LLCC Seasonal Naturalist I - (School Year Position, Required to live on-site)

Aitkin County • Aitkin, MN

39d • Onsite

About The Position

To lead students, teachers and parents in conservation education programs and activities, conduct programs for students and adults in environmental education and outdoor recreation, and to oversee and cares for resident live animals. This is a shared living arrangement where we house hundreds of students, not an individual apartment. As such, no pet facilities are available. The duration of employment is anticipated to run March/April 2026 through May 31, 2027. Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks. No formal supervisory authority. Upon request by the employer, experienced seasonal naturalists may be assigned to serve as a seasonal crew leader over other seasonal naturalist. This may include prioritizing and assigning tasks, monitoring work productivity, checking the work for timeliness and correctness or soundness, establishing work standards, coordinating work schedules, and providing input into supervisor’s actions. This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

Requirements

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Natural Science, Environmental Education, Recreation, Languages and Indigenous Studies, a related field, or have equivalent life experience.
• First Aid/CPR Certified within six months of hiring. Training provided.
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license required.
• Employment reference checks and a criminal background check (including FBI fingerprint check).
• Must be willing to work flexible hours as assigned, including evenings and some weekends for special events.
• Knowledge of: County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
• Knowledge of: Curriculum and activities in the above fields, current educational techniques, laws and requirements of student and adult education.
• Skill in: Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and guests sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Skill in: Teaching, public speaking, outdoor activities; administration of first aid/CPR (certified); using audio visual equipment; computers and other office equipment; and care/handling of live specimens.
• Skill in: Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently.
• Skill in: Organizing and prioritizing work.
• Ability to: Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat all county staff and guests with respect, honesty, and consideration.
• Ability to: Lead, instruct and evaluate programs and activities to carry out objectives.
• Ability to: Deal tactfully but firmly while supervising students.
• Ability to: Employ positive public relations both on and off the Conservation Center.
• Ability to: Communicate with co-workers, students and the general public.
• Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers, supervisors, students and the general public.
• Ability to: Create, evaluate, and update curriculum.
• Ability to: Issue and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to: Endure adverse weather conditions and hazardous and annoying insects.
• High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• High Skills – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, Internet, and other job-related software.
• Infrequent travel is required for errands, trainings, meetings, and/or business at the courthouse.
• To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request): Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, problem solving, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, and initiative.
• Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Working safely is a condition of employment.
• Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

Responsibilities

• Leads and teaches participants in environmental education activities and outdoor recreation programs.
• Researches and develops new curriculum.
• Oversees and cares for resident live animals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level