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Summary:

Under the direction of the Manager of Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center, Superintendent of Recreation and the Executive Director, the Naturalist is responsible for camp programs, field trips, scout programming, adult naturalist programs, special events and exhibits. A strong background in curricula writing is a plus. The Naturalist will also help manage the physical properties of the Interpretive Center including maintenance, operations, improvements, and security. Facilities include the 1869 historic Peck House containing the Nature and History Rooms, the Butterfly House, Orientation Barn, Observation Silo, Picnic Areas, the Amphitheater, and the Nature Playground.

Supervisor:

The Naturalist reports to the Manager of Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center, Superintendent of Recreation and the Executive Director.

Hours:
This part-time position requires 20 hours per week average. May fluctuate with season, program and/or office needs. Due to the nature of the work, evening, weekend and holiday hours are frequently required. 

Essential Functions: 
Duties and Responsibilities:
1.    Plan, organize, facilitate and present educational programs and special events at Peck Farm Park with an emphasis in cultural and natural history, environmental education, and recreation for individuals and groups of all ages, including school, scout, and birthday party groups, families, preschoolers, summer camps, and adults.
2.    Create a warm and welcoming environment for volunteers.  Assist with recruiting, training and supervising volunteers.

3.    Assist the Camp Director during camp season. Plan, organize and facilitate all details regarding camp. 

4.    Plan, organize, facilitate and present educational programs and special events at Peck Farm Park with an emphasis in cultural and natural history, environmental education, and recreation for individuals and groups of all ages, including school, scout, and birthday party groups, families, preschoolers, summer camps, and adults. Facilitate acquiring the needed supplies to keep the playground fully stocked. 

5.    Answer phones; respond to inquiries for information, and general office duties as required. Greet public as needed in the Peck house or on park grounds.

6.    Interpret the historical/cultural history, natural history, and recreational resources of Peck Farm Park to all visitors.

7.    Assist with and maintain the seasonal Butterfly Exhibit at Peck Farm Park. 

8.    Create and maintain displays, collections, exhibits and interpretative signs for the Nature Discovery & History Room, formal garden areas, and natural areas.

9.    Assist with natural areas maintenance as needed, including assisting with seasonal prescribed burns, invasive species removal, seed collection, plantings, etc.

10.    General maintenance of the Peck House, buildings, and grounds.

Communications:
1.    Inform the Manager of Peck Farm and Program Coordinator of all pertinent matters and work schedule.

2.    Communicate all necessary information to main office staff.

Safety Program:
1.    Responsible for knowing the Park District’s safety procedures and requirements. This includes completion and follow-through on all accident reports, emergency safety procedures, reporting of hazardous equipment, facilities or conditions, and the conduct of any employee under their supervision. Report all incidents and potential hazards to the safety committee as soon as possible.

Physical Requirements:
1.    Handle Park District materials up to 50 pounds. Assistance will be provided when necessary.

2.    Capable of remaining outdoors for long periods of time during programs or garden/natural areas work in the heat of summer and cold of winter.

Cognitive Considerations:
1.    Resolve differences and problems that arise with patrons and work together with employees.

2.    The Naturalist must exhibit good problem-solving ability and good judgment in keeping with the mission of the Park District.
 

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in environmental education is preferred. Outdoor Recreation, Biological Sciences, Interpretation or Recreation. 1-3 years’ experience leading natural history, interpretive and environmental education programs. Experience working in park settings and planning and facilitating non-formal education programs. Familiarity with the principles and techniques of interpretation and with environmental education curricula.