Naturalist/Resource Interpreter

Job Description:

Naturalist/Resource Interpreter

Description

We respect and embrace the experiences, knowledge and contributions of our team members. We strive for a culture of belonging and balance by upholding our values : Stewardship, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Innovation. We are passionate about Missouri, our role to preserve, protect and enhance our environment and we are committed to serving its’ citizens. We believe our mission and vision serves a greater purpose and will be felt for generations to come.

This position will be located at Roaring River State Park, 12716 FR2239, Cassville, MO 65625. The home office will be the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center, with programs occasionally scheduled at Big Sugar Creek State Park. The interpreter will work weekends and holidays and can expect regular off days to be Tuesday and Wednesday. Must be available to participate in meetings, workshops and seminars requiring overnight stays.

Established in 1928, Roaring River State Park has endless opportunities for interpretive programming. From trout fishing to the Civilian Conservation Corp, from our youngest visitors to seasoned anglers, you’ll have the opportunity to help our visitors explore many areas. At the heart of our interpretive program is the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center, recent upgrades to the facility enhanced the exhibit area, with more improvements to the facility planned in the near future. If you love the outdoors and educating visitors on a wide variety of topics this job is for you!

• Manage the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center.
• Research, create, promote, and present interpretive programs.
• Create interpretive programs appeal to a wide variety of audiences.
• Work with community partners to plan education opportunities at fairs, libraries, and other special events,
• Microsoft Office, record keeping, and social media management.
• Willingness to care for live animals including snakes and fish.
• Train and coach entry level and seasonal interpreters.
• Maintain records of visitor use and interpreter contacts.
• Maintain natural resource visual aids and cultural artifacts.
• Conduct and oversee trail maintenance.
• Assist with stewardship work including invasive/exotic species removal/treatment, fire line construction, prescribed burns, etc.

• This position may be required to obtain and maintain the following certifications: Certified Interpretive Guide, MDC Level 1 Fire Training for prescribed burns, and First Aid/CPR/AED. If required and if you do not currently possess these certifications, you will be given six months to obtain them. Must maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license.

AND

To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following skills:

• Interpretation (Resources) : Ability to coordinate, manage and direct interpretive or educational programing related to natural or cultural resources in a way that conveys significance to visitors; connecting them to personal relevance, shared learning, meeting specific learning objectives (i.e. educator or community needs), informing public about compliance and safety, supporting management of natural or cultural resources representative of national heritage, and enhancing mutual understanding for individual and social benefit.
• Ecology : Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the interrelationships among organisms and their environment, including competition and predation, evolution and natural selection, population dynamics, and the impact of natural phenomena or human actions on natural systems, processes, and biota.
• Stewardship (Resources) : Basic knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of natural and cultural features along with special ecological stewardship requirements; capable of gaining experience in performing stewardship tasks required for strenuous outdoor work; ability to appear before the public, makes clear and convincing oral presentations; give out general information, conduct interpretive educational programs and conduct tours about natural and cultural history in an effective way; assist in supervising, recruiting, training and evaluating seasonal and volunteer staff.
• Planning and Evaluating : Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
• Physical Strength and Agility : Ability to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods of time; ability to perform moderately heavy laboring work.
• Administration and Management : Knowledge of planning, coordination, and execution of business functions, resource allocation, and production.
• Fire Management : Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of fire management, including the characteristics, behavior, and ecology of fire; methodologies, strategies, and equipment used in prescribed fires; fire detection, prevention, and suppression strategies; and integration of fire with natural resource management.
• Customer Service:(**) : Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement.

Equivalent to those typically gained by:

• Bachelor’s degree in Park Management, Parks and Recreation, History, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Business of Public Administration or related field (Experience in parks and recreation, park or historic site operation/maintenance, cultural resource preservation, natural resource management, natural resource promotion/education, interpretation, marketing, business management, environmental education, engineering, or a closely related area may substitute for required education).

(Additional education or experience may substitute for the required education or experience)

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Benefits & Work-life Balance

Our benefits package and flexible 40-hour work week promotes the mental and physical health of you and your family as you work towards achieving your professional goals. Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, paid life insurance, medical, dental, vision and prescription insurance. Learn more here .

How we invest in you:

• Exceptional professional development: mentoring from experienced professionals, cross-media training, career advancement opportunities, paid trainings and continuing education tuition assistance.
• Support for professional registrations when required, through paid study materials, fees, study time, test time, exam fees and licensure renewal fees.

Mike Busekrus, Roaring River State Park Superintendent, 417-671-6101 or Michael. Busekrus@dnr.mo.gov

Or

Sally Namassy, Recruiter at dnr.recruiter@dnr.mo.gov

Salary:

$43,723-$44,029 per Year