Naturalist (hourly)

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION•Branson, MO
•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 conservation topics, and develops new programs and interpretive materials about natural history, outdoor exhibits, conservation, and ecology. The Naturalist prepares classrooms and materials, orders supplies and equipment, supervises and trains staff and volunteers, and handles related administrative approvals. Other work includes inspecting facilities, communicating with visitors, overseeing live animal reservations and animal care, and assisting with managed hunts, special events, and other programs as needed. The position is based in a standard office environment and requires movement around indoor and outdoor grounds, frequent communication, and regular attendance. It involves frequent travel and occasional overnight stays, as well as varying shifts and hours. Employees must accept compensatory time in lieu of cash overtime payments under the department's policy. Employees may need to use a mobile device for department business.

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, educators, 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, both inside and outside buildings; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery; and occasionally relocate machinery.
  • Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information frequently.
  • Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, and three-dimensional vision to judge distance and spatial relationships.
  • Ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds and correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
  • Must accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy.
  • Must be a United States citizen or an alien authorized to work in the United States and provide requested employment eligibility documentation.
  • Must submit to a drug screen following an offer of employment.

Nice To Haves

  • Interpretive Guide certification.

Responsibilities

  • Present educational and interpretive programs on and off site for audiences of varied ages and backgrounds on a wide range of conservation subjects.
  • Create and present programs and interpretive materials concerning 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.
  • Communicate with public tour groups and individuals by telephone, email, and in person.
  • Oversee live animal reservations and provide animal care.
  • Assist with managed hunts, special events, and other programs as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
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