Naturalist - 20101545

State of Ohio•Logan, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is seeking energetic, passionate people who enjoy the outdoors to play a key role as a Naturalist. This position is headquartered at Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County, Ohio. The ODNR manages 76 state parks, over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife land, and more than 2 million acres of water, seeking to balance the wise use and protection of natural resources. Employees have opportunities to participate in public events, attend Lunch and Learn sessions, and receive monthly updates from the Director. This role involves planning and conducting interpretive programs, developing educational materials, managing social media and print communications, serving as a contact for visitors, coordinating special events, participating in ecological management activities, conducting field surveys, and assisting with volunteer efforts.

Requirements

18 months of training or 18 months of experience in preparing and/or presenting educational materials concerning wildlife and plants.
1 course or 3 months of experience in public relations.
Valid driver's license.
Completion of associate degree core coursework in natural sciences (e.g., biology, botany, zoology) and a valid driver's license.
12 months of experience as a Naturalist Aide, 22540, and a valid driver's license.
Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
Must submit a transcript (can be unofficial until point of selection) by the posting deadline.
Final candidate selected will be required to undergo a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience with invasive species management (hand pulling, mechanical removal, herbicide application, prescribed fire).
Experience with field surveys and sampling of invasive species, rare species, and plant communities.
Experience assisting with volunteer efforts, including recruitment and coordination.

Responsibilities

Plan, conduct & schedule interpretive programs at State Nature Preserves and other public/private sites for K-12 school groups, interest groups, and the general public.
Develop interpretive informational materials including slide illustrated lectures, videos, signage, fact sheets, pamphlets, handouts, brochures, and displays about Ohio's unique ecology and geology, tied to State of Ohio K-12 education standards.
Develop engaging content for Division social media and articles for print media for local newspapers, magazines, and internal communication.
Serve as the primary contact with preserve visitors: advise visitors of preserve rules and regulations, respond to the public's inquiries via telephone, email, social media, and in person.
Coordinate and staff special events and outreach opportunities, including the Ohio State Fair.
Participate in ecological management activities to control invasive species such as hand pulling, mechanical removal, herbicide application techniques, and prescribed fire activities that require working outdoors (in inclement weather and exposed to poisonous plants and biting insects).
Conduct field surveys and sampling of invasive species, rare species, and plant communities within Nature Preserves, such as collecting and identifying specimens, mapping occurrences, and documenting findings.
Assist with local volunteer efforts, such as recruiting new volunteers, coordinating work projects, and organizing volunteer efforts to assist with interpretive programs and invasive plant control.