Naturalist - 20101545

Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Kentucky; On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio Department of Natural Resources seeks a dynamic Naturalist to lead interpretive programs at Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County. You will develop materials, guide educational activities for schools and the public, and manage outreach across several preserves.

You will also handle media content, engage volunteers, and assist with ecological management and field surveys, including outreach at the Ohio State Fair and other venues.

Qualifications

• 18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. in preparing/presenting educational materials concerning wildlife & plants.
• 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in public relations; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct & schedule interpretive programs at State Nature Preserves for K-12, groups and the public.
• Develop interpretive materials: lectures, signage, handouts and displays tied to education standards.
• Create content for Division social media and local print media.
• Serve as primary contact with preserve visitors; advise on rules and respond to inquiries.
• Coordinate staff events and outreach opportunities, including the Ohio State Fair.
• Participate in ecological management and invasive species control work outdoors.

Skills

Natural Resources

Communications

Education

Attention to Detail

Adaptability

Education

Associate degree core coursework in natural sciences

Job description

What We Need

We are seeking energetic, passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to play a key role for the position of Naturalist, headquartered at Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County. The address is 7211 Bremen Road, Logan, Ohio 43138. To learn more about the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, please visit Division of Natural Areas & Preserves | Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

What You Will Do…

• Plan, conduct & schedule interpretive programs at State Nature Preserves (e.g., Boch Hollow, Kessler Swamp, Shallenberger, Christmas Rocks, Rockbridge, Conkles Hollow) & other public/private sites for K-12 school groups, as well as interest groups & the general public.
• Develop interpretive informational materials including slide illustrated lectures, videos, signage, fact sheets, pamphlets, handouts & brochures & displays about Ohio's unique ecology & geology, tied to State of Ohio K-12 education standards.
• Develop engaging content for Division social media & articles for print media for local newspapers, magazines & internal communication.
• Serve as the primary contact with preserve visitors: advise visitors of preserve rules & regulations, respond to the public's inquiries via telephone, email, social media & in person.
• Coordinate & staff special events & outreach opportunities, including the Ohio State Fair.
• Participate in ecological management activities to control invasive species such as hand pulling, mechanical removal, herbicide application techniques & prescribed fire activities that require you to work outdoors (in inclement weather & exposed to poisonous plants & biting insects).
• Conduct field surveys & sampling of invasive species, rare species & plant communities within Nature Preserves, such as collecting & identifying specimens, maps occurrences, & documents findings.
• Assist with local volunteer efforts, such as recruiting new volunteers, coordinating work projects, organizing volunteer efforts to assist with interpretive programs & invasive plant control.
• Starting hourly pay of $23.65/hr with multiple pay increases over your first 5.5 years of service, with an end salary of $28.76/hr.
• There may also be cost of living adjustments (COLA) applied. Longevity pay supplements begin after five (5) years of state service. For more details, refer to the OCSEA pay range schedule & longevity rates OCSEA Employees | Department of Administrative Services.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Works outside exposed to weather, poisonous reptiles or infectious animal bites, & scratches & unpleasant odors; travels overnight.

18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. in preparing &/or presenting educational materials concerning wildlife & plants; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in public relations; valid driver's license.

• Or completion of associate degree core coursework in natural sciences (e.g., biology, botany, zoology); valid driver's license.
• Or 12 mos. exp. as Naturalist Aide, 22540; valid driver's license.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Job Skills: Natural Resources, Technical Skills: Communications, Education, Professional Skills: Attention to Detail, Adaptability

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours

vary, incl nights/wknds/holidays

Classified Indicator

Classified

Professional Skills

Adaptability, Attention to Detail

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Hocking County-Logan

Other Locations

United States of America-OHIO-Hocking County-Nelsonville, United States of America-OHIO-Hocking County-Rockbridge

Agency Overview

Did you know Ohio operates 76 state parks, manages over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife land and more than 2 million acres of water? That's just the tip of the iceberg of what we do at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) as we seek to ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all! Across our 12 divisions and support services, we employ office staff, law enforcement officers, geologists, biologists, engineers, attorneys, communicators, managers, and so much more. Whatever your passion, we likely have a position to fit it and pathways for advancement! Working at ODNR is a special experience. Our employees are afforded opportunities to participate in public events at parks, nature preserves, wildlife areas, and annually at the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Fair. We routinely have Lunch and Learn events at our Assembly Center which are streamed on Teams Live as are monthly updates with our Director.