Naturalist Aide (Intermittent) - East District

Ohio; Ohio; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in outdoor education is looking for a passionate Naturalist Aide to engage with the community and promote appreciation for nature. In this exciting role, you will research and develop interpretive programs, assist with park projects, and coordinate special events that connect people with the great outdoors. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in beautiful park settings, share knowledge about Ohio's natural heritage, and inspire visitors of all ages. If you love the outdoors and enjoy working with people, this is the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include courses in biology, botany, zoology, outdoor safety, and public relations.
• Experience in natural resources and public relations is essential for this role.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop interpretive and recreational programs for parks.
• Assist with maintaining trails and the nature center.
• Plan and coordinate special events and public relations activities.

Skills

Natural Resources

Public Relations

Outdoor Safety Practices

Biology

Botany

Zoology

Education

1 course in Biology

1 course in Botany

1 course in Zoology

1 course in Outdoor Safety Practices

1 course in Public Relations

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 Aide, within the Division Parks & Watercraft, assigned to Belmont or Muskingum county. The addresses for the two positions are:

• Naturalist Aide - Barkcamp State Park (1 position): 65330 Barkcamp Rd., Belmont, OH 43718
• Naturalist Aide - Blue Rock State Park (1 position): 7924 Cutler Lake Rd., Blue Rock, OH 43720

What you will do…

• Research, develop & plan interpretive & recreational programs
• Assist groups, clubs & schools with park projects
• Plan & coordinate special events (e.g. workshops, community festivals)
• Assist with maintaining trails, nature center & park office
• Perform public relations & marketing activities
• Hourly pay of $20.28/hr.

Duration:

• Limited to 1000 hours in a fiscal year

This Intermittent Position:

• Is a maximum duration, 1000 hour intermittent (unclassified) position for the Division of Park & Watercraft
• Will remain at step 1 of the pay range
• Is not eligible for benefits (e.g. vision, dental, life, health insurance, holiday pay, leave accruals [vacation, personal, sick], any other paid leave, shift differential, pay supplements, etc.)
• Serves in the unclassified service pursuant to ORC 124.11 (A)(29) and, as such, serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority

Official Position Description:

Under general supervision researches, develops, and plans interpretive & recreational programs (e.g., nature walks, night hikes, & presentations for general public/special interest groups, tours) about Ohio’s natural, historical & cultural heritage; answers questions for public as related to interpretive programs & nature/visitor center; interprets park regulations & takes proper safety precautions to lead youths & adults on excursions into park; plans & coordinates special events (e.g., workshops, fall campouts); assists scout groups, schools & clubs with park projects (e.g., trail development, habitat improvement projects); teaches fishing, archery, & paddling classes (e.g., canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboard) according to approved division curriculum & with attention to laws & proper safety precautions; assists with the development & maintenance of displays & exhibits; assists with organizing & preparing brochures, interpretive park signs, & promotional publications; assists with volunteers related to educational programs; provides background information for purchases of equipment & material & assists with education-related inventory; tracks attendance for grant purposes.

May be responsible for daily care of live animals used in programs (e.g., feed animals, keeps cages & equipment clean & in working order); complies with state & federal housing & care requirements; provides for the health & safety of animals; consults with veterinarian when necessary; ensures park compliance with Division of Wildlife permits; notifies supervisor of issues.

Performs public relations/marketing activities & assists with statewide events, exhibits & shows (e.g., boat shows, state fair, trade shows); responds to inquiries about programs; makes media appearances promoting state parks & park activities; participates in events statewide (e.g., festivals & state fair); assists in the development of outreach materials; works with division program manager on state-wide programming initiatives including but not limited to educational videos and live webinars for public use.

Assists in maintaining trails (e.g., picks up litter, removes fallen debris, reports hazards); maintains nature center, office space (e.g., empties trash, vacuums); maintains equipment used in programming (e.g., makes minor repairs such as filters, light bulbs).

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT: Annual seasonal naturalist training session.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Works outside exposed to weather, venomous reptiles or infectious animal bites & scratches; must be able to provide own transportation.

Minimum Qualifications:
1 course or 3 mos. exp. in biology; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in botany; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in zoology; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in outdoor safety practices; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in public relations.

-Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.

Job Skills: Natural Resources