Outdoor Naturalist & Interpretive Educator

State of Ohio; United States; On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Ohio's ODNR invites applications for a Naturalist position based in Hocking County, Logan, OH. The role emphasizes planning and delivering interpretive programs at multiple state nature preserves, creating educational content, and engaging with the public and schools.

Responsibilities include ecological field work, visitor guidance, and coordination of events, with outdoor work in varying conditions. Starting pay is $23.65/hr with progression to $28.76/hr and potential COLA adjustments.

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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Natural Resources

Communications

Education

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Job description

State of Ohio's ODNR invites applications for a Naturalist position based in Hocking County, Logan, OH. The role emphasizes planning and delivering interpretive programs at multiple state nature preserves, creating educational content, and engaging with the public and schools.

Responsibilities include ecological field work, visitor guidance, and coordination of events, with outdoor work in varying conditions. Starting pay is $23.65/hr with progression to $28.76/hr and potential COLA adjustments.