Cerro Gordo County, Iowa

Naturalist

NATURALIST: Full-time position available with the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Department. Assists the Conservation Education Manager with general implementation of duties associated with the Cerro Gordo County Conservation environmental education program. Primary work focus is the development and delivery of environmental and outdoor recreation programs to expand knowledge and appreciation of natural resources in the community. In addition, the Naturalist may work directly with field staff to assist with management of resources and facilities in County managed parks and wildlife areas. Pay range of $25.43 - 26.19/hour ($52,894 - 54,475/year).

Applications will be accepted until filled with first review of applications on May 24, 2024. Pre-employment physical, drug screen & functional capacity evaluation required. Cerro Gordo County is an EOE. Applications can be completed online at

Posted: April 23, 2024

CERRO GORDO COUNTY, IOWA

Position Description

Position Title: NaturalistDepartment: ConservationImmediate Supervisor: Conservation Education Manager & Conservation DirectorShift: Normally 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - FridayLocation: Lime Creek Nature CenterFLSA: Non-Exempt/Non-BargainingSalary Range: $25.43 - 26.19/hour

($52,894 - 54,475 / year)Approved by: Conservation BoardStart Date: 7/1/24

Summary:

Assists the Conservation Education Manager with general implementation of duties associated with the Cerro Gordo County Conservation environmental education program. Primary work focus is the development and delivery of environmental and outdoor recreation programs to expand knowledge and appreciation of natural resources in the community. In addition, the Naturalist may work directly with field staff to assist with management of resources and facilities in County managed parks and wildlife areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists the Conservation Education Manager with the creation and implementation of environmental education programming to school and youth groups, special interest groups, civic groups, special needs & disadvantaged populations, general population, senior citizens, pre-schools, government agencies, and other county groups.

Assists with the development and maintenance of displays, exhibits, media reports, quarterly newsletter, and promotional brochures for the Lime Creek Nature Center and Cerro Gordo County Conservation.

Maintains live animal displays in the Lime Creek Nature Center including reptiles, amphibians, and bees.

Assists with development and delivery of agency information to mainstream media such as radio, television, and newspaper outlets via press releases and articles.

Coordinates social media outreach via Facebook, and other social media outlets.

Assists with development and maintenance of program curriculum, aids, and equipment utilizing print, computer generated graphics, live & preserved animal specimens, furs/skins, and displays/models.

Assists the Lime Creek Nature Center Foundation with promotion, special events, fundraising, and educational programs.

Maintains maintenance records for assigned equipment and facilities.

Responsible for immediate notification to supervisor, of potential problems concerning work area safety, equipment problems/safety and other potential risk exposure situations.

Perform any assigned work according to the goals and objectives of the environmental education program and conservation department, in accordance with departmental & county safety regulations.

Participates in statewide and national EE organizations to further the development of Cerro Gordo County Conservation’s EE program.

Assist other full-time staff on agency projects as specified by Director.

Performs other duties as assigned, which may include any duties under the Conservation Department.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The naturalist may occasionally supervise seasonal staff or volunteers.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed as follows are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.

Knowledge of natural and cultural history with ability to identify native and non-native plants and animals.

Knowledge of general outdoor recreation skills such as camping, canoeing, backpacking, orienteering, archery, hunting, fishing.

Knowledge of fisheries, wildlife, forestry, agronomy, grassland, and aquatic ecosystem management.

Familiarity with and ability to interpret conservation laws, principles, and practices.

Ability to routinely work at remote/satellite workstations.

Ability to organize assigned work and develop efficient strategies to accomplish said work.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, the public, special interest/civic groups, and individuals from other government agencies.

Ability to work a non-standard workweek, including nights and weekends to accomplish the objectives of the position.

Ability to maintain accurate safety, work, and equipment maintenance records.

Ability to operate equipment owned by Cerro Gordo County Conservation to assist with agency objectives and to achieve specific work goals.

Ability to operate agency computer network system and demonstrate or become proficient with computer programs utilized by the county.

Ability to continue professional training to remain knowledgeable of current issues, trends, and environmental education techniques.

Ability to organize, create and effectively present formal, informal, visual, audio-visual, oral, written and all combinations thereof of specific goal-oriented environmental education materials.

The requirements and duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resource interpretation, natural resource biology, wildlife management, or a closely related subject and a minimum of one year practical work experience in the above or a closely related natural resource field preferred.

Knowledge of the tools and equipment required to perform the job.

Language Skills:

The ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the public.

Ability to interact with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.

Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagram form.

Ability to apply common sense to solve problems or achieve work objectives.

Ability to recognize work situations that require special attention.

Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Possess or achieve American Canoe Association, “moving water canoe course” training.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to stand, walk, sit, operate hand tools, kneel, stoop, balance and climb ladders and equipment. These activities may be required for 2 or more hours at a time during an 8-10 hour work day.

The employee must occasionally lift 50-pound objects 40 inches high and carry 15 yards.

The specific vision abilities required for this job include; close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job the employee will work around moving parts/equipment. The employee will work outdoors in extreme hot, cold, rainy, snowy and windy weather conditions and be exposed to dust, fumes and loud noises.

Comments:

Must be insurable for driving under county insurance company policies.

Applicant will be subject to post offer, pre-employment drug and physical testing.

Cerro Gordo County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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  • Seniority level

    Entry level
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Other
  • Industries

    Internet Publishing

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