Naturalist

Geneva Park District•Geneva, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Naturalist plans and presents educational programs and special events at Peck Farm Park and Hawks Hallow Nature Playground, focusing on cultural and natural history, environmental education, and recreation for people of all ages. Programs serve school, scout, birthday party, family, preschool, summer camp, and adult audiences. The Naturalist creates a welcoming environment for volunteers and assists with their recruitment, training, and supervision. During camp season, the Naturalist serves as Camp Director, coordinating camp operations and supervising, training, and directing counselors under the Manager’s guidance. The role also includes interpreting the park’s historic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources; helping maintain the Butterfly Exhibit; creating and maintaining displays, collections, exhibits, and interpretive signs; and assisting with natural-area work such as prescribed burns, invasive-species removal, seed collection, and planting. The Naturalist helps manage and maintain the Interpretive Center’s buildings and grounds, supports budget development and purchasing procedures, prepares marketing and publicity materials, and assists with garden design and grant pursuits. Office duties include answering phones, responding to inquiries, greeting visitors, and communicating pertinent matters and schedules to management and office staff. The position reports to the Manager of Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center, Superintendent of Recreation, and Executive Director. It averages 40 hours per week, with hours that may fluctuate according to seasonal, program, or office needs. Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; during camp season, hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours are frequently required. The position requires handling materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance available when necessary, and spending extended periods outdoors in summer heat and winter cold. The Naturalist must follow Park District safety procedures and use sound judgment and problem-solving in accordance with the district’s mission.

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; assistance will be provided when necessary.
Ability to remain outdoors for long periods during programs or garden and natural-area work in summer heat and winter cold.
Ability to resolve patron issues and work together with employees, with good problem-solving ability and judgment.

Nice To Haves

A strong background in curricula writing.

Responsibilities

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