Naturalist

Carmelclayparks; Carmel (IN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Department is seeking a part-time Naturalist to support nature programming within the Parks & Natural Resources Division. The role focuses on administrative, educational, and program support tasks for nature programming, with responsibilities including program planning, data management, and volunteer coordination.

Candidates should have a High School Diploma or GED, 1-3 years of experience, and a valid Indiana driver's license; higher education in biology or

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 1-3 years of professional work history.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Indiana Pesticide Applicator certification or be able to acquire certification within 6 months of hire.
• Higher Education in Biology, Environmental Education, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Prior teaching/facilitation experience in environmental education preferred.
• Prior experience working with a variety of ages.

Responsibilities

• Instruct participants of all ages enthusiastically and effectively regarding nature, recreation, and stewardship.
• Plan and create nature programs and educational content for all ages.
• Use excellent customer service skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Support the division with natural resource management (species ID and mapping, invasives removal and treatment, plantings, and restoration).
• Educate program participants and park users about applicable park rules and regulations.
• Update computer databases, spreadsheets, and various reports including monthly participation numbers and natural resource management opportunities.
• Support Citizen Science volunteer program, organize program data, and engage with participants.
• Actively engage in volunteer stewardship projects to support logistics and coordinators as needed; some weekend and evening attendance.
• Reliable attendance and timeliness to scheduled shifts.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Nature knowledge

Customer service

Communication skills

MS Office

GIS

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Higher Education in Biology / Environmental Education / Natural Resources

Tools

GIS

Database software

Job description

DIVISION: Parks and Natural Resources Division

REPORTS TO: Parks Operations Manager – Natural Resources

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt; Part-time; Starting at $16 per hour

Purpose of Position

The Naturalist performs administrative, educational, and support functions for the Parks & Natural Resources (PNR) Division, specifically for nature programming. The PNR Division is responsible for natural resource management, volunteer programming, park maintenance, and engaging the community with stewardship opportunities.

Essential Job Functions

• Able to instruct participants of all ages enthusiastically and effectively regarding nature, recreation, and stewardship.
• Plans and creates nature programs and educational content for all ages.
• Uses excellent customer service skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and all members of the public.
• Supports the division with natural resource management (species ID and mapping, invasives removal and treatment, plantings, and restoration).
• Educates program participants and park users about applicable park rules and regulations.
• Updates computer databases, spreadsheets, and various reports including monthly participation numbers and natural resource management opportunities.
• Supports Citizen Science volunteer program, organizes program data, and engages with participants.
• Actively engages in volunteer stewardship projects to support logistics and coordinators as needed. Will require some weekend and evening attendance.
• Reliable attendance and timeliness to scheduled shifts.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Excellent knowledge of nature, natural resources, and the environment.
• Ability to work a varied schedule including days, evenings, and weekends.
• Ability to work outdoors, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to utilize a computer, including MS Office suite, and various databases related to digital forms, natural resource platforms, GIS, and volunteer management.
• Ability to communicate effectively; includes ability to speak and write clearly and the ability to interact with all members of the public and CCPR staff in a positive manner.
• Ability to prioritize tasks & situations in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and degree of accuracy.
• Ability to review and edit data.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions during periods of high volume.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.

Minimum Qualifications Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 1-3 years of professional work history.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Indiana driver’s license.

Qualifications Preferred to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Higher Education in Biology, Environmental Education, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Prior teaching/facilitation experience in environmental education preferred.
• Prior experience working with a variety of ages.
• Indiana Pesticide Applicator certification or be able to acquire certification within 6 months of hire.

The Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, ancestry, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.