Naturalist

GENEVA PARK DISTRICT•Geneva, IL

5d•$15 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

The Naturalist plans and presents educational programs, camps, field trips, scout programs, adult naturalist programs, special events, and exhibits at Peck Farm Park and Hawks Hallow Nature Playground. Programs focus on cultural and natural history, environmental education, and recreation for people of all ages. The role also supports volunteer recruitment, training, and supervision; serves as Camp Director during camp season; and helps maintain park facilities, grounds, natural areas, and the Butterfly Exhibit. Additional work includes visitor services, office duties, budgeting and purchasing support, exhibit and interpretive-sign development, marketing and publicity, garden and natural-area design, and grant pursuit. The position works under the direction of the Manager of Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center, Superintendent of Recreation, and Executive Director. It requires an average of 40 hours per week, with hours that may vary according to seasonal, program, or office needs. Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; camp-season hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours are frequently required. Work includes indoor duties and outdoor programming and natural-area or garden work in summer heat and winter cold. The Naturalist must be able to handle Park District materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance provided when necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Outdoor Recreation, Biological Sciences, Interpretation, or Recreation.
1–3 years of experience leading natural-history, interpretive, and environmental-education programs.
Experience working in park settings and planning and facilitating non-formal education programs.
Familiarity with the principles and techniques of interpretation and with environmental-education curricula.
Ability to handle Park District materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance provided when necessary.
Ability to remain outdoors for long periods during programs or garden and natural-area work in summer heat and winter cold.
Good problem-solving ability and judgment consistent with the Park District’s mission.

Nice To Haves

A strong background in curriculum writing.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, facilitate, and present educational programs and special events at Peck Farm Park, including programs for school, scout, birthday-party, family, preschool, summer-camp, and adult groups.
Create a welcoming environment for volunteers and assist with recruiting, training, and supervising them.
Serve as Camp Director during camp season; plan and facilitate camp operations and supervise, train, and direct camp counselors under the Manager’s guidance.
Plan and present programs and events at Hawks Hallow Nature Playground and help acquire supplies to keep the playground stocked.
Answer phones, respond to information inquiries, perform general office duties, and greet the public at the Peck House or on park grounds.
Interpret Peck Farm Park’s historical, cultural, natural-history, and recreational resources for visitors.
Assist with and maintain the Butterfly Exhibit.
Assist with developing the yearly budget and follow purchasing procedures and guidelines established by district policy.
Create and maintain displays, collections, exhibits, and interpretive signs for the Nature Discovery & History Room, formal gardens, and natural areas.
Assist with natural-area maintenance, including seasonal prescribed burns, invasive-species removal, seed collection, and plantings.
Perform general maintenance of the Peck House, buildings, and grounds.
Create marketing materials such as brochures and flyers; assist with news releases and publicity, garden and natural-area design, and grant pursuits.
Keep the Manager of Natural Areas & Interpretation and Executive Director informed about pertinent matters and work schedules, and communicate necessary information to main-office staff.
Know and follow Park District safety procedures; complete and follow through on accident reports, follow emergency procedures, report hazardous equipment, facilities, or conditions, and address conduct of supervised employees. Report incidents and potential hazards to the safety committee as soon as possible.
Resolve differences and problems with patrons and work collaboratively with employees, using good problem-solving skills and judgment consistent with the Park District’s mission.