Naturalist - Eagle Creek Earth Discovery Center

Indy; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Indy Parks seeks a Naturalist to oversee school and public programming, special events, and the management of the nature center and exhibits. You will coordinate with park staff, volunteers, partners, and city agencies on planning, grants, and outreach across multiple Indy Park locations.

The role requires presenting to diverse audiences, managing data, and ensuring excellent customer service while working weekends and evenings.

Qualifications

• Two years of college or three years of relevant work experience in natural resources or related field.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Ability to develop and present effective presentations to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of basic computer programs, cash handling, timecards, and administrative duties.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service through frequent interaction with park patrons and partners.
• Assist in park operations in the absence of supervisors.
• Design and implement interpretive programs for various age groups.
• Research animals, plants, and exhibits in nature centers; support resource management.
• Maintain databases for program statistics and resource management.
• Lead field trips highlighting science, history, and nature features.

Skills

Customer service

Public speaking

Verbal communication

Cash handling

Timekeeping

Team coordination

Education

Two years of college or three years of relevant work experience

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

*Must have weekend and evening availability*

This position is responsible for school and public programming, special events, management of the nature center, care of display animals and natural artifacts, monitoring natural resources, and providing exceptional customer service to park visitors and various user groups. This position is key in coordinating with park employees, volunteers, park partners, park foundation, and other city agencies on planning and developing property support for special events such as day camps, art shows, outreach, volunteer projects, and all interpretive programming at Indy Park locations. Duties may include applying for and managing grants to support park projects. The Naturalist will be responsible for promoting events through social media, newsletters, website, and other marketing tools, in coordination with the Communications and Marketing team. In addition, this position may provide managerial support for a neighborhood park, conducting monthly inspections, communication with maintenance, volunteer projects, responding to inquiries and providing updates. Position reports to Manager Park.

Agency Summary

With over a century of history advancing the value of parks, Indy Parks is committed to protecting and enhancing the community's assets for the future. We will be a leader in making Indianapolis a vibrant, happy, and healthy place to live. By providing premier greenspaces and recreation opportunities, we welcome all residents, regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, ability, or identity, to connect to nature, to the community, and to themselves. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

• Provide excellent customer service by having frequent interaction with park patrons, school staff, park partners, answer questions, field complaints and suggestions
• Assume responsibility for park operations in absence of the Assistant or Park Manager
• Design, develop and implement interpretive programs that are relevant to a variety of age groups
• Research and provide guidance and support to Managers regarding the animals, plants and exhibits in nature centers
• Develop and maintain databases for cataloguing information regarding natural resource management, and program and visitor statistics
• Conduct field trips highlighting scientific, historic, and natural features of the park
• Be knowledgeable, providing accurate information on facility services, programs, schedules, costs, annual pass membership, directions, and park policies
• Answer questions and address issues in a positive, caring manner
• Opening and closing of the buildings according to established procedures
• Accurately complete any required paperwork including but not limited to, dog park applications, annual pass memberships, facility rentals, timecards, inspections, incident reports and bank draft forms
• Responsible for cleanliness and general appearance of work site in order to provide a positive image between department and community
• Report to work on time with a positive, friendly attitude wearing professional attire/uniform and name badge
• Adhere to department policy and procedure, including time off and office policies
• Assist supervisor who recruits, hires, and trains, evaluates, disciplines, and advises on-site personnel and volunteers
• Must be willing to work at all park facilities when needed, including emergency situations
• Monitor park activities and report to Park Manager, Park Rangers, and DPW Maintenance
• Attend meetings and trainings as required
• Respond to safety and emergency situations. Schedule and implement facility rentals
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Must have completed at least two (2) years of college OR three years of relevant work experience with focus in natural resources, wildlife ecology or related field or at least three (3) years of relevant work experience. Must be 21 years of age. Ability to develop and present effective presentations to a variety of audiences, and effectively communicate with park visitors, volunteers, co-workers, and the public through verbal and written methods. Knowledge of basic computer programs, cash handling, timecards, and other administrative duties. Must be self-motivated and able to work productively with limited supervision. Must be available to work a flexible schedule: including weekends, evenings, and holidays. to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Valid driver’s license required.Candidate must be comfortable working within a diverse organization and have a fluency in and commitment to matters of equity and inclusion.

Work is conducted both indoors and outdoors. Individual needs to be in good physical condition for outdoor recreation activities.