Assistant Naturalist

Polk County; Granger (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Polk County seeks an Environmental Education program facilitator to develop and deliver educational and interpretive programs for diverse audiences. The role includes assisting with exhibits, live animal displays, and coordinating events while supporting seasonal and part-time operations.

Flexibility for evenings and weekends is noted, with emphasis on strong communication and public engagement. The candidate should hold a relevant bachelor's degree and have experience in preparing and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental education, interpretation, recreation, ecology, or related earth biological science.
• Six months experience in development and presentation of environmental education programs.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develops, coordinates, and conducts environmental education and outdoor recreational and interpretive programs for schools, civic groups, youth groups, and the general public.
• Assists with maintenance and construction for indoor and outdoor exhibits, including live animal displays.
• Plans audience appropriate educational programs and activities related to natural resource management, conservation, ecology, recreation, cultural heritage, and other environmental topics.
• Maintains records on programs and displays.
• Assists with the development, coordination, and implementation of special events and extended programs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Conservation knowledge

Public speaking

Outdoor education

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental education or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web calendars

Email

AV equipment

Website programs

Job description

Under general supervision of the Environmental Education Coordinator, implements and develops environmental education programs and seasonal activities.

1. Develops, coordinates, and conducts environmental education and outdoor recreational and interpretive programs for schools, civic groups, youth groups, and the general public.
2. Assists with maintenance and construction for indoor and outdoor exhibits, including live animal displays.
3. Plans audience appropriate educational programs and activities related to natural resource management, conservation, ecology, recreation, cultural heritage, and other environmental topics.
4. Maintains records on programs and displays.
5. Assists with the development, coordination, and implementation of special events and extended programs.
6. Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of modern trends in conservation and environmental education.
• Knowledge of information dissemination, methods of communicating, and public speaking.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of conservation, ecology, interpretation, and Iowa's natural heritage.
• Experience in teaching outdoor skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, web-based calendars, email, audio-visual equipment, and website programs.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours
• Ability to read, write, edit, and communicate effectively in a variety of methods, including public speaking and program delivery.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate a good work ethic.
• Ability to adapt in a very dynamic work setting.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and walk or stand for prolonged periods.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with supervisors, other County employees, volunteers, and the general public using courtesy, patience, and tact.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental education, interpretation, recreation, ecology, or related earth biological science, and
• Six months experience in development and presentation of environmental education programs, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements

Part-Time Positions:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.
• Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure the candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
• A drug screen is required.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.

On-Call and Seasonal Position:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.