Part-Time Naturalist

Lake Metroparks; Kirtland Hills (OH); On-site; USD 17,908 - 22,041; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

OPERS membership

Agency discounts

Job summary

Lake Metroparks is seeking a part-time Naturalist to develop and evaluate engaging educational programs focusing on natural and cultural history. This role involves leading activities for audiences of all ages and assisting with special events. Flexibility to work up to 28 hours a week, including weekends and holidays, is required.

Qualifications include an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences or a related field, with a preference for teaching experience. The position offers a starting pay range of $13.00 to $16.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience teaching children preferred.
• Ability to perform moderate physical labor.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Plan and present interpretive programs for various audiences.
• Lead hands-on outdoor and indoor experiences.
• Engage with visitors and provide excellent customer service.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Creative program development

Problem-solving

Teamwork skills

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Park District vehicles

Job description

Naturalist: Part-Time (Non-Exempt)

Rate: $13.00 to $16.00 per hour

Pay Grade: PT | Starting rate is based on prior experience and education.

Location: Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Kirtland, OH 44094

Position Summary

Lake Metroparks is seeking a part-time Naturalist to plan, present, and evaluate interpretive programs and activities focused on natural and cultural history. Under the supervision of the Outdoor Connections Manager, this position provides engaging educational experiences for children ages 1 and older, families, adults, and senior citizens. The Naturalist also assists with special events, family activities, and visitor engagement throughout the year. Programs are conducted at various Lake Metroparks locations, including Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Children’s Schoolhouse, and the Environmental Learning Center. This position requires flexibility to work up to 28 hours per week, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Position Requirements

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, environmental education, interpretation, or a related field, or equivalent experience preferred.
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience teaching children preferred.
• Prior experience delivering environmental education or interpretive programs preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Agency’s liability policy.
• Pre‑employment background check required.
• Must be able to work in varying weather conditions and maintain a flexible schedule, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Must be able to perform moderate physical labor.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Required Training

All Park District employees shall complete and maintain all mandatory training, which may include emergency communication, hazardous materials, PPE, sexual harassment, workplace violence prevention, and fire prevention.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Plans, creates, presents, and evaluates engaging interpretive programs and educational activities for children, families, adults, and senior citizens that promote appreciation for nature and conservation.
• Leads hands‑on outdoor and indoor experiences in natural history, environmental science, and wildlife topics.
• Provides environmental education to audiences of all ages and abilities.
• Assists with special events, projects, and community programs.
• Engages with visitors, families, and school groups to provide excellent customer service.
• Assists with exhibit preparation, interpretive signage, and displays.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and physical requirements needed for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Computer Expertise Required / Equipment Operated

• Proficient in computers, web‑based programs, email, and Microsoft Office products.
• Must be able to safely operate Park District vehicles and small hand tools as required.

Additional Information

This position requires the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Ohio’s natural and cultural history.
• Knowledge of interpretive principles and environmental education methods.
• Basic understanding of wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation topics relevant to Northeast Ohio.

Skills

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, including strong writing, research, and program development skills.
• Creative program development and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Self‑motivated, creative, and flexible, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure.

Abilities

• Ability to inspire interest and appreciation for nature and conservation among participants.
• Ability to communicate complex environmental concepts in age‑appropriate ways.
• Ability to interact with others with tact and courtesy and maintain professional behavior when dealing with the public and coworkers.
• Ability to hike on uneven terrain and lead programs safely in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple projects and assignments.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, hear, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, hike on uneven terrain, and lead outdoor programs in varying weather conditions. The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The employee works both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, precipitation, wind, and snow. Work may involve exposure to slippery or uneven surfaces, excessive noise, moving objects or vehicles, insects, plants, allergens, and other natural environmental conditions associated with outdoor fieldwork. The employee may be required to use personal protective equipment as necessary and wear a district‑provided uniform.

General Expectations

The employee must demonstrate commitment and sensitivity to the needs of the Park District and its constituents while supporting the mission, values, and service standards of Lake Metroparks.

Benefits

Lake Metroparks offers a benefits package for eligible part‑time employees, including:

• OPERS membership (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System)
• Northeastern Ohio Inter‑Museum Council membership
• Agency discounts
• Additional benefits and perks may apply

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