Beach Naturalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, State Parks and Public Outreach Division, has an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Protection Interpretive Naturalist at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison!
The Meigs Point Nature Center Interpretive Naturalist at Hammonasset Beach State Park provides year-round educational programming and operational tasks while meeting public service demands. Hammonasset is Connecticut's most visited state park, hosting over 3 million visitors annually, and the Nature Center serves as a core public education facility for the Department with approximately 50K program participants annually. This position is responsible for independently performing a full range of tasks related to developing, implementing, and presenting environmental, natural science, and interpretive education programs based on Connecticut's history and natural history, especially centered around Long Island Sound. Facilities management is also a function of this position.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
• This position is full-time, following a first shift schedule, 35 hours per week, and requires weekend duty for the active recreation season generally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, including holidays.
• This position will ensure adequate staffing, training, and management of seasonal staff and volunteers.
• This position is responsible for the programmatic and operational needs of a coastal nature center, including offsite programming.
• This position will assist with statewide historical interpretation and environmental education training and support within the Park system.
ABOUT US
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the state of Connecticut as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut's economy and creating jobs - and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.
The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation consists of the Divisions of Boating, State Parks & Public Outreach, and State Environmental Conservation Police. Together they administer the state's outdoor recreation programs and provide for the enforcement of fish and game regulations and boating laws.
Connecticut's system of state parks and forests, state boat launches, and waterways, provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike. These range from camping and fishing to hiking, boating, and picnicking. The Bureaus of Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources lead the agency's outdoor recreation efforts by acquiring and managing lands with an eye toward providing public use that is compatible with long term protection of natural resources.
Selection Plan
In order to be considered for this job opening you must be a current State of CT employee of the agency listed above for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates-such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
• For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."
• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
• This employer may participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I9 information to confirm work authorization.

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Rachel Allsop at rachel.allsop@ct.gov.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in assisting in the development, implementation and presentation of a variety of environmental, natural science and interpretive education programs and services.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• At an environmental education or interpretive center, assists in the development of and plans and implements environmental, natural science and interpretive education programs and services, including school programs, adult and continuing education, teacher in-service workshops, field trips, tours, lecture/slide presentations and special events;
• Assists in the design, preparation and maintenance of displays and exhibits;
• Prepares educational materials, brochures, pamphlets and audio-visual materials;
• Researches, collects, documents, prepares, catalogs and maintains specimens for exhibits and collections;
• Assists in the daily operation and maintenance of facilities and equipment;
• Prepares letters, reports and other material;
• Acts as liaison to local, state and federal conservation agencies and other organizations;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of the bio-physical environment;
• Knowledge of
  • the principles of botany, ecology, evolution, natural resource conservation, zoology, geology and paleontology;
  • educational and interpretive techniques;
  • environmental problems, issues and solutions;
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to
  • plan, design, develop and implement environmental and interpretive programs, related materials, displays and exhibits;
  • identify and discuss the ecology and natural history of local flora and fauna;
  • utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Five (5) years of experience in the field of environmental science, natural resources or environmental, interpretative or science education.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in the development and implementation of environmental science or interpretive programs and related exhibits, displays and educational material.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• College training in biological science, geology, paleontology, natural resources, environmental education or science education (secondary school) may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree in the related fields indicated above may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.
• Successful completion of an Environmental Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience implementing knowledge of Connecticut's natural world and conservation into developmentally appropriate, interactive and educational programs, displays, brochures, and digital and printed materials
• Experience managing nature center operations, including facility maintenance, geothermal systems, and the technical equipment required for captive animal aquaria
• Experience leading seasonal staff and coordinating volunteers, including interviewing, training, scheduling shifts, and daily assignments
• Experience implementing local, state, and federal laws on animal captivity in a nature center, including providing proper nutritional, medical care, housing standards and associated record-keeping
• Experience in developing and implementing environmental education programs and interpretive history that align to educational standards of both formal and nonformal education
• Experience utilizing interpersonal and communication skills to create and deliver educational programs and interpretive materials that connect natural and cultural history with lifelong learners.

Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.