, reporting equipment needs, and communicating operational issues to the supervisor are also key responsibilities. Additionally, the role involves responding to customer inquiries, working with special needs participants, ensuring program areas are clean, and distributing written communication as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Interpretation, Environmental Education, Natural Sciences, or related field.
Minimum three (3) years of experience developing and presenting environmental education or nature programming, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within two (2) months of hire.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Ability to lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing ≤ 30 lbs. on a weekly basis.
Working knowledge and experience pertaining to wildlife, natural history, and local flora and fauna.
Ability to create innovative nature programs for audiences of all ages.
Ability to share natural and cultural history information in a relevant manner with an audience or individual.
Demonstrated ability to care for live animals and comfortable with live animals, including snakes, turtles, fish, salamanders and insects.
Ability to work independently in day-to-day operations with general direction from supervisor.
Ability to display professionalism with patrons.
Ability to address complaints and resolve concerns.
Working knowledge of basic computer software including Microsoft platform.

Responsibilities

Provide an exceptional customer service experience and promote District services and facilities by assisting customers on the phone and in person.
Successfully process point of sale items.
Successfully balance receipts, reconcile transactions, and prepare weekend bank deposits.
Ensure confidential use of customer information, including credit card transactions.
Develop and evaluate environmental education curriculum, prepare materials and supplies, instruct youth, camp, school, scout, and adult programs, and plan and support special events.
Lead interpretive programs and create exhibits at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center and other District facilities.
Communicate effectively with participants, guardians, and staff regarding rule infractions, questions, or concerns.
Provide care for live animals including feeding and tank cleaning.
Work closely with related staff to achieve the goals and objectives of the environmental education programs.
Build and maintain working relationships with the Conservation Foundation, forest preserve districts, schools, and other community groups.
Maintain and organize inventory of program equipment and supplies.
Report inventory in need of replacement to the Nature Center Manager.
Maintain on-going open communication and notify the supervisor of situations regarding the operation of the program such as broken equipment, equipment shortages, and facility damage.
Record and communicate any difficult situations or behaviors to the Nature Center Manager.
Provide guidance and direction to Nature Center Assistant and/or volunteers assisting with projects or programs.
Monitor weather conditions before, during, and after programs to ensure the safety of participants and staff.
Respond to all customer comments and inquiries in a timely fashion.
Work in conjunction with staff to complete referrals to WDSRA and work with WDSRA staff to develop program plans for participants with special needs.
Ensure that program areas are left neat and clean after each use and that materials and equipment are returned.
Seek, interpret, and act upon input from residents and the public.
Distribute written communication as necessary or requested.
Other duties as assigned.