Interpretive Naturalist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Develop and present education programming for schools and youth groups, K-12.
2.Develop and present public recreational, historical, and natural history programs.
3.Develop first-person historical characters appropriate for natural and cultural history-based programs, especially character portrayal for the Great Lakes Fur Trade era – at Isle a la Cache Museum only.
4.Under direction of Facility Supervisor, plan, budget, and develop Facility-Based Events or other District-wide events.
5.Create, plan and develop facility exhibits including concept, basic design, text writing, images, and fabrication and ability to work with professional designers/fabricators.
6.Participate in community outreach events.
7.Staff visitor facility on weekends, weekdays, and evenings as required and provide on the floor interpretation and programming.
8.Responsible for facilities, equipment, inventory, cash operations, and visitor safety.
9.Perform basic informational services for visitors.
10.Issue permits and other transaction services provided at the facilities for visitors/customers.
11.Provide exceptional service to all visitors and participants regardless of age, culture, or ability level.
12.Serve on work groups to develop departmental or District-wide projects.

Minimum requirements include:
▪Bachelor’s Degree or higher in outdoor education, education, interpretation, biological sciences or related field.
▪Two years’ experience at an interpretive visitor facility, living history museum, or historic site.
▪Two years’ experience developing first-person historical programs (Isle a la Cache Museum only).
▪Working knowledge of education and interpretive teaching methods.
▪Highly motivated, positive, and energetic.
▪Ability to work well in a team setting, and demonstrate follow-through, good judgement, and decision making, especially while serving the public.
▪Ability to communicate in a friendly, respectful, and professional manner with the public both orally and written.
▪Experience with operating and maintaining a POS system/cash register.
▪Comfortable handling live animals on occasion such as turtles or snakes.
▪Must possess and maintain a current and valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Application Procedure: Send a cover letter and resume to:
Veronica Frausto-Sarwark, Director of Human Resources
Forest Preserve District of Will County
17540 W. Laraway Road
Joliet, Illinois 60433
815.722.5669 (desk)
815.722.3608 (fax)
humanresources@fpdwc.org