SALARY: $16-$18/hr SCHEDULE: Schedule varies; 20hrs/week April-October 

POSITION START DATE: 04/01/2023

OVERVIEW:  

Under the supervision of the Nature Center Manager, the Interpretive Naturalist position assists with the operation of the Knoch Knolls Nature Center and the system wide delivery of the District's environmental programming seasonally.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Staff the Knoch Knolls Nature Center reception desk: greet visitors, answer questions and phone calls, provide general information on park district activities and facilities and use the POS system to sell merchandise.
2. Develop environmental education curriculum, prepare materials and supplies, instruct, and evaluate environmental programming offered by the District, including, but not limited to Summer day camps, scout badge programs, family campouts, youth and adult programs, nature themed birthday parties and special events.
3. Develop, communicate and present program materials in a manner that is appropriate for the age level of participants.
4. Assist with interpretive programs and exhibits at the Nature Center and other facilities throughout the Park District.
5. Communicate effectively with participants, parents and staff regarding rule infractions, questions and concerns.
6. Provide care for the nature center's live animals (herps), including feeding and tank cleaning.
7. Work cooperatively with other District staff to assist in attaining the goals and objectives of the District's environmental education programming.
8. Maintain cooperative relationships with community organizations. Collaborate with the Conservation Foundation, Forest Preserve Districts, Schools and other community groups on program and activity planning, educational opportunities, and research projects.
9. Maintain and organize inventory of program equipment and supplies. Inform Nature Center Manager of supply needs.
10. Demonstrate and support park district customer service standards and foster an environment of customer-focused service to both internal and external customers.
11. Maintain on-going open communication with Nature Center Manager, including responding promptly to calls, emails and texts.
12. Record and communicate difficult situations or behaviors to Nature Center Manager immediately.
13. Record and file incident/accident reports, and notify the Nature Center Manager of all incidents/accidents.
14. Provide guidance and direction to interns and/or volunteers assisting with projects or programs.
15. Provide input on performance appraisals and disciplinary matters of seasonal staff and interns.
16. Monitor weather conditions before, during and after programs to ensure the safety of program participants and staff. Be familiar and comfortable with emergency weather procedures.
17. Follow and model compliance with all District, State, Federal and departmental safety and risk management, personnel, administrative policies and procedures, ordinances and regulations.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond to all customer comments and inquiries in a timely fashion.
• Work in conjunction with other staff to complete referrals to WDSRA and work with WDSRA staff to develop program plans for participants with special needs.
• Ensure that program areas are left neat and clean after each use and that materials/equipment are returned to its proper place.
• Evaluate the quality of programs, exhibits and events on an ongoing basis, making recommendations for improvement to the Nature Center Manager.
• Attend Park District in-service training and staff meetings as required.
• Seek, interpret, and act upon input from residents and the general public.
• Distribute written communication as necessary or requested by the District.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and experience pertaining to wildlife, natural history, and local flora and fauna.
• Ability to effectively share information with audiences of all ages.
• Ability to create innovative nature programs for audiences of all ages.
• Experience teaching in a non-formal educational setting.
• Knowledge of and experience with caring for live animals.
• Ability to accept responsibilities and work in an independent and organized manner.
• Ability to be flexible and interact cooperatively with other staff members.
• Ability to be aware of the needs and concerns of children and their parents and respond appropriately.
• Display leadership, dependability, patience and concern for others.
• Excellent communication skills - professional ability to attend to the needs of customers.
• Ability to address complaints and resolve concerns as needed.
• Proficient with computer use, Microsoft and windows based software.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• B.S. degree in interpretation, environmental education, natural sciences, or related field required.
• Minimum of three years' experience developing and presenting environmental education or nature programming.
• Animal husbandry experience with herps preferred.
• Experience with registration databases preferred.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR, AED and First Aid certification within four (4) weeks of date of hire.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Exposure to variable outdoor temperatures during all four seasons, various forms of precipitation, pollen, molds and insect bites.
• Ability to work flexible hours during the weekday, weekends and some evenings.
• Ability to maintain a highly variable schedule.
• Ability to lift, carry and/or move object(s) weighing ≤ lbs. Lifting assistance is required when lifting ≥ 30 lbs.