Naturalist - 20075462

State of Ohio • Huron, OH

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Naturalist will work within the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Coastal Management at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve (OWC NERR), assigned to Erie County. The role plans, schedules, and delivers interpretive programs at OWC NERR and partner properties, engaging diverse youth in hands-on learning about Lake Erie environmental and water quality issues and encouraging environmental stewardship. The Naturalist also leads paddling programs for youth groups and the public and develops lessons about Great Lakes coastal ecosystems, invasive species, water quality, harmful algal blooms, and aquatic species in Ohio’s coastal habitats.

The position collaborates with school districts, conservation groups, local park districts, public and government entities, and private-sector businesses. Field and stewardship work includes surveying and sampling invasive and rare species and plant communities in coastal wetlands; supporting volunteer efforts to reduce invasive-species impacts; and supporting rare species, plant communities, and monitoring programs for water quality, phenology, and marine debris. Work may take place near, around, or on lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. The position works outdoors and may be exposed to weather, venomous reptiles, infectious animal bites or scratches, and unpleasant odors.

This is a permanent, full-time classified position based in Huron, Ohio. The stated starting pay is $23.65 per hour, with multiple increases during the first 5.5 years of service to an end salary of $28.76 per hour; cost-of-living adjustments may also apply. Longevity pay supplements begin after five years of state service. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., subject to change.

Requirements

• Meet one of the listed qualification pathways: 18 months of training or experience preparing and/or presenting educational materials concerning wildlife and plants, plus one course or three months of experience in public relations, and a valid driver license; or completion of associate-degree core coursework in natural sciences (e.g., biology, botany, zoology) and a valid driver license; or 12 months of experience as a Naturalist Aide, 22540, and a valid driver license; or the equivalent of the stated minimum class qualifications.
• Valid driver license is required for the applicable qualification pathways.
• Applicants must provide transcripts for coursework, degrees, or educational accomplishments claimed on the application.
• The application must demonstrate how minimum qualifications are met; supplemental-question answers must be supported by work experience and education sections.
• The final candidate must undergo a criminal background check.
• Work involves outdoor exposure to weather, venomous reptiles, infectious animal bites or scratches, and unpleasant odors.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with water safety practices is advised.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and implement interpretive programs at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve and partner properties.
• Engage diverse youth in hands-on learning about Lake Erie environmental and water quality issues and promote clean water and environmental stewardship.
• Lead paddling programs for youth groups and the public.
• Develop and implement lesson plans on Great Lakes coastal ecosystems, invasive species removal, water quality monitoring and assessment, harmful algal blooms, and aquatic species in Ohio’s coastal habitats.
• Collaborate with school districts, conservation groups, local park districts, public and government entities, and private-sector businesses.
• Conduct field surveys and sample invasive and rare species and plant communities in Ohio’s coastal wetlands.
• Assist with stewardship and volunteer efforts to reduce the impacts of invasive species.
• Support rare species and plant communities, and monitoring programs such as water quality, phenology, and marine debris.
• Perform work near, around, or on lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period
• Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave
• Education and development opportunities, including employee development funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS
• Optional deferred compensation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree