Naturalist

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION•St. Charles, MO

2d•$23 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Naturalist educates the public about fish, forests, and wildlife through a variety of media. The position averages 30 hours per week and is based at the St. Louis Regional Office. Work is performed in a standard office environment, with duties also involving indoor and outdoor grounds, programs, exhibits, and other locations. The role is nonexempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act; employees must accept compensatory time in lieu of cash overtime payments in accordance with department policy. The Naturalist develops and presents interpretive programs and materials on natural history, outdoor exhibits, conservation, and ecology for audiences of varied ages and backgrounds. The role also supports live animal exhibits, volunteers, public interactions, program logistics, facility upkeep, and regional events. Frequent travel and occasional overnight stays may be required, and shifts and hours may vary.

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, including a copier, multi-line phone system, fax machine, scanner, and computer.
Knowledge 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, 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 inside and outside buildings; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery and occasionally relocate machinery.
Ability to frequently communicate and exchange accurate information; clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more; and three-dimensional vision to judge distance and space relationships.
Ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds and correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
Regular attendance is an essential function.
Must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash overtime payments under the department’s policy.
Must be a United States citizen or an alien authorized to work in the United States and complete Form I-9 with requested documentation.
Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following an employment offer.
State of Missouri employees must file state income tax forms and pay state income taxes owed.

Nice To Haves

Interpretive Guide certification.

Responsibilities

Present educational and interpretive programs on and off site for varied audiences and conservation topics.
Create and present new programs and interpretation materials concerning natural history, outdoor exhibits, conservation, and ecology.
Set up classrooms and program materials, and order supplies and equipment as needed.
Supervise, direct, schedule, train, and evaluate herp room volunteers.
Complete invoices, time sheets, and expense reimbursements.
Inspect facilities for routine cleanliness and maintenance.
Interact with school and public groups and individuals by telephone, email, and in-person discussion.
Oversee and care for live exhibit and program animals.
Assist with regional efforts, special events, and programs at different locations as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.