Assistant Naturalist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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* This is a seasonal position working full-time hours for a duration of four-months within Conservation EDUCATION. Weekend hours may be required. The pay rate is $17.25/hour; this position is not benefits eligible. *

** Applicants for this position are required to submit a resume and encouraged to submit a cover letter to provide additional information about their qualifications and interest in the position. **

The Johnson County Conservation Department strives to provide countyresidents access to the highest quality healthy natural areas, outdoor recreation opportunities and conservation education. These services are provided at more than 18 sites throughout Johnson County including natural areas, parks, preserves, and trails. The Conservation Department headquarters are located at the 1,062 acre F.W. Kent Park, with additional operations centers located at Cangleska Wakan, Pechman Creek Delta, and Sutliff.

DEFINITION AND DUTIES:

Under general supervision of the Naturalist, assist in carrying out conservation/environmental education programming for the Johnson County Conservation Board. Provide programs and field trips for a variety of audiences; create and improve displays, write articles, provide public service announcements and write press releases. Duties will also include the maintenance of live animal displays and working with volunteers. Assist Conservation staff with work activities and special projects.

Knowledge of:

• Flora, fauna, and ecosystems, especially those in Iowa and on the land owned by Johnson County and managed by the Conservation Board
• Basic natural sciences and natural history
• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and punctuation skills.

Ability to:

• Learn, apply, and articulate departmental policies and procedures
• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fish & Game Officers, State Fisheries & Wildlife Biologists, area educators, and members of the public
• Communicate and work well with persons of various age groups representing diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing biases
• Organize, publicize, and maximize public participation in events furthering conservation education
• Work in all types of weather conditions
• Collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports
• Use a computer for purposes of data entry and word processing
• Operate common office equipment such as typewriters, calculators, fax machines, scanners, photocopiers, and telephones
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions
• Handle low to moderate levels of stress and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communication
• Stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, twist, reach, and crawl
• Have sufficient vision which permits keen observation as well as production and review of materials in electronic and hardcopy form
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make legible handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various county areas
• Occasionally work weekends and night hours

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Enrollment in a post-secondary biology, natural history, outdoor recreation, animal ecology, forestry or related curriculum; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Natural history related work experience preferred.

Special requirements: Valid driver's license and insurable under county liability coverage. Must pass background check.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Conduct public programs and organize field trips for a variety of audiences to explain and interpret the prairie, woodlands, wetlands, and other sub habitants of the Conservation Board's holdings.
• Create and improve displays, including live animal displays, in the Conservation Education Center.
• Make public service announcements, write press releases and articles for the quarterly newsletter presenting upcoming/reviewing past programs including information about other department activities.
• Answer questions relating to the program, facilities, flora, fauna and other natural resources of the areas.
• Promote safety for area visitors and administer first aid in case of minor injury.
• Keep informed on matters relating to Conservation Board policy and the Director's administrative directives.
• Assist Conservation staff and volunteers with work activities and special projects such as the annual catfish raising project and the bluebird nesting program.
• Work with and provide back-up for the Naturalist.
• Attend work-related meetings and training sessions as requested.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with JCCB policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Attend work regularly at the designated place and time.

Supplemental Description

Johnson County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer. For assistance please contact: Human Resources at humanresources@johnsoncountyiowa.govor 319-356-6003.

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