Naturalist

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION•Joplin, MO

7d•$47,100 - $58,776•Onsite

About The Position

The Naturalist educates the public about fish, forests, and wildlife through a variety of media. The position presents educational and interpretive programs on and off site for varied audiences and develops new programs and interpretive materials about natural history, outdoor exhibits, conservation, and ecology. It also prepares classrooms and materials, orders supplies and equipment, supervises staff and volunteers, and handles related administrative approvals. The Naturalist interacts with tour groups and individuals, oversees live-animal reservations and animal care, inspects facilities for cleanliness and maintenance, and assists with managed hunts, special events, and other programs as needed. Work is performed in a standard office environment, with frequent travel and occasional overnight stays. The role may require varying shifts and hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Biological Sciences, Conservation, or a related field.
One year of interpretation and/or teaching experience.
Maintain a current, valid driver’s license.
Ability to use office equipment such as a copier, multi-line phone system, fax machine, scanner, and computer.
Knowledge of how to identify most native Missouri forest, fish, and wildlife resources and species.
Ability to develop and present programs to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Ability to operate audio/visual equipment, including AV carts, laptops, digital equipment, iPads, and smartphones.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with partner groups, teachers and school administrators, civic and nongovernmental organization leaders, news media, Department personnel, and the public.
Ability to travel frequently and stay overnight occasionally.
Ability to work varying shifts and hours.
Ability to move about grounds indoors and outdoors; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery; occasionally relocate machinery; communicate and exchange accurate information; and meet the stated vision requirements.
Regularly lift up to 25 pounds and correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Nice To Haves

Interpretive Guide certification.

Responsibilities

Present educational and interpretive programs on and off site for audiences covering a wide range of conservation subjects.
Create and present new programs and interpretive materials about natural history, outdoor exhibits, conservation, and ecology.
Set up classrooms and required materials in a timely manner and order supplies and equipment as needed.
Supervise, direct, schedule, train, and evaluate staff and volunteers.
Approve invoices, time sheets, and expense reimbursements.
Inspect facilities for routine cleanliness and maintenance.
Interact with public tour groups and individuals by telephone, email, and in-person discussion.
Oversee live-animal reservations and provide animal care.
Assist with managed hunts, special events, and other programs as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.