Naturalist, Weekend & Evening Programs Lead

City of Indianapolis; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Indianapolis is seeking a Naturalist to manage school and public programming, special events, and the nature center. You will oversee care of display animals, monitor resources, and promote events via social media in collaboration with the Communications and Marketing team.

You will coordinate with park staff, volunteers, and partners, support grants, and potentially supervise a neighborhood park, including monthly inspections and volunteer coordination.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Must be comfortable working within a diverse organization and have a fluency in and commitment to matters of equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Public speaking

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team coordination

Job description

The City of Indianapolis is seeking a Naturalist to manage school and public programming, special events, and the nature center. You will oversee care of display animals, monitor resources, and promote events via social media in collaboration with the Communications and Marketing team.

You will coordinate with park staff, volunteers, and partners, support grants, and potentially supervise a neighborhood park, including monthly inspections and volunteer coordination.