Naturalist 2

1. Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.
2. Proposes, plans, develops and implements innovative educational programs emphasizing the natural, historical and cultural aspects of Cleveland Metroparks in support of the mission of conservation, education and outdoor recreation. Programs may be held at assigned reservations and off-site locations, and may include but are not limited to: community groups; special interest groups; general public programs; school groups; special events; roving interpretation; and other programs in support of Outdoor Experiences and other divisions within the park district.
3. Communicates natural and cultural history, environmental and park-related information to the communities we serve, co-workers, peers and volunteers through personal contact, telephone, Internet, park publications, social media, other written information and the media by utilizing the individual’s strengths/talents in, but not limited to: Audio/visual and multi-media programs; original artwork and photographs; storytelling, puppetry, drama or music; social media communication/writing; games and activities; handouts and articles; interpretive lectures; outdoor recreation.
4. Coordinates and manages at least two of the following nature center operations: 1)Volunteer program- recruits, interviews, trains, supervises and evaluates volunteers, organizes and maintains volunteer records, prepares and submits reports to Center Manager; 2) Seasonal/variable naturalist staff – recruits, interviews, trains, supervises and evaluates seasonal/variable naturalists; 3) Summer camp program –with work OE summer camp coordinator and OE Director to coordinate offerings, curriculum, supplies and staffing, train staff, evaluates programs
5. Serves as manager on duty in the absence of the Center Manager. Responsible for staff supervision and the safety and security of guests, staff and the building when providing coverage.
6. Researches, writes, develops and reviews written interpretive materials, newsletter articles, signage, interpretive plans, social media and other assigned writings or projects. Maintains and submits natural history reports and nature center records
7. Creates, coordinates and participates in environmental research and special projects specific to each nature center/reservation that utilize an individual’s strengths/talents. Organizes observations, prepares reports and communicates findings effectively to the Center Manager.  Examples of special projects and research include ecosystem restoration, biomonitoring, bluebird trails, and butterfly monitoring.
8. Conducts and/or coordinates field training for nature center staff.
9. Serves on committees and attends meetings representing the nature center, i.e. education committees, partner organization meetings, Cleveland Metroparks internal meetings, etc.
10. Travels to various locations; including remote locations, throughout the park district to conduct programs.
11. Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.
12. Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.
13. Updates and enhances own knowledge by involvement in continuing education for professional growth (i.e., attends relevant conferences, seminars, in-service trainings, and certification programs)
14. Actively participates in long- and short-term program planning. Communicates to assure initiatives are compatible with divisional goals and Park District mission.  Participates in District-wide planning, as directed.
15. Maintain a safe, clean work environment for one’s self, co-workers and the public. Responds to hazardous situations and emergencies by taking corrective actions as capable and promptly notifying appropriate individuals and supervisory personnel.
16. Performs daily operational duties including, but not limited to, opening and closing building(s) and recording walk-in and program attendance.
17. Inspects and performs light maintenance of nature center, surrounding areas and trails. Examples of such maintenance include, but are not limited to, picking up litter, window washing and replacing paper products in restrooms.
18. Handles the opening and closing of the facilities: Unlocks and locks doors; turns off/on alarm; turns on lights in building and animal cages and turn off at end of the day; performs general housekeeping duties as needed including maintaining bathrooms, cleaning kids’ area, running dishwasher, and trash pickup.
19. Assists with building rentals as needed: sets up and tears down tables, chairs, and any necessary AV equipment.
20. Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in interpretation, natural resources, wildlife management, ecology, field biology, environmental education, environmental studies, natural/cultural history, or a related field required. Minimum three years of experience as a full-time naturalist or equivalent interpretation or outdoor education experience required; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license under the laws of the State of Ohio. CIG (Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association of Interpretation) required or must be obtained during first 12 months of employment.
• Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the region and excellent interpretive ability.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating special events.
• Enjoys interacting with and serving the public.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and effectively manage a diversity of program services.
• Demonstrated ability to convey and instill a solid philosophy of outdoor education and recreation to employees and park visitors.
• Demonstrated clear understanding of the relationship between people and the environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
• Demonstrated ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Management skills and strong business acumen, including problem solving, vision, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office programs.
• Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.

Salary: $49,219 - $61,524 annually (Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be reviewed/considered before making a final offer)

Work Schedule:  Ability to work a flexible schedule (evenings, weekends, and holidays); Ability to drive 38-foot RV coach (training will be provided)

Filing Deadline:  Open until filled

To Apply:  Please visit our career site at www.clevelandmetroparks.com or copy and paste the following link into your web browser:

https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?c=1151751&d=ExternalCareerSite&r=5001000208506&_fromPublish=true#/