Park Naturalist

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Duties and responsibilities
• Develop curriculum and carry out environmental education programs for presentation at the nature center and other locations within Zionsville and the surrounding region, including parks, schools, libraries and community facilities.
• Provide exceptional customer service to nature center guests and the public; articulate the Zionsville Parks and Recreation’s mission, and project a helpful and positive attitude.
• Daily care and handling of educational program animals.
• Assist with Zionsville Parks and Recreation special events as needed.
• Design, fabricate, and set up educational exhibits, primarily at the nature center.
• Prepare publication materials and provide creative input for use in flyers, newsletters, websites, interpretive signage, and other media.
• Coordinate and direct volunteers in the operation of the nature center and for the provision of public programs and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
• Demonstrated knowledge of natural and cultural history of Central Indiana, and in interpretive techniques on those subjects.
• Ability to communicate effectively and enthusiastically, verbally and in writing, to youth and adults.
• Experience working with summer camps preferred.
• Capability in exhibit design and construction, audio-visual equipment uses, and computer system for graphic layout and record keeping
• The work requires a valid driver’s license, plus the physical ability to work outdoors in a variety of natural terrains and weather conditions.
• Education qualification is a BS in Environmental Education or related field such as Natural Resources, with one (1) year experience in educational program curriculum development.
• Certification as Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) will be required within (1) year of employment. Additional NAI certification as a Heritage Interpreter or Interpretative Planner is not required but would be considered.
• OSHA 10 Certification with one year of hire, updated every 5 years

Environmental Conditions and Safety Concerns
Incumbent performs a majority of duties outdoors and in a vehicle, and is frequently exposed to, normal hazards associated with maintaining rights-of-way, such as machinery, traffic, noise, grease, dirt, dust, vehicle fumes, blood borne pathogens and other infectious materials, extreme temperatures and inclement weather. Safety precautions must be followed at all times to avoid injury to self and others.

Working conditions
• The position’s normal work schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional Monday and evening hours as assigned.
• This position requires the ability to work outdoors in a variety of natural terrains and weather conditions.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme heat or cold, snow, sleet, ice, wind.
Physical requirements
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk, sit, talk, hear, finger dexterity, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms and bend over. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.