JOB SUMMARY

The Park Naturalist assists with development and presents high quality environmental education, natural history, outdoor recreation, and interpretive programs for private groups and for the general public. This position also provides professional input related to the mission/vision of the Environmental Education Team.

• Presents high quality, hands-on environmental education, natural history, outdoor recreation, and interpretive programs.
• Assists other staff with program development and preparation.
• Negotiates rough terrain in any of the County Parks.
• Develops and constructs displays, brochures, lesson plans, and exhibits.
• Works with volunteers and interns.
• Observes wildlife and flora and fauna within the Park System and documents the same for program information and resource management and protection.
• Provides professional input related to the mission/vision of the Environmental Education Team.
• Creates and implements marketing/networking strategies and opportunities.
• Promotes patron and employee safety at all times.

• Drives a 15-passenger van.
• Paddles/carries a canoe or kayak.
• Constructs and maintains bird houses.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Parks and Recreation or a related field and a minimum of one year of paid, experience in the field, or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job.

• Thorough knowledge of the fields of biology, botany, zoology, environmental science, outdoor recreation, natural history and/or other related fields.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and objectives of environmental education.
• Ability to exercise discipline and initiative in planning, organizing, and implementing assigned work.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, and to speak before large groups.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn and utilize emerging technologies to enhance medial presentations and to advance professional productivity and support instruction.
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work as part of a team.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening.
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
• FBI Background Check.
• Adult & Child AED/CPR Certification (Must obtain within 3 months of employment).
• Community First Aid Certification (Must obtain within 3 months of employment).
• Valid PA driver’s license with acceptable driving history in accordance with County policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Visual definition to be able to identify objects at a distance.
• Physical ability to negotiate rough terrain and paddle/carry a canoe or kayak.
• Manual dexterity to utilize general office equipment and audio-visual equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds overhead.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds to waist height.
• Ability to speak clearly and loudly enough to be understood by large groups.
• Ability to hear questions at a conversational tone.
• Ability to stand/walk for up to 3 hours continuously.
• This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B as the incumbent has a “duty to respond” and render first aid.