Brandywine Creek State Park Interpretive Naturalist

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is seeking a part-time seasonal Interpretive Programs Specialist at Brandywine Creek State Park. You will develop and present educational programs to schools and the public, lead nature-based activities, and provide park information and assistance to visitors.

The role requires weekend and evening availability, and may lead to a Lead Naturalist position after a qualifying period.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public speaking or interpretation.
• Experience planning and delivering interpretive programs for adults and children.
• Ability to coordinate and promote school or public events.
• Knowledge of natural and cultural resources of Delaware.

Responsibilities

• Develops and facilitates educational programs for schools and special events.
• Leads school environmental education programs tied to state standards.
• Delivers interpretive programs to participants of all ages.
• Helps coordinate and implement hayride programs at Brandywine Creek State Park.
• Provides general customer service and park information to visitors.
• Distributes interpretive publications.
• Leads educational and recreational hikes, canoe and kayak trips for visitors.
• Must be able to hike, walk, and stand for long periods of time.

Skills

Public speaking

Education program

Customer service

Outdoor work

Job description

Introduction

Brandywine Creek State Park is divided by grey stone walls that were built of local stone in the late 1800s, when the property was a dairy farm owned by the du Pont family. Three nature preserves are located within the park, including: Tulip Tree Woods, a majestic stand of 190-year-old tulip poplar, and Freshwater Marsh, the first nature preserve in Delaware. The area became a state park in 1965.

Summary Statement

This position at Brandywine Creek State Park is responsible for developing and conducting interpretive programs that will increase the public's awareness of their surrounding environment and foster the appreciation, enjoyment, and utilization of Delaware State Parks. Work is performed indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions. Applicants must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled. This position has the potential to be a year-round opportunity and may be eligible for a promotion to a Lead Naturalist Position after an evaluation and a year of on-site work experience.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Develops and facilitates educational programs for schools and special events.
• Leads school environmental education programs tied to state standards to increase student understanding of Delaware’s natural and cultural resources.
• Delivers interpretive programs to participants of all ages in a variety of contexts.
• Helps coordinate and implement hayride programs at Brandywine Creek State Park.
• Provides general customer service and park information to visitors.
• Distributes interpretive publications.
• Leads educational and recreational hikes, canoe and kayak trips plus programs for park visitors.
• Must be able to hike, walk, and stand for long periods of time.
• Includes live animal care and handling.
• Must be able to demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and good communication skills.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Six months experience planning and delivering interpretive programs for adults and children.
• Six months experience coordinating and promoting special events or initiatives.
• Knowledge of public speaking or interpretation.
• Knowledge of natural history, anthropology, entomology, ornithology, cultural history, recreation science, and/or ecology.
• Possession of a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

This posting may be closed on or before the listed closing date upon filling the vacant position(s). This is a Casual/Seasonal position which is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits.

Conditions of Hire

DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

As a condition of hire applicants for this position must successfully pass a Swim assessment.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com.

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail].

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.