Apply at: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/41373
The Interpretive Naturalist assists with the development, implementation, and evaluation of natural history programming for those served by the Homer Lake Interpretive Center (HLIC) within the Museum & Education Department of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District.
This is a part-time position (up to 30 hours per week). Normal work hours are 8:30am-3:00pm Monday-Friday (April-November) and Monday, Wednesday, Friday (December-March); however, hours must be flexible to accomodate evening, weekend, or holidays based on department needs. The primary work location is Homer Lake Forest Preserve, with some work at area schools as well as other forest preserves such as Lake of the Woods in Mahomet. The starting rate for this position is $14.55/hour.
Essential Duties:
- Teach school programs. Assist with developing and publicizing school programs.
- Develop, publicize, present, and evaluate nature day camp programs.
- Coordinate all aspects of the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) summer volunteer programs for the department, including publicizing, recruitment, interviews, training, and supervision of CITs.
- Maintain the HLIC's live education animal collection and coordinate sponsorship programs.
- Assist with developing and presenting public programs.
- Assist with training seasonal employees and volunteers engaged in all aspects of the environmental programs of the department.
- Maintain program and interpretive information in Homer Lake kiosks.
- Participate in the creation and implementation of new programs as assigned, and as guided by the District's mission, Interpretive Plan and Strategic Plan.
- Collaborate with staff on the development of interpretive themes, exhibit-related hands-on activities, and outreach materials for area schools and related groups.
- Assist with establishing short and long term action plans in accordance with the District's mission, Interpretive Plan and Strategic Plan.
- Assist with establishing partnerships and collaborations with other organizations that will enhance professional relationships on behalf of the department, program offerings, and otherwise broaden the department's audience.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Greet and record visitors of the HLIC; answer the phone and perform other office duties as assigned.
- Staff the HLIC on Saturdays as assigned.
- Assist with maintenance of the HLIC.
- Assist with establishment, maintenance, and creation of displays for the HLIC.
- Make annual budget recommendations and maintain adequate fiscal controls to ensure costs are within budgetary limits.
- Promptly respond to safety hazards and concerns.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience:
- College level coursework in environmental education, natural resources, biology, interpretation, or related field is required; bachelor's degree in one of these fields is preferred.
- Knowledge of central Illinois flora and fauna preferred.
- Experience in environmental education or interpretation is preferred.
Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively without direct supervision.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout the District and with external constituents.
- Ability to exercise sound judgement in solving problems and making decisions; ability to respond professionally and safely to challenging or emergency situations.
- CPR/AED and First Aid certified, or the ability to obtain certification within six months of employment.
- Valid driver's license is required.
- Must be fluent and able to communicate in English. Bilingual skills are a plus: proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, French, and/or American Sign Language preferred.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Some work is performed in a shared office setting with occasional interruptions. While performing this job, the employee regularly utilizes standard office equipment, including a computer. Work will also frequently be performed outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, snow, or ice. Employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies or herbicides/pesticides).
The employee will have frequent interaction with co-workers as well as program participants and patrons. Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate is required. Prolonged standing, walking, or hiking on unpaved/uneven terrain may be required during programs. Duties may also include climbing, stooping, twisting, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and will occasionally lift up to 25 pounds to shoulder height or above and up to 50 pounds to carrying height.
Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items:
• Closed toed shoes
• Protective gloves
• Safety goggles or glasses
• Earplugs or ear covers
• Reflective vest or hi-vis shirt
• Respirators or masks
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Application Procedures
Applicants must submit an online application at www.ccfpd.org (direct link to "Apply" button at Apply at: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/41373) and attach a cover letter detailing their interest in the position. Applicants must also include a resume and the names and contact information of at least three professional references. Applicants must apply no later than June 24, 2018 in order to receive full consideration; however, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. For more information, please visit www.ccfpd.org or contact Stacey Clementz, Education Program Specialist at 217-896-2455 or sclementz@ccfpd.org.
