Two Naturalist Positions

Harris County (Texas) Precinct 4 is looking to hire a Naturalist I & Naturalist II to work for the Parks Department. The specific locations are Kleb Woods Nature Center & Preserve, and John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center.

Naturalist I:

Position Description

This specific position will work with team leaders including other staff, volunteers, and organizations to create a vibrant array of nature interpretation and outdoor educational programs. Working with Precinct 4, candidates must possess a “can do attitude,” excellent communication skills and the ability to interact well with the public. In carrying out daily work assignments, supervision may be exercised over various work crews, volunteers, staff, visitors, and the public, both young and old. Program development will include creating and leading a wide variety of outdoor recreational and environmental education programs combined to bring awareness and appreciation of the natural resources found in our parks and trails in Precinct 4. Applicant should be self-motivated, willing to work outdoors, and not be afraid to get their hands dirty, yet able to conduct a variety of activities thru out the day.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help develop and lead a variety of outdoor recreation and interpretive environmental education programs.

• Adapts to a variety of situations, personalities, and available resources.

• Maintain and perform routine cleaning of animal ambassador enclosures.

• Alert to public safety and work hazards.

• Answers correspondence and questions from the public related to programs and facilities.

• Collect, organize, and maintain records of attendance, successes and failures in the program schedule and file reports.

• Help develop yearly budgets and supplies for program, tours, and equipment.

• Conduct advance planning of work itineraries, staff schedules, transportation, logistics and equipment needs.

• Develop promotional materials and publicity articles/submittals.

• Enforce Park rules/regulations and policies where applicable.

• Interact directly with other departments, staff, interns, volunteers, and other organizations within job duties.

• Maintain quality and appearance of all equipment, both for public use including canoes, kayaks, pontoon boat, bicycles, trailers, vehicles etc. as acquired for program.

• Perform routine equipment maintenance and assists with special projects as needed. Maintains accurate logs of equipment.

• Helps plan and execute special events and festivals at various Precinct 4 parks held throughout the year.

• Work varying shifts including weekends and evenings.

• Maintains pertinent professional certifications, including NAI, boater’s education, CPR/AED/First Aid, angler education, etc.

• Writes informational articles for park publications and newspapers.

• Knowledge of GPS units and geocaching is a plus.

Naturalist II:

Position Description

This specific position will work with other staff, volunteers, and organizations to create a vibrant array of nature interpretation and outdoor educational programs in Precinct 4 parks. Working with Precinct 4, candidates must possess a “can do attitude,” excellent communication skills, and the ability to interact well with the public.

In carrying out daily work assignments, supervision may be exercised over various work crews, volunteers, staff, visitors, and the public, both young and old. Program development will include creating and leading a wide variety of outdoor recreational and environmental education programs combined to bring awareness and appreciation of the natural resources found in our parks and trails in Precinct 4. The ideal candidate would consider connecting the public to the outdoors as a professional and personal priority in daily operations. Applicant should be self-motivated, expect to work outdoors, yet use technology in applicable circumstances, and not be afraid to get their hands dirty.

This candidate will understand their unique role in facilitating the connection between the resource and the public. Typically, no two days are the same and the candidate should be flexible and able to prioritize program needs. Knowledge of interpretation and its principles where it pertains to environmental education is required to be considered for this position. Incumbent may be asked to present/submit a sample program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead a variety of outdoor recreation and interpretive environmental education programs directly related to the department’s mission statement. Some examples include leading nature walks & talks, night hikes, aquatic education sessions, and birding walks.

• Write structured program outlines and plans that focus on local ecosystems, flora & fauna, and watersheds that includes using illustrative materials.

• Build relationships with partner organizations.

• Alert to public safety and work hazards.

• Answer correspondence and questions from the public related to programs and facilities.

• Collect, organize, and maintain records of attendance, successes and failures in the program schedule and file reports.

• Help develop yearly budgets and supplies for program, tours, and equipment.

• Conduct advance planning of work itineraries, staff schedules, transportation, logistics and equipment needs.

• Develop promotional materials and publicity articles/submittals.

• Enforce Park rules/regulations and policies where applicable.

• Interact directly with other departments, staff, interns, volunteers, and other organizations within job duties.

• Maintain quality and appearance of all equipment, both for public use including canoes, kayaks, pontoon boat, bicycles, trailers, vehicles etc. as acquired for program.

• Perform routine equipment maintenance and assist with special projects as needed. Maintains accurate logs of equipment.

• Plan and helps execute special events and festivals at various Precinct 4 parks held throughout the year.

• Work varying shifts including weekends and evenings.

• Maintain pertinent professional certifications, including NAI, boater’s education, CPR/AED/First Aid, angler education, etc.

• Write informational articles for park publications and newspapers.

• Knowledge of GPS units and geocaching is a plus.

For more information and to apply, go to

Naturalist I: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx/jobs/3947983/naturalist-i

Naturalist II: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx/jobs/3948509/naturalist-ii