Seasonal Naturalist (Education)

Johnson County•Oxford, IA

1d•$17 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

This is a seasonal position working full-time hours for a duration of four-months within Conservation EDUCATION. Weekend hours may be required. The pay rate is $17.25/hour; this position is not benefits eligible. Applicants for this position are required to submit a résumé and encouraged to submit a cover letter to provide additional information about their qualifications and interest in the position. The Johnson County Conservation Department strives to provide county residents access to the highest quality healthy natural areas, outdoor recreation opportunities and conservation education. These services are provided at more than 18 sites throughout Johnson County including natural areas, parks, preserves, and trails. The Conservation Department headquarters are located at the 1,062 acre F.W. Kent Park, with additional operations centers located at Cangleska Wakan, Pechman Creek Delta, and Sutliff.

Requirements

Knowledge of flora, fauna, and ecosystems, especially those in Iowa and on the land owned by Johnson County and managed by the Conservation Board
Knowledge of basic natural sciences and natural history
Knowledge of English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and punctuation skills.
Ability to learn, apply, and articulate departmental policies and procedures
Ability to represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fish & Game Officers, State Fisheries & Wildlife Biologists, area educators, and members of the public
Ability to communicate and work well with persons of various age groups representing diverse backgrounds
Ability to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing biases
Ability to organize, publicize, and maximize public participation in events furthering conservation education
Ability to work in all types of weather conditions
Ability to collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports
Ability to use a computer for purposes of data entry and word processing
Ability to operate common office equipment such as typewriters, calculators, fax machines, scanners, photocopiers, and telephones
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions
Ability to handle low to moderate levels of stress and solve problems appropriate to the position
Clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communication
Ability to stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, twist, reach, and crawl
Sufficient vision which permits keen observation as well as production and review of materials in electronic and hardcopy form
Sufficient manual dexterity to make legible handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse.
Occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds
Sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various county areas
Occasionally work weekends and night hours
Valid driver's license and insurable under county liability coverage.
Must pass background check.

Nice To Haves

Natural history related work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in carrying out conservation/environmental education programming for the Johnson County Conservation Board.
Provide programs and field trips for a variety of audiences.
Create and improve displays, including live animal displays, in the Conservation Education Center.
Make public service announcements, write press releases and articles for the quarterly newsletter presenting upcoming/reviewing past programs including information about other department activities.
Answer questions relating to the program, facilities, flora, fauna and other natural resources of the areas.
Promote safety for area visitors and administer first aid in case of minor injury.
Keep informed on matters relating to Conservation Board policy and the Director's administrative directives.
Assist Conservation staff and volunteers with work activities and special projects such as the annual catfish raising project and the bluebird nesting program.
Work with and provide back-up for the Naturalist.
Attend work-related meetings and training sessions as requested.
Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with JCCB policies, procedures, and safety practices.
Attend work regularly at the designated place and time.
Conduct public programs and organize field trips for a variety of audiences to explain and interpret the prairie, woodlands, wetlands, and other sub habitants of the Conservation Board’s holdings.
Maintenance of live animal displays and working with volunteers.
Assist Conservation staff with work activities and special projects.